Title: The conflict in Sudan: an escalation towards a full-scale civil war
Introduction: For several months, Sudan has been in the grip of a violent conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Unfortunately, the situation continues to worsen and signs of a full-scale civil war are becoming more and more pressing. In this article, we will look at the latest developments in this conflict and the consequences it could have on the region.
The hasty departure of Volker Perthes: The UN special envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes, recently announced his resignation during a briefing to the Security Council. This decision comes as the two conflicting parties appear far from a decisive military victory. Volker Perthes also highlighted the possibility that the conflict could degenerate into a full-scale civil war, thus warning of the dramatic consequences of this development.
Pressure from those in power: The Sudanese government exerted strong pressure on Volker Perthes, even going so far as to declare him persona non grata last June. This attitude demonstrates the influence of the power in place on international actors and their attempt to hide the atrocities committed within the framework of this conflict.
Threats and blackmail: In a gesture of defiance, the Sudanese government threatened to demand the departure of the United Nations Mission in Sudan if Volker Perthes attended the Security Council meeting. Such threats are unacceptable and call into question the Council’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining peace and security.
The crimes committed and the humanitarian consequences: In his latest report, Volker Perthes highlights the indiscriminate violence committed by the Sudanese army, sexual violence and looting. These crimes must be punished and the belligerents must answer for their actions. The human toll is heavy, with more than 5,000 people killed since mid-April and five million displaced.
Conclusion: The conflict in Sudan is taking an alarming turn, threatening to plunge the country into full-scale civil war. The resignation of Volker Perthes highlights the difficulties encountered by international actors in resolving this conflict, due to pressure and blackmail exerted by those in power. It is crucial that the international community takes firm measures to put an end to this violence and protect the civilian population who are its first victims.