Sudan’s Silent Crisis: A Journalist’s Return and the World’s Inaction

Mohamed Suleiman, a Sudanese journalist and academic, recently experienced a reconnection to the world after three years of near-total communication blackout. His story, emerging from the conflict in Sudan, highlights not only the personal toll of the civil war but also the broader failure of international response. Reaching Port Sudan in January after a harrowing journey through Chad, Suleiman found himself grappling with the aftermath of a conflict that has left a nation fragmented and its people scattered.

The Weight of Silence and Loss

For most of Sudan’s civil war, which began following a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, Suleiman was trapped in el-Fasher, largely cut off from the outside world. The silence, he describes, was “suffocating,” witnessing “systematic killings through drone strikes and bombs.” When his phone finally reactivated, it flooded with three years of accumulated messages – a painful inventory of loss, including news of deceased colleagues and friends fearing for his life.

Bureaucratic Hurdles After Escape

Even reaching safety wasn’t the end of Suleiman’s ordeal. He faced a frustrating battle with bureaucracy to reclaim his identification documents, a process that underscored the challenges faced by those displaced by the conflict. He recounts being asked to bring his mother and witnesses to prove his identity, questioning what happens to those who have lost everything and everyone in the war.

A Humanitarian Crisis Largely Unaddressed

Suleiman’s experience reflects a wider humanitarian catastrophe. The UN’s $2.87 billion needs assessment for 2026 is only 16.2% funded, hindering efforts to provide basic necessities to a population ravaged by fighting and siege. The conflict has created a dire situation, with reports indicating nearly 700 civilians have been killed in drone strikes since the war began.

Failed Peace Initiatives and Regional Tensions

Attempts to broker peace have stalled. A peace plan proposed in September by the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt has yielded no results. US envoy Massad Boulos is currently focused on securing at least a humanitarian ceasefire. Meanwhile, tensions are escalating regionally, with Sudan’s Sovereign Council threatening Chad, accusing it of supporting the RSF. This raises concerns about a potential expansion of the conflict.

The Importance of Witnessing and Remembering

Despite the despair, Suleiman finds purpose in documenting the events unfolding in Sudan. He believes We see crucial to preserve the memory of the atrocities committed, ensuring that future generations learn from the past and strive for a more dignified future. “There are events that happened that no-one is left to narrate,” he says, emphasizing the responsibility to tell the truth.

The Future of Sudan: Potential Trends

Increased Regional Instability

The deteriorating relationship between Sudan and Chad, coupled with accusations involving South Sudan, suggests a growing risk of regional destabilization. Further escalation could draw in other neighboring countries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and hindering peace efforts.

Prolonged Humanitarian Crisis

Without a significant increase in international funding and a successful ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Sudan is likely to worsen. Limited access for aid organizations, coupled with bureaucratic obstacles, will continue to impede the delivery of essential supplies.

Rise of Non-State Actors

As the conflict drags on, the influence of non-state actors, including militias and armed groups, may increase. This could further fragment the country and complicate efforts to establish a stable government.

Continued Displacement and Refugee Flows

The ongoing violence will likely lead to continued displacement of civilians, both within Sudan and across its borders. Neighboring countries, already struggling with their own challenges, will face increased pressure to accommodate refugees.

FAQ

Q: What caused the civil war in Sudan?
A: The war began following a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

Q: How much of the UN’s funding request for Sudan has been met?
A: As of April 2026, only 16.2% of the UN’s $2.87 billion needs assessment has been funded.

Q: What is the current status of peace talks?
A: A peace plan proposed by the US and regional countries has stalled, and current efforts are focused on securing a humanitarian ceasefire.

Q: What are the main challenges facing civilians in Sudan?
A: Civilians face systematic killings, sieges, lack of access to medicine and basic necessities, and displacement.

Did you know? The silence experienced by journalist Mohamed Suleiman for three years was described as almost as deadly as the violence itself.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the situation in Sudan by following reputable news sources like the BBC and FRANCE24.

Want to learn more about the ongoing conflicts around the world? Explore our coverage of global crises.

Ukraine’s Space Ambitions: A New Era of Military Technology?

Ukraine has quietly achieved a remarkable feat: successfully launching rockets into space during an active war. According to Fedir Venislavskyi, Chairman of the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has conducted two successful rocket launches reaching altitudes exceeding 100km and 204km respectively. This isn’t just a symbolic act; it signals a potential shift in Ukraine’s military capabilities and a burgeoning space program.

A First for Europe: Airborne Launch Capabilities

Beyond the orbital launches, Ukraine has also accomplished a first for the European continent – launching a rocket from a transport aircraft flying at approximately 8,000 meters. This “airborne launch” technique, previously demonstrated by the United States in the 1970s, offers significant advantages. Launching from altitude allows the rocket to bypass the densest and most energy-consuming layers of the atmosphere, increasing its effective range and overall flight efficiency. As Venislavskyi explained, “If it is launched from eight kilometers altitude, it performs its flight mission much more effectively.”

The “Gaisa Kosmodroms” Advantage

This airborne launch capability, dubbed a “gaisa kosmodroms” (air spaceport), is a key component of Ukraine’s evolving strategy. It provides flexibility and potentially avoids the need for traditional, fixed launch sites, which could be vulnerable to attack. The HUR’s success in this area is laying the groundwork for a dedicated Space Forces unit within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Hiperskaņas Raķetes and Military Applications

The launches aren’t purely experimental. Venislavskyi emphasized these were “combat missions” led by former HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov. He also revealed Ukraine possesses rockets capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away at hypersonic speeds. While specific military objectives weren’t disclosed, the implication is clear: these space launches are directly linked to Ukraine’s ability to neutralize enemy assets operating in space. This suggests a focus on counterspace capabilities, potentially including disrupting enemy satellite communications or surveillance.

Building a Domestic Space Industry

Ukraine isn’t just relying on existing technology. Venislavskyi stated the country has the technical capacity to manufacture carrier rockets, upgrade existing designs, and produce various spacecraft and satellites. Ukraine is already in preliminary agreements with international partners to procure satellites, and possesses the capability to launch them into orbit. This positions Ukraine among a select group of less than ten countries with functioning space technologies.

Financing the Future

Despite the technical advancements, funding remains a significant hurdle. With the national budget heavily focused on security and defense due to the ongoing war, resources for large-scale scientific and industrial space programs are limited. Ukraine is hoping for increased collaboration and financial support from international partners to accelerate its space ambitions.

Strategic Implications and the Dual-Use Potential

The development of this dual-use platform – capable of both military strikes and satellite launches – is strategically significant. Ukraine’s ability to independently access space provides a critical advantage in modern warfare and opens up opportunities for commercial space activities. The successful launches demonstrate a resilience and innovation that defies expectations given the circumstances.

Did you know?

Launching a rocket from an aircraft at high altitude significantly reduces the amount of fuel needed to reach orbit, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

FAQ

• Has Ukraine launched satellites into orbit? While Ukraine has the capability to launch satellites, it is not confirmed whether they have done so yet. They have agreements with international partners for satellite procurement.
• What is the significance of the airborne launch technique? It offers increased efficiency, flexibility, and potentially avoids the vulnerability of fixed launch sites.
• Are these launches related to Ukraine’s defense against Russia? Yes, the launches are described as combat missions aimed at neutralizing enemy assets in space.
• What challenges does Ukraine face in developing its space program? The primary challenge is securing sufficient funding amidst the ongoing war.

Pro Tip: The development of hypersonic weapons and space launch capabilities highlights the increasing convergence of military and space technologies. This trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years.

Explore more about Ukraine’s defense innovations and the evolving landscape of modern warfare. Share your thoughts in the comments below!