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.
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