The Guardian view on Sudan’s conflict: general v general v the people | Editorial

FFirst they turned to Omar al-Bashir, the strongman they served when the Sudanese people rose up against President Then, in a coup, he turned to the civilian politicians who later came to power. now they have turn to each other, Many feared that Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto leader and army chief, and Lieutenant General Mohammad Hamdan DagloThe Vice President who controls the paramilitary Rapid Support Force and is known as Hemedti, will hit soon, But explosion of violence Last weekend, its scale and the speed with which it spread across the country, including in Darfur and the eastern border region, was shocking and horrifying yet again.

Both men have a grim track record, with the RSF’s conduct in particular infamous, playing a major role in the brutal counterinsurgency campaign against the rebels in Darfur. The current conflict between them was triggered by plans to integrate of Hemedti RSF – to be brought into regular army, under controversial plans – as army’s counterweight to Mr Bashir return of the country to civilian rule After the 2021 coup. Both men appear in relation to their fight as a matter of survival, Hemedti said that General Burhan would “die like a dog” if not brought to justice. The army has declared Hemedti a ‘wanted criminal’.

Meanwhile, fearful families have sheltered at home as conflict rages around them, stranded without water or electricity and food supplies dwindling. More than 180 people have been killed and 1,800 injured, hospitals have come under attack, essential services have been cut and the World Food Program desperately needed aid is suspended After three of his employees were killed.

Reports of a possible 24-hour ceasefire on Tuesday raised hopes of relief. But there is little sign that either side is ready to give up violence. General Burhan has been supported by Egypt for a long time. Hemedti is backed by the United Arab Emirates and has links to Russia’s Wagner Group. Saudi Arabia has also taken keen interest. Should the violence continue, there is a very real danger that an increasing number of domestic and foreign actors will be sucked in, making it more difficult than ever to resolve. Beyond concerns for Sudan itself, there are fears that the fighting could spread to Chad, the Central African Republic and other parts of the region.

The end of the fight would be the first step. United and sustained international support is needed for a ceasefire. Under Donald Trump, America Effectively Outsourced Sudan Policy for regional players. Its re-engagement is overdue and welcome. Carefully targeted sanctions may play a role. The senior delegation that the African Union has promised could help smooth the way for the talks.

Once again, greedy and power-hungry men have crushed the needs and desires of the Sudanese people. The outbreak has left pro-democracy activists more focused than ever on their goals, shifting from politics to meeting the basic needs of their compatriots and refocusing efforts to end the violence.

Hemedti has portrayed himself as a defender of the 2019 revolution and some civilian leaders see him as a potential bulwark against the dictatorship under General Burhan. yet there are more people politically aware and organized More than ever, and for many at the grassroots, the past few days have confirmed that a system with a shallow political process two lordship Can’t even bring progress or stability. Even in these trying times, those who have fought valiantly and will not give up on their ambitions continue to be heard.