On the other side, the head of Sudan’s paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, declared the formation of a new competing government. This action exacerbates the worsening plight of humanitarians and civilians in Sudan. This declaration comes at the heels of two years of deepening crisis and violence. It has since become the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe, taking over 150,000 lives and forcing more than 12 million people from their homes.
On March 23, Hemedti made his engagement telegram on his official channel. This arrival coincided with ongoing brutal clashes between the RSF and Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The power struggle between the two men broke into open warfare on April 15, 2023. The war has only compounded Sudanese hardship since then, with famine allegations emerging. Hemedti repeatedly asserted that the RSF intends to construct a “state of law.” Ultimately, they hope to produce a system that rewards the public benefit more than self-serving behavior.
“We do not seek domination, but unity. We believe that no tribe, region, or religion holds a monopoly over Sudanese identity.” – Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo
The RSF’s actions since then have been accompanied by allegations of war crimes, including genocide and mass sexual violence. According to recent reports from the United Nations, this has taken a heartbreaking toll. More than 400 people have been killed in violence attributed to the RSF. Hemedti’s brutal rule has been widely condemned by the international community amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Civilians have suffered the brunt of the recent wave of violence. On the outskirts of North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, tens of thousands of refugees have recently sought shelter from fighting after fleeing the Zamzam refugee camp. They had to walk 70 kilometers (43 miles) on foot to reach safety in Tawila town. This displacement reminds us of the tragic costs that the continuing conflict is inflicting upon innocent lives.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has criticized the mounting violence during this free-for-all crisis. Finally, he is calling for “a pathway to peace.” He clearly articulated the world’s moral responsibility to help Sudan while it continues to bleed.
“Many have given up on Sudan – that is wrong – it’s morally wrong when we see so many civilians beheaded, infants as young as one subjected to sexual violence, more people facing famine than anywhere else in the world… We simply cannot look away.” – David Lammy
We still need to see the new UK government to lead in addressing the immediate requests of the Sudanese people. They committed to another £120 million ($159 million) in food and health support. This humanitarian aid will go toward addressing the acute needs of those who are hungry, displaced and terrorized by the continuing war.
With Hemedti firmly defending his power with international backlash, Sudan stands at a dangerous crossroads. The international community is watching with alarm as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Like us all, they look forward to a peaceful resolution that will bring national calm to a country in chaos.
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