How international community can resolve the Sudan crisis

The conflict in Sudan, which is now in its 21st month, has plunged the country into one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. The devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has caused massive human suffering, forced millions to flee their homes and decimated the country’s economy and infrastructure. This crisis transcends national borders, threatening regional stability. This year must mark a turning point in global efforts to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The scale of destruction and displacement in Sudan is staggering. More than 11 million Sudanese have been internally displaced, making the country the epicenter of the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. An additional 3 million have fled to neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, overwhelming host nations that are already grappling with limited resources.

The situation within Sudan’s borders is no less dire. The healthcare system has nearly collapsed, with 70 percent to 80 percent of hospitals and clinics in conflict zones rendered nonoperational. Medical supplies are critically scarce, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare.

Food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels, with nearly 25 million Sudanese — half the population — facing acute hunger. The UN World Food Programme has warned of famine-like conditions in several regions. Agricultural production has plummeted due to the ongoing violence and rising food prices have made basic staples unaffordable for many.

The toll of this conflict on civilians is multifaceted, with no segment of the population spared from its devastating impacts

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The toll of this conflict on Sudanese civilians is multifaceted, with no segment of the population spared from its devastating impacts. Civilians face daily threats to their safety, ranging from aerial bombardments to ground attacks by rival forces. In addition to direct violence, reports of sexual and gender-based violence have escalated alarmingly. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, with many subjected to sexual violence during displacement or in overcrowded camps. These traumatic experiences leave lasting scars, both physical and psychological.

Children, often the most vulnerable in times of conflict, are disproportionately affected. Millions are out of school, robbing them of education and exposing them to risks such as recruitment into armed groups or exploitation as child laborers. The lack of access to education has long-term implications for the country’s future, depriving an entire generation of the skills and opportunities necessary for rebuilding postconflict Sudan.

Resolving the crisis in Sudan requires a unified, multifaceted response from the global community. The failure to act decisively risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa and prolonging the suffering of millions. The following measures are imperative. First of all, the international community must prioritize meeting the $4.2 billion funding target set by the UN for 2025. This funding will enable humanitarian organizations to deliver lifesaving aid, including food, medical supplies and clean water, to millions of vulnerable Sudanese. Governments, private donors and international financial institutions must step up their contributions to address this shortfall.

Sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the underlying conflict are also essential. The international community must leverage its influence to pressure the conflicting parties to adhere to ceasefires and engage in meaningful negotiations. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the UAE have expressed a willingness to mediate and these efforts should be supported and expanded. A unified approach involving key international actors, including the UN, EU and regional powers, is critical to fostering a sustainable resolution.

The African Union is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in resolving the Sudan crisis. Its deep understanding of regional dynamics and established relationships with Sudanese stakeholders make it an invaluable partner in mediation and peacebuilding efforts.

The international community must prioritize meeting the $4.2 billion funding target set by the UN for 2025

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Collaboration between the African Union and international actors can enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Joint peacekeeping missions, coordinated intelligence sharing and unified diplomatic initiatives can amplify efforts to stabilize the region. Furthermore, the bloc’s influence can ensure that local voices are included in peace negotiations, fostering a more inclusive and durable resolution.

The African Union’s track record in addressing regional conflicts, such as its role in brokering peace in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, demonstrates its capacity to lead such efforts. However, its success hinges on receiving adequate financial and logistical support from the international community.

Aid organizations are also on the front lines of the crisis, providing essential services to displaced populations and communities in need. Their contributions include delivering food, clean water and medical care to those affected by the conflict; offering safe spaces and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children; and raising global awareness about the crisis and lobbying for increased international support.

However, aid organizations face significant challenges, including restricted access to conflict zones, security risks for humanitarian workers and chronic funding shortages. The international community must work to address these obstacles by providing financial support, ensuring the safety of humanitarian corridors and advocating for the protection of aid workers.

The Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed in May 2023, provides a crucial foundation for peace efforts. The declaration outlines key measures to safeguard civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid and promote dialogue among the conflicting parties. However, its implementation has been hampered by ongoing violence and a lack of enforcement mechanisms.

Building on the Jeddah Declaration involves ensuring that ceasefires are adhered to and enforced to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need; deploying independent monitors to oversee compliance and address violations promptly; and engaging all relevant stakeholders, including civil society groups, marginalized communities and diaspora organizations, in peace negotiations.

Recent diplomatic efforts, such as Turkiye’s offer to mediate and the UAE’s support for these initiatives, provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the Jeddah Declaration and advance peace. These efforts must be supported by the broader international community to ensure their success.

In summary, the ongoing conflict and related humanitarian crisis in Sudan represent one of the most pressing global challenges of 2025. The scale of suffering demands immediate and sustained action from the international community. By scaling up humanitarian assistance, engaging in robust diplomacy, collaborating with the African Union, supporting aid organizations and building on the Jeddah Declaration, the international community can take meaningful steps toward alleviating the crisis and fostering peace.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh