Sudan’s civil war ravages the core of our humanity

The international community must come to its senses and make a concerted diplomatic effort to bring an end to this senseless carnage and indiscriminate killing, rape, and pillage.

Such an effort may sound like wishful thinking, but how many more children must see their parents be murdered or sexually assaulted? How many more mothers must watch as their children are killed before their eyes? How many more women must be gang raped before being brutally killed by drug-fueled paramilitaries? How many more children must attempt to end their own lives to escape the horror of their existence?

The international community must act now

Several conditions must be met for the war to end. Sadly, there is no reason to believe that Trump will do anything to end the war. His complicity in the genocide in Gaza speaks volumes about his apathy and callousness. Thus, ending the war would require a nuanced international diplomatic push, especially from the UN and the EU.

First, the international community must support credible investigations, impose a comprehensive arms embargo on all parties involved in Sudan to cut off the flow of weapons, and end their cynical and self-serving support.

Second, the EU and the UN can coordinate targeted sanctions on individuals and entities supplying financial or military support to the combatants and ensure protection for the millions still trapped in this war.

Third, the EU and the UN can push for an international-led peacekeeping mission to protect civilians and create safe zones for humanitarian aid.

Fourth, the UN and EU must sponsor inclusive peace talks that involve not just the warring parties but also local civil society leaders and regional stakeholders.

Fifth, the international community should increase humanitarian funding and logistical support to ensure food, medical aid, and shelter reach those in need.

Sixth, an international inquiry or tribunal must be established to document war crimes and hold perpetrators accountable, creating pressure for both sides to negotiate.

Seventh, negotiators must leverage regional diplomacy by engaging neighboring African and Middle Eastern countries to support a unified peace effort.

This is a war without any redeeming qualities – there are no lofty ideals at stake, and neither side, if victorious, is likely to ensure the country a better or brighter future. But an end to the war would mean halting an ever-growing crisis, which is affecting millions of men, women, and children whose lives are beset with starvation and the daily threat of sexual violence, mutilation, and death.

It is time for Western powers to act. Otherwise, their moral bankruptcy will be on full display, as conditions will continue to degenerate and ultimately devolve into an unimaginable living hell for tens of millions of innocent Sudanese.