Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

There is going to be a lot of commonality in what we are saying here but the main message is that action is needed. I spoke at the OSCE conference in Istanbul recently about the ongoing global refugee crisis, with millions of displaced people fleeing conflict zones such as Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, and Yemen. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of the developed world allowing, and even enabling, conflicts in its zones of influence. The global powers have not only failed to prevent the escalation of these crises but have actively facilitated, or ignored, the conditions that led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions.

The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically since April 2023. Former allies in the 2021 coup are now at one another's throats and it is the civilian population of Sudan that is suffering. Deep-seated rivalries over power and control of resources triggered a full-scale civil war, leaving the country in a state of chaos. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced, both internally and to neighbouring countries. The Sudanese civil war has the potential to escalate into a genocide that would dwarf that of Rwanda. As violence intensifies, targeted killings, mass displacement and ethnic cleansing are beginning to ramp up in the most distressing manner. The very real threat of famine would devastate the internally displaced population. There has been an ongoing massacre in El Fasher since its takeover by the RSF last month. An 18-month siege has seen a city of 250,000 inhabitants fall and a drawn-out bloodbath has ensued. At least 2,500 are dead but, with a communications blackout and a civilian population fleeing for their lives, it is impossible to tell how many are dead. Without urgent intervention Sudan could see even more widespread violence and genocide, leaving countless lives destroyed.

The world seems increasingly unmoved by genocide, as tragic events unfold with growing frequency but often receive only fleeting outrage. The global community's response has been marked by political apathy, diplomatic powerlessness and a media cycle that quickly moves on to the next crisis. The normalisation of violence on such a grand scale, coupled with the failure of international institutions to prevent, or effectively intervene in, atrocities has desensitised us to such an immense loss of human life. Instead of provoking widespread action, genocides are often met with brief condemnation, leaving victims to endure suffering while the world moves on, leaving justice and accountability lagging far behind.

While the conflict in Sudan may have started off as a domestic affair, external powers have played a significant role in aggravating the situation. One of the most harmful external influences has been the intervention of the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This has made western powers reluctant to involve themselves in a peace-building effort for fear of offending their strategic regional allies. These countries have been engaged in an almost colonial, imperialist exploitation of the resources of Sudan, particularly its gold. Both the SAF and RSF have received financial support from these Gulf states at one time or another and the chaos of civil war has made it all the easier to extract the mineral wealth that belongs to the Sudanese people. The RSF in particular has benefited from UAE backing, largely because of its involvement in the war in Yemen, where it provided mercenary support for the UAE-led coalition. This one group has been instrumental in the brutal oppression of civilian populations on two separate continents. The UAE has been involved in facilitating the illegal export of gold, with the RSF controlling much of the mining operations. This illicit trade has enriched UAE-linked companies, further entrenching the power of the warring factions and prolonging the conflict for the UAE's gain.

Another malign influence in the country is Russia, through its private army, the Wagner group. This interference has further entrenched the power struggle between the rival factions as both vie for favour with Russia to gain military and economic advantage. It is plain to see that this is not just a civil war. It is a war that has opened the door for outside actors to interfere, influence and exploit events. This external involvement has not only prolonged the fighting but has made peace efforts even more challenging as western powers stay away because of Gulf state involvement. The Sudanese people who have long suffered under authoritarian rule find themselves caught again in a vicious cycle of violence and instability, with little hope of a peaceful resolution in sight.

The international community cannot afford to ignore the potential for further atrocities. The risk of ethnic cleansing and of the mass atrocities seen in Darfur in the early 2000s remains a haunting possibility. Western nations with their political and economic leverage must prioritise a robust, co-ordinated diplomatic response. This must include enforcing an immediate ceasefire, supporting Sudanese-led peace initiatives and pressuring external actors such as the UAE and Russia to halt their destabilising support for the warring factions. Western powers also have the responsibility to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities fuelling the conflict, particularly those involved in war crimes or genocide.

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