WHY SUDAN IS NOT ON THE NEWS

WHY SUDAN IS NOT ON THE NEWS

The world is witnessing one of the most severe humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan. Yet, it remains under-reported by mainstream news outlets.

On 15 April 2023, a conflict erupted between two military factions led by Sudanese Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. It is often simplified as a power struggle between two generals, masking the complex roots and the devastating reality on the ground.

According to the UN, over a quarter of Sudan’s 47 million people have been displaced, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. Nearly 25 million are also in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

In this episode of Al Jazeera’s Listening Post, (@ajlisteningpost) experts, such as Yassmin Abdel-Magied (@yassmin_a) and Matthew Benson (@asonofaben) break down how the media narrative on Sudan reflects the racist coverage of Africa. They explain the conflict is ‘deeply internationalised,’ with Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt and Iran all involved in the destruction of a state with a rich and resilient history in the Sudanese people struggling for democracy.

Since the ouster of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudanese civilians have tirelessly protested, demanding a civilian-led democratic government and facing violent crackdowns and political betrayals. International apathy and internal power struggles have continually thwarted their efforts. As the world turns its attention elsewhere, the Sudanese people continue to suffer in silence.

The world’s justice seekers have a moral responsibility to amplify the Sudanese people’s fight for democracy, acknowledge the conflict’s international dimensions, and pressure global powers to prioritise humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions.

Video credit: @aljazeera