Shedding a light on forgotten conflict: Sudan
How much do you know about the war in Sudan?
Chances are, not much, despite it being one of the longest and most intense conflicts happening today. Sudan, a relatively new state that gained independence only in 1956 from the United Kingdom and Egypt, has been a topic of study since elementary school days when we delved into ancient Egypt. At that time, Sudan was discussed as part of the empire, situated in the Nile Valley. Fast forward to modern Sudan, according to the United Nations, the country is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent memory. Clashes erupted in 2023 in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a conflict of power struggles for control of the state and its resources. Conflicts are not new to Sudan as already in the time in which Sudan obtained independence, tensions were already ongoing between the northern part, where a majority of Arabs and Muslims reside, and the south land of mostly Christians and animists, leading to a civil war started in 1983. The story of Sudan is complex and articulated.
Since the 2023 confrontations, more than 7.3 million people have been displaced, and over 10,000 people have been killed. 14 million children are in need of life-saving assistance, as reported by UNICEF.
Such a humanitarian crisis is almost “forgotten” in the common knowledge, and it is crucial to spark a light on such conflict.
With this objective, on the 9th of April, Student for Humanity and Bocconi Students for Diplomacy and International Cooperation (BOSDIC) communities attended the event jointly organized by the two associations on the Sudan conflict. It was crucial the participation of Professor Roberto Isibor and his detailed description of the Sudan’s history, which fostered our knowledge in this area of study. Not only we discussed the historical events but also humanitarian interventions in the region. Our guest speaker, Federico Chiodi Daelli, AISPO director, explained to us the contribution of the hospital, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and realised by the association, in reducing child mortality and ensuring safe birthing for mothers. A hospital in a war zone is fundamental to increasing the standard of living of Sudanese people and fostering stability.
Professor Giunia Gatta’s participation was fundamental in the event. She guided the discussion, providing an overview of the philosophical theory on conflict and opening up the discussion with interesting points for reflection.
For many of us, this event prompted profound reflections on the current situation and fostered a sense of solidarity. The event on the Sudan war is part of a cycle of events started by students for humanity on forgotten conflicts. One year ago, the focus was on the war in Yemen and the role of NGOs, including Cumse and Islamic Relief, in alleviating the disastrous consequences. We are committed to continuing to spread a light on forgotten conflicts.
