A war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is well into its third year and has gained world attention as the RSF in October took control of el-Fasher in Darfur. Before this escalation, Sudan was already in the midst of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. To talk about the context of the war, host Allen Ruff is joined by freelance journalist Lital Khaikin. She says this is a resource war–of oil and gold–and that the continued marginalization of Darfur is key to understanding the conflict.

Khaikin clarifies that the language of “civil war” in Sudan does not accurately reflect the complex regional interests, militia activity, and profiteering at play. The current RSF occupation of el-Fasher consolidates the region under the control of the paramilitary. Nevertheless, both groups–the SAF and RSF –stand accused of war crimes, including genocide. Khaikin says that the war is against civilians and humanitarian aid is being actively impeded.

They also talk about how it is difficult to know accurate numbers of deaths, the closing of immigration programs for Sudanese refugees, horrendous acts of violence, including over 200 attacks on hospitals, and international coverage of the war.

Lital Khaikin is a freelance journalist and author based in Montreal writing on issues largely relating to human rights and conflict. Her journalism has appeared in numerous independent media outlets including The Progressive, Responsible Statecraft, Inkstick, Truthdig, and elsewhere. 

Featured image of a displaced woman in Darfur in 2011 via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

The post A War Against Civilians in Sudan appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.