By Derrick Odhiambo 
The neglect by the international community. Has the Africa Union failed?
Derrick Odhiambo
SUDAN WAR
As the world continues to focus on wars in Ukraine, Gaza and the growing tensions in the Middle East,another terrible war continues to unfold in silence. Sudan’s war.
After four years, the ongoing conflict in Sudan remains one of the most devastating humanitarian disasters in the world, yet it is simultaneously the most overlooked crisis in the world.
The civil war between SAF commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, otherwise known as Hemedti, that erupted on April 15, 2023, has completely destroyed the nation.
According to United Nations, over 14 million people of Sudan are displaced. Thus, Sudan is the place of the world’s biggest displacement disaster. Close to 9 million people are displaced within Sudan and 4.4 million refugees abroad in countries like Chad, South Sudan and Egypt.
The hunger crisis is worrying.
As per United Nations reports, more than 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, while over 21 million people in Sudan face hunger. Over six million people are facing emergency hunger, with famine reported in parts of Darfur.
But the world either watches or looks the other way.
Atrocity crimes in Darfur have intensified, with Human Rights Watch citing mass killings, rape, attacks on medical facilities and campaigns of starvation as “weapons of war” The RSF has taken complete control of El Fasher the last major city in the region not under their full control until late 2025. In this city, organisations warned about a crisis coming. But they were not listened to.
Once the siege of the city was broken, civilians are said to have been massacred, and many have gone missing. They speak of executions, rapes, and forcible displacements.
Why the Silence?
Upon Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there was quick imposition of sanctions. Billions of dollars were channeled into military aid. Europe coordinated like never before.
In Gaza’s war crisis, there was immediate statement making, urgent meeting calls, and international media coverage.
On the contrary, Sudan continues to receive mainly statements of condemnation without effective implementation.
The United Nations Security Council has convened several times to warn of human rights abuses and famine. Nevertheless, intervention is still lacking.
The US has sanctioned some individuals associated with the Sudan war. However, the US has not capitalized on its diplomatic power to facilitate serious discussions.
Also, allegations of UAE involvement in the support for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued to fly despite their denial.
Furthermore, Russia’s interests in Sudan cannot be ignored, especially in the gold mining industry.
Today, Sudan is no longer just an internal war. It is becoming a proxy war. But here comes Africa’s uneasy silence.
While blaming Washington, Brussels, and the United Nations should come later, Africa should start by addressing some hard truths about itself.
Where is the African Union?
The AU was established to provide African solutions to African crises. It has suspended governments after coups and mediated conflicts in several member states.
Yet Sudan one of Africa’s largest nations continues to collapse while the continental body appears hesitant and largely ineffective.
The European Union continues to mobilize financial, diplomatic and military responses to protect Ukraine.
What equivalent urgency has Africa shown toward Sudan?
What message does it send when African institutions appear louder on political summits than on preventing mass civilian suffering within their own borders?
The war has now destroyed hospitals, schools, markets and livelihoods.Children are starving.Women are being raped.Entire communities are disappearing.
And still, global headlines move on.
Sudan is not a forgotten war because people are unaware.
It is an abandoned war because those with the power to act have chosen caution over courage.
History will not only judge those pulling the triggers in Sudan.
It will also judge those who watched a nation collapse and did almost nothing.