Abdullah Hamdok, head of Sudan’s Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces “Taqadum,” has expressed grave concerns over the potential for ethnic and racial divisions that threaten to completely destabilize the country. In a year marked by war, Hamdok recounted the toll of twelve months of conflict, noting the loss of tens of thousands of lives among both civilians and military personnel, and the displacement of millions.
In a video address marking the anniversary of the Sudanese war, the former Prime Minister highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with millions suffering from hunger, disease, and poverty. He described the disintegration of state cohesion, communication breakdowns, and the collapse of infrastructure that had been built with significant effort and resources from the people, now being looted and destroyed.
Hamdok lamented that the war did not erupt suddenly but was the result of accumulating factors that had been ignored despite warnings. He emphasized the commitment to dialogue and peaceful means inspired by Sudan’s revolution, which maintained its non-violence despite numerous challenges.
Hamdok detailed ongoing efforts by civil forces to halt the war, including continuous talks with the conflicting parties—the army and Rapid Support Forces—and coordination with regional and international powers. A significant meeting was held in Addis Ababa in October 2023, resulting in the formation of the civil democratic coordination group “Taqadum.” He expressed hope for a forthcoming meeting with the Sudanese Army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to discuss peace, following a recent encounter with the leader of the Rapid Support Forces in Addis Ababa in December.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has gravely escalated, bringing vast humanitarian crises and widespread violence. The conflict primarily involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with intense fighting in Khartoum, Darfur, and other regions. This war has led to thousands of civilian deaths and the displacement of millions, contributing to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The United Nations reports highlight the severe conditions faced by the displaced populations, with millions needing urgent humanitarian assistance and a significant portion of the population facing acute hunger. The conflict has severely impacted the civilian infrastructure, with widespread reports of atrocities, including targeted attacks against civilians by both the SAF and RSF.
Efforts to mediate peace have faced numerous challenges, exacerbated by the deep entrenchment of both military factions and the lack of a unified international approach to resolving the crisis. The international community, including various regional and global bodies, continues to push for negotiations and a peaceful resolution, but the path forward remains fraught with difficulty due to the complexities of the political and military landscape in Sudan.
