Sudan's Crisis: A Call for Action
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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Sudan's Unfolding Tragedy
The conflict in Sudan has unleashed unimaginable suffering, particularly for non-Arab ethnic groups like the Zaghawa. Mohanad's harrowing journey from Darfur to Europe illustrates the severe dangers faced by Sudanese civilians. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed horrific atrocities, including a brutal three-day assault on the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur (aljazeera.com). This attack killed hundreds and left countless others scattered, injured, or missing. The RSF falsely claimed Zamzam was a “military base,” but it was a sanctuary for displaced families (aljazeera.com).
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, along with their allies, are implicated in serious human rights violations. These actions may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity (gov.uk). The conflict has escalated due to foreign support, funding, and fighters (lordslibrary.parliament.uk). Reports indicate Chad and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have provided funding and weapons to the RSF (lordslibrary.parliament.uk). A Sudanese journalist suggests Sudan is crucial to the UAE’s strategy in Africa and the Middle East (lordslibrary.parliament.uk). Furthermore, the UAE has reportedly sourced fighters from both the SAF and RSF for the conflict in Yemen since 2015 (lordslibrary.parliament.uk).
The Zaghawa People
The Zaghawa are an ethnic group primarily residing in Sudan and Chad. They are one of the non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur, Sudan, who have historically faced marginalization and persecution. The current conflict has exacerbated their vulnerability, making them specific targets of violence and displacement. Their experience highlights the ethnic dimension of the ongoing atrocities.
The Janjaweed militia, which later evolved into the Rapid Support Forces, has a long history of targeting non-Arab communities in Darfur. This includes mass killings and ethnic cleansing. The violence extends beyond killings to include rape, mutilation, and other atrocities documented by the United Nations. The question of one's tribe determines their treatment and fate in Sudan, as Mohanad's story tragically illustrates.
The UK's Stance on Refugees
The United Kingdom has faced significant criticism for its lack of safe and legal routes for Sudanese refugees. This contrasts sharply with schemes implemented for those fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan (independent.co.uk). Consequently, Sudanese refugees risk criminalization and deportation from the UK (independent.co.uk). The British government has no plans for a bespoke scheme for Sudan, focusing only on evacuating British citizens and embassy staff (independent.co.uk).
A Sudanese asylum seeker criticized the absence of safe and legal routes for those hoping to flee to the UK (inews.co.uk). Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell admitted that refugees fleeing Sudan lack a safe and legal way to enter the UK. This contradicts Home Secretary Suella Braverman's claim that they can apply for asylum through the UNHCR, a claim the agency denied (inews.co.uk). The lack of official pathways forces many Sudanese migrants to resort to dangerous methods, such as crossing the English Channel. Since 2020, almost 4,000 Sudanese small-boat migrants have crossed the English Channel, making them the eighth-highest nationality using this perilous route (independent.co.uk).
Defining Safe and Legal Routes
Safe and legal routes for refugees refer to established, official pathways that allow individuals fleeing persecution or conflict to seek asylum or resettlement in another country without resorting to dangerous, irregular means. These routes typically involve visa programs, humanitarian corridors, family reunification schemes, or direct resettlement programs managed by governments or international organizations like the UNHCR.
In contrast, irregular migration often involves perilous journeys, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats, or relying on human traffickers. The absence of safe and legal routes for Sudanese refugees means that many are left with no choice but to undertake these dangerous journeys, putting their lives at extreme risk. The UK's current policy effectively criminalizes those who arrive via irregular means, even if they are genuinely seeking safety.
Birmingham's Compassionate Response
Despite the broader UK policy, Birmingham has actively assisted Sudanese individuals in starting new lives. The city provides support for those who have fled the conflict (bbc.co.uk). This local initiative offers a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging circumstances faced by Sudanese refugees in the UK. The specific forms of assistance provided by Birmingham include housing support, integration programs, and access to essential services. These programs aim to help refugees rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient members of the community.
The effectiveness of these local programs highlights the potential for more humane and supportive approaches to refugee crises. While the national government maintains a restrictive stance, cities like Birmingham demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian values. This localized support is crucial for the well-being and successful integration of refugees who have endured immense trauma and displacement.
Deportation Controversies
The issue of deportation to Sudan, particularly South Sudan, has raised significant concerns. Some individuals have been deported despite not being citizens of the country. For example, the Trump administration has deported migrants to South Sudan, including individuals from Cuba, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos, who are not South Sudanese citizens (dailymail.co.uk). One notable case involves Thongxay Nilakout from Burma, who was convicted of murder and subsequently deported to South Sudan by ICE (dailymail.co.uk).
This practice of deporting non-citizens to South Sudan is highly unusual and raises serious questions about international law and human rights. It suggests a disregard for the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly when they are sent to a region experiencing instability and conflict. Such deportations further complicate the already dire situation for those seeking refuge and protection.
UK Refugee Schemes: A Comparative Look
Ukraine Scheme
Bespoke scheme with specific pathways for entry.
- Family Scheme
- Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
Afghanistan Scheme
Bespoke scheme for resettlement.
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
- Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
Sudan Scheme
No bespoke scheme. Limited options for entry.
- No specific safe and legal routes
- Focus on British citizens and embassy staff evacuation
- Refugees often resort to irregular crossings
The Perilous Journey to Safety
The lived experiences of Sudanese refugees attempting to reach the UK are fraught with legal hurdles and extreme dangers. Without safe and legal routes, many are forced into desperate measures, such as the perilous journey across the English Channel. This route, often undertaken in small, overcrowded boats, poses significant risks, including drowning, hypothermia, and exploitation by human traffickers.
The journey itself is often preceded by years of displacement and trauma within Sudan, followed by dangerous transit through countries like Libya, where migrants are vulnerable to kidnapping, forced labor, and violence. Mohanad's account of being repeatedly kidnapped and forced to work in Libya illustrates the brutal reality faced by many. The lack of official channels means that refugees are often left with no choice but to trust smugglers, who frequently exploit and endanger them. Even upon reaching Europe, the journey continues with further challenges, including navigating complex asylum systems and facing discrimination.
Sudanese Small-Boat Crossings to the UK (2020-Present)
The Broader International Response
Beyond the UK, the international community’s response to the Sudan conflict and refugee crisis is complex and multifaceted. While humanitarian aid is being provided, the conflict’s complexity is heightened by foreign support, funding, and fighters (lordslibrary.parliament.uk). Reports indicate that Chad and the UAE have supplied funding and weapons to the RSF (lordslibrary.parliament.uk). This external involvement complicates efforts to achieve peace and stability.
The international community faces the challenge of balancing humanitarian assistance with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Some nations have imposed sanctions, but their effectiveness is debated. The lack of a unified and robust international response allows the conflict to persist, leading to continued human rights abuses and displacement. More concerted efforts are needed to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure accountability for those committing atrocities.
Documented Atrocities by Conflict Parties in Sudan
Mass Killings
Hundreds killed in attacks on displacement camps, such as Zamzam.
Ethnic Cleansing
Targeted violence against non-Arab ethnic groups like the Zaghawa.
Sexual Violence
Widespread reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
Mutilation
Acts of physical disfigurement and torture against civilians.
Forced Displacement
Millions forced from their homes, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.
Arbitrary Detention & Disappearances
Individuals arrested and held without due process, with many disappearing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
