Opinion | The Violence in Sudan Is Partly Our Fault
New York TimesApr 23, 2023
On Monday, a growing list of countries — including European nations, China, and Japan — evacuated diplomats and citizens from Sudan as the UN warned of the risk of "a catastrophic conflagration."
While more than 150 people — primarily citizens of Gulf countries, Egypt, Pakistan, and Canada — were evacuated by sea to the Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah, over 1K European Union citizens were airlifted out of the war-torn country.
While al-Burhan and Dagalo are primarily responsible for the continued cycle of violence in Sudan, the US government cannot wash its hands off the mess as it compelled civilian protesters in 2019 to form a flawed transitional government with the military. Moreover, the US continued to prioritize the voices of the armed forces over those seeking real political reform and representation — retreating from a long-awaited, decisive democratic push.
Their casual disregard for their fellow citizens' lives and clearly expressed democratic aspirations show that neither of the Sudanese commanders is fit to govern the country. Before outside powers, including Egypt and Russia, meddle in Sudan's affairs and add fuel to the fire, the US must pressure Sudan's military rulers to come to their senses, end the fighting, and allow for the promised transition to democracy.