“The fighting between the Rapid Support Forces [Sudan\u2019s main paramilitary group] and the Sudanese Armed Forces started suddenly, without any signs or anticipation \u2014 but with all types of heavy weapons and bombardment,\u201d said Abualgasim Abdalla Yagoub, National Protection Officer for Nonviolent Peaceforce, or NP, in North Darfur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the conflict in Sudan escalated on April 15, the international diplomatic community focused on evacuating their international staff and on formal ceasefires. There was a lag before any consideration was given to Sudanese civilians \u2014 regarding either their needs or their capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the former adviser to the U.S. special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan aptly wrote for the New York Times<\/a><\/em>: “International interveners \u2014 in this case the African Union and United Nations with the support of the United States, European Union and others \u2014 legitimize these armed groups as the only valid power brokers or voices that need to be heard, while asking Sudanese citizens to quietly wait their turn. A turn that often never comes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many civilians have been able to leave Sudan amid ongoing fighting, the vast majority \u2014 45 million people \u2014 remain and are facing the ongoing threat of active violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n