As Sudan teeters on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, the gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. For 16 agonizing months, the world has watched as a nation with a rich history and immense potential is torn apart by conflict. The toll has been devastating—millions displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and an entire region destabilized.
This isn't just another African war; it's a crisis of global significance that demands an urgent and coordinated response. Yet, the international community's reaction has been alarmingly inadequate—too slow, too cautious, too disjointed. The complexity of the situation is no excuse for inaction, nor can we afford to let Sudan slip off the global agenda.
The Sudanese people, particularly the ordinary citizens—farmers in Darfur, teachers in Khartoum, students in Port Sudan—are the ones bearing the brunt of this conflict. Their voices, their dreams of a peaceful and democratic Sudan, must guide our actions. Any peace process that sidelines them is doomed to fail.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is now on par with those in Syria and Yemen, yet it receives a fraction of the attention and resources. This disparity is not just an oversight; it is a catastrophic moral failure. The world must recognize the scale of this crisis and respond with the urgency it demands. The ongoing war has already set Sudan back decades, and it will take more than a generation to rebuild the nation to its pre-war state.
The international community must act now to stop the fighting, protect civilians, and ensure immediate humanitarian access. This is not just a call for sympathy; it is a call for concrete action. The attacks on civilian infrastructure—homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship—must end. These are not collateral damages; they are direct assaults on Sudan’s lifeline and future.
Moreover, all warring parties must uphold their obligations under international law and adhere to the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan. This declaration is not merely a diplomatic gesture; it is a binding commitment that must be enforced.
To neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees: Your generosity in the face of your own challenges is commendable, but you should not have to bear this burden alone. The traditional aid model is no longer sufficient. We need innovative solutions, direct support to local organizations, and a long-term commitment to Sudan's reconstruction. The ordinary Sudanese cannot wait another month, week, or even a day for their suffering to stop.
International leaders must rise to the occasion, using their influence to bring humanitarian aid to Sudan and push for peace. The global media must keep Sudan in the headlines, and donor countries must resist the urge to succumb to donor fatigue. Stability in Sudan is not only a humanitarian imperative but also in the interest of the global business community.
For Malaysia, our role in this crisis cannot be peripheral. We must leverage our diplomatic relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to push the peace process forward. Our ASEAN experience in dealing with complex regional issues is valuable—let’s put it to use for Sudan.
The stakes could not be higher. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the alternative—allowing Sudan to collapse—is not an option. With coordinated effort, unwavering commitment, and a sense of urgency, we can ensure that there will be no second anniversary to this conflict. Now is the time to turn words into action.
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