On 28th November 2024, Sharath attended a panel discussion in Amsterdam during which distinguished experts unpicked the complexities of Sudan’s unfolding crisis.
In 2019, a popular uprising brought an end to 30 years of dictatorship. However, the hopes of protestors for democracy and a return to civilian rule were quickly crushed. The military seized control of the transitional government, leading to widespread violence as former allies competed for power. From Khartoum, the violence spread and consumed much of the country.
The consequences for ordinary Sudanese citizens are devastating. Violence, along with severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel, has forced 13 million people to flee their homes. In a nation where hunger is often used as a weapon of war, half of the population (26 million people) are experiencing acute food insecurity, and 8.5 million face the threat of famine. Driven by the ambitions of local forces and external economic and political interests, lasting peace remains out of reach.
The event aimed to elevate the awareness of the situation in Sudan by considering the war’s impact on the wider region, as well as the effects of an international community distracted by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
The recording of the live streamed discussion is available here.
Thanks to the organisers for a really valuable event!
Image: Screenshot taken from Panopto recording
