The Resurgence of War from Sudan to the Sahel.

By KANGUME KENNETH

As we reflect on the events of 2024, Africa’s landscape appears more marred by conflict than ever. The year has been characterized by an escalation of violence across several key regions, painting a grim picture of a continent caught in the throes of historical grievances, resource battles, and the expansion of extremist ideologies. From the tumultuous plains of Sudan to the mineral-rich jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and down through the Sahel’s vast expanses, peace has been an elusive dream, with old conflicts reigniting and new ones emerging, threatening not just local stability but the broader international order.

Sudan’s descent into civil war since April 2023 has only deepened into 2024, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) locked in a deadly embrace. This conflict has transformed parts of Sudan, notably Khartoum, into war zones, with urban warfare becoming a daily reality for its citizens. The human toll has been catastrophic, with thousands of lives lost and an exodus of refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries like South Sudan, where the sight of families carrying their lives in bags has become all too common at transit centers like Renk. The international spotlight on Sudan has revealed not just the scale of human suffering but also the complex web of foreign involvement, with allegations of UAE support to RSF adding layers to an already intricate conflict. The continued violence has left the country in a state of humanitarian emergency, with access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care severely restricted, pushing Sudan to the brink of famine in some regions.

The Sahel region, stretching across Africa’s heart from Senegal to the Red Sea, has become a new frontier for both jihadist insurgency and political instability. In 2024, the area saw a significant increase in militant activity, with groups like Al-Qaeda affiliates and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) exploiting governance vacuums, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These groups have not only held ground but have also advanced southwards, threatening coastal states with their ideology and violence. The situation is exacerbated by environmental degradation, with climate change contributing to resource scarcity, which in turn fuels local conflicts over water and arable land. Political upheavals, including coups, have further destabilized the region, with Mali turning to Russian mercenaries for support, signaling a shift in international alliances and a potential new phase of proxy warfare in West Africa. The international response, particularly through initiatives like the G5 Sahel, struggles against this backdrop, with limited success in stemming the tide of violence and radicalization.

The border between Rwanda and the DRC has become a flashpoint once again, with the M23 militia, often backed by Rwanda, clashing with DRC forces and other armed groups in the volatile eastern provinces. This conflict is steeped in ethnic tensions, control over the DRC’s rich mineral deposits, and the legacy of the Rwandan genocide, which sent shockwaves through the region. The situation has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations, with Rwanda denying support for M23 while the DRC points to foreign interference. This has led to an international outcry for peace processes, but the ground reality remains tense, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the conflict through displacement, violence, and economic disruption. The involvement of regional powers and the potential for this conflict to spill over into a broader regional crisis loom large, with implications for peace and security stretching far beyond the immediate area.

The convergence of these conflicts has significant implications for regional stability, human rights, and international diplomacy. The mass displacement, the spread of extremist ideologies, and the humanitarian crises that follow in the wake of these wars demand a robust international response. Yet, the effectiveness of global interventions remains under scrutiny, with the UN’s efforts often hampered by logistical and political challenges. NGOs and regional organizations are at the forefront of aid delivery, but they operate in increasingly dangerous environments. The path to peace in Africa’s conflict zones requires not just immediate humanitarian aid but a long-term commitment to addressing governance, economic disparities, and environmental issues that fuel these wars. As the world watches, the resolution of these conflicts will test the international community’s resolve and capacity for peace-building in one of the most challenging geopolitical arenas of our time.

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