Sudan’s army has rejected a proposal by the East African regional body IGAD. The proposal suggested deploying peacekeeping forces to protect civilians. This rejection comes amid a violent power struggle between the Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
The power struggle has resulted in the death of over 1,000 civilians and the displacement of 2.9 million people. The army-aligned foreign ministry has expressed its opposition to the deployment of foreign forces. It considers such forces as “enemy forces.”
The rejection of the peacekeeping proposal is a significant setback to the ongoing efforts to end the violence in Sudan. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of peacekeepers to protect civilians. However, it remains uncertain whether the government will be willing to accept the presence of a peacekeeping force.
The violence in Sudan traces back to the country’s political transition after the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has escalated in recent months, resulting in a worsening conflict.
Various countries, including the United States, have condemned the violence in Sudan and demanded an end to the fighting. However, the level of influence they can exert on the government’s decision regarding peacekeepers remains uncertain.
The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, and the resolution of the conflict is unclear. Although the rejection of the peacekeeping proposal poses a significant setback, it does not mark the end of potential solutions. The international community must continue to exert pressure on the Sudanese government to cease violence and facilitate a peaceful transition.
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