My name is Musab Alhadi, and I am deeply committed to community service and youth empowerment in Sudan. Amidst the devastating war, my initial instinct was to support my community in Khartoum. My mother, my friends, and I provided aid to neighbors unable to evacuate, recognizing the urgent need for assistance. Through the “Safe Passage” initiative, born out of a dire necessity to help those trapped, we were able to offer tangible support. With generous contributions from friends and the community, we managed to evacuate 211 individuals, secure safe passage for 27 people, supply 16 families with essential water, and provide 53 families with much-needed financial support. Despite the harrowing circumstances and the constant threat of violence, it was the sight of my community’s suffering that spurred me into action, reinforced by my mother’s unwavering faith in our safety and mission.

The situation in Sudan is dire, marked by political turmoil, economic instability, and escalating violence. Khartoum, once a bustling metropolis, now reflects the country’s broader humanitarian crisis: displacement, loss of lives, and the collapse of basic services. The absence of electricity and water in many areas, which disappeared from the onset of the conflict, underlines the severity of this crisis and is compounded by the looming threat of famine and disease.

The recent upsurge in violence can be traced back to entrenched political disputes and struggles for power. The path to civilian-led governance promised after the ousting of the former regime has been marred by conflicts between military factions, derailing the peace and democratic processes that many Sudanese had hoped for. These internal conflicts reflect a deeper crisis of national identity and governance, necessitating a concerted effort for resolution.

Solidarity from both African nations and the global community is essential, now more than ever. This support should transcend immediate humanitarian needs, encompassing endorsements for Sudanese-led endeavors toward forging a democratic and a peaceful nation. African nations, in particular, play a pivotal role in championing Sudan’s cause, underscoring the significance of unity and collective action in navigating through these crises. It is imperative, however, that this support comes with a conscientious stance and a firm refusal to legitimize any party involved in the conflict.

The focus must remain steadfastly on supporting the Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace, stability, and democratic governance, rather than entangling external support with the complexities of internal power dynamics. This approach will not only reinforce the legitimacy of the peace process but also ensure that the path forward is shaped by the will and needs of the Sudanese populace, devoid of external biases or interests. The call for neutrality in external engagements with Sudan’s crisis is not just a plea but a necessary strategy to foster an environment where genuine, inclusive dialogues and solutions can emerge, leading to a sustainable resolution that honors the aspirations of all Sudanese citizens.

The threat of famine in Sudan is alarmingly real and imminent, propelled by relentless conflict, a severe economic downturn, and critical disruptions in agriculture and food distribution networks. Immediate international aid, coupled with robust support for local initiatives, is absolutely critical in mitigating the risk of widespread hunger and malnutrition that currently looms over the nation. Efforts to support Sudan in these trying times must prioritize food security and the revival of the local economy to prevent further catastrophe.

We hear heart-wrenching stories of individuals and families succumbing to hunger, underscoring the grave reality of the situation. During my time as a mentor in the River Nile’s Atbara locality, I witnessed the commendable efforts of many mutual aid groups that stepped in to provide food and support to those in need. Yet, despite their tireless efforts, there remains a significant gap in meeting the community’s needs. This gap highlights the urgent requirement for increased support and resources to bolster these local initiatives, ensuring that they can continue their vital work and expand their reach to save more lives. The situation demands a concerted and immediate action plan that encompasses both emergency relief and long-term strategies to restore food security and sustainable livelihoods for the Sudanese people.

The African Union and neighboring countries have engaged in various mediation efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in Sudan, albeit with mixed results. While these efforts are commendable, a unified and robust approach from the AU and regional allies is vital to foster peace and support the transition to a stable, civilian-led government. Their involvement underscores the importance of African solidarity in addressing the complexities of the Sudanese crisis.

However, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the role of certain African nations that, through their actions or policies, support and legitimize the parties involved in the conflict. This is crucial for ensuring that all efforts are genuinely aligned with the principles of peace, democracy, and the well-being of the Sudanese people. A concerted effort from the AU and its member states to not only mediate but also critically evaluate and adjust their stance towards the conflicting parties is essential. This approach would significantly contribute to a more effective and unified strategy that upholds the aspirations for a democratic and peaceful Sudan, free from external influences that may perpetuate the conflict.

Grassroots movements, notably the resistance committees and professional associations, continue to be at the forefront of the push for democracy and change in Sudan. Their unwavering resilience, despite facing significant adversity, underscores the Sudanese people’s steadfast desire for a peaceful, democratic society. In parallel, emergency room and rapid response teams on the ground play a pivotal role in addressing the immediate needs and challenges arising from the crisis. These groups work tirelessly to provide aid, support, and information amidst extremely volatile conditions, often putting their own safety at risk.

However, it’s deeply concerning that members of these emergency response teams, along with activists from the resistance committees and professional associations, face threats, harassment, and even torture from all parties involved in the conflict. This unacceptable situation not only endangers these courageous individuals but also hampers their critical work in providing essential services and advocating for change. Supporting these grassroots movements and ensuring the safety and security of those working in emergency rooms is crucial for Sudan’s journey toward a democratic future. The international community, human rights organizations, and all involved in Sudan must prioritize the protection of these individuals. They must advocate for their right to operate without fear of retribution, recognizing their indispensable role in both immediate humanitarian efforts and the broader struggle for democracy and human rights in Sudan.