In this exclusive interview, Global Compass speaks to Amoko Ben, a Sudanese who is now in South Sudan, working as a senior officer in the Immigration Department. He provides a detailed and harrowing account of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He describes the dire situation on the ground where millions are displaced, and countless lives are lost daily.
Amoko Ben highlights the mass exodus occurring at the border between Uganda and South Sudan, where buses filled with refugees arrive at camps every day. At Juba International Airport, the scene is equally chaotic, with people fleeing the conflict in droves. This humanitarian catastrophe is not just impacting women and children, but entire communities caught in the crossfire between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Amoko Ben provides insight into the power struggle that has been devastating Sudan for years.
The army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been Sudan’s de facto leader since 2019.
He rose to power in the tumultuous aftermath of the uprising against President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan’s leader of three decades, who was ousted in April 2019 following protests.
Following the 2019 power-sharing agreement between civilians and the military, General al-Burhan assumed the role of chairman of the Sovereignty Council, established to guide Sudan towards democratic governance. However, as the scheduled transfer of power to civilian authorities neared in late 2021, al-Burhan resisted stepping down. The shattering of the agreement ignited further violence.
His primary adversary is Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, a significant paramilitary organization in Sudan.
Amoko Ben explains how these forces, initially allies, are now deeply entrenched in conflict, with no immediate end in sight.
The international response, or lack thereof, is another critical aspect discussed. Sudan has long been under sanctions, primarily from the United States, which restricts media coverage and international aid. Amoko Ben underscores the urgent need for increased global attention and intervention.
The interview also delves into the controversial arms deal between Russia and the Sudanese army, further complicating the situation. Amoko Ben discusses the geopolitical implications and the challenges of delivering support through conflict-ridden areas controlled by opposing forces.
Despite the bleak outlook, Amoko Ben stresses the desperate desire for peace among the Sudanese people. They long for a return to normalcy, whether through civilian rule or military governance.
This is a stark reminder to our viewers of the harsh realities faced by those in refugee camps, where relief is never enough, and survival is a daily struggle.
We hope you would have understood the complexities of Sudan’s crisis and the urgent need for international action slightly better .
