Since then, Sudan has never been the same, as this devastating war has caused extensive damage. In 2023, the economy shrank by 40%, and it's expected to further decline by 28% this year.
The government is also in crisis, with its revenues falling by 80%, and international trade dropping by 28%, while total damages exceed $200 billion.
Aside from economic losses, people have also faced severe impacts. Over 100,000 people have lost their lives, and more than 11 million, nearly 30% of the population, have been displaced internally.
Over three million have sought refuge outside Sudan, mainly in neighbouring countries, including Rwanda.
In total, about 4,000 Sudanese live in Rwanda, including refugees. Among them are around 1,400 students and investors whose investments in Rwanda amount to $10 million (over RWF 13 billion).
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Sudan's Ambassador to Rwanda, Khalid Musa Dafalla Musa, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government for its welcoming policy for Africans, including those facing hardship like Sudanese citizens.
He stated, 'I want to thank the Rwandan government and President Paul Kagame for his policy of welcoming all Africans, especially those from Sudan. We currently have around 4,000 Sudanese nationals here.'
Ambassador Dafalla explained the reasons why Sudanese are attracted to investing in Rwanda.
'The reasons include investment opportunities. It's an easy country to do business in, with friendly citizens and security, all factors investors consider when choosing where to invest.'
He added that Sudan has a strong relationship with Rwanda, especially since Rwanda's forces contributed to restoring peace in regions like Darfur, where they left a positive legacy for their respect for the law.
He emphasized that the strong relations between the two countries will be beneficial when the war ends in Sudan.
'The strong relationship we have with Rwanda will help us in the future as we work towards building peace and security.'
He stressed, 'When the war is over, we will need to collaborate with Rwandan institutions to learn how they rebuilt the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.'
"We look forward to returning to Rwanda to study how you addressed justice issues, built a resilient Constitution, reintegrated former soldiers, and fostered a strong sense of national unity. The lessons drawn from your history will be invaluable for our future."
He also expressed optimism about the Sudanese military's performance on the battlefield, saying, 'The government has regained control of at least 70% of Khartoum, as RSF lacks the support of the Sudanese people.'
He urged that RSF be labelled as a terrorist organization due to acts of killing unarmed civilians, raping women, and other atrocities.
So far, 300 hospitals and medical facilities in Sudan have been rendered inoperable, severely reducing the country's healthcare capacity. Many schools have been attacked, with others being used by RSF as bases.
Reasons for the war driving Sudan into crisis
Ambassador Dafalla Musa pointed out that 'RSF started this war for two main reasons. First, to carry out a coup d'état and take control of the country for their economic interests.'
He added, 'Second, they're being used as a tool by foreign countries, hiring mercenaries from countries like Libya. They are driven by other foreign countries with interests in the region.'
He continued, saying, 'Another significant reason for this war is to change the demographics of Darfur, wanting to turn it into an Arab-majority area by expelling African ethnic groups and resettling Arab communities.'
Darfur is one of the resource-rich regions in Sudan.
Ambassador Dafalla said the ongoing atrocities constitute genocide.
'These acts include killing large numbers of unarmed civilians, without any reason except to kill them. Evidence of mass graves of civilians has been found, as well as sexual violence against women and children.'
Regarding women, he added, 'We even have reports of women committing suicide after being raped. This is part of their plan to change Darfur's population.'
Aside from killing citizens with weapons, RSF has also been accused of poisoning water supplies.
'They engage in the barbaric act of poisoning drinking water, leading to more deaths. They're using various methods to kill people who are unarmed and not involved in the war. This constitutes both war crimes and genocide.'
'They are using starvation as a weapon, preventing people from receiving aid, which they steal. This tactic is also used to intimidate civilians into joining RSF. They're even using civilians for military operations, which is against international law.'
Foreign aid exacerbating the situation
Ambassador Khalid Musa Dafalla openly stated that some countries continue to support RSF.
'There are regional countries supporting this war, including the United Arab Emirates, RSF's primary backer. Chad is also used as a transit point for military supplies to RSF, helping the group continue the war. Without this weapon supply, the war would not go on.'
He noted that in the past six months, RSF has received 145 planes carrying weapons and transporting wounded fighters for treatment in the UAE.
RSF, he added, is also being supported by over 50,000 mercenaries "paid in foreign currency."
AU's response questioned
The ambassador also criticized the African Union's response, noting Sudan was removed from the AU.
'The African Union lacks the political will to help resolve this issue. We don't believe that neutrality is the best approach to solving this issue. The best solution is for the AU to take the side of truth.'
He stated that the only way for Sudan to regain peace is to have a unified army and respect the signed agreements.
Both parties signed the "Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan," committing to safeguard civilians. This agreement was signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 11, 2023.
Ambassador Dafalla said, 'We call on RSF to respect the agreement it signed with the government, which requires RSF to withdraw its forces from civilian infrastructure and relocate them to designated areas. Sadly, this agreement is not being followed.'
However, he noted that those responsible for war crimes should face justice.
He concluded, 'During the transitional period, Sudanese people will have the opportunity to choose their preferred governance system through elections, and this period will be led by the current government in Sudan.'
'Moreover, those involved in all these atrocities, including genocide, must be held accountable and punished for the crimes committed against the people of Sudan.'
IGIHE
