Spreading famine puts more of Sudan at risk • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Sudan Conflict: Escalation of violence, famine, humanitarian crisis, attack on funeral, displacement, blocked humanitarian access, rejection of ceasefire.
• International Relations & Trade: US tariff increases, China tariff cuts, new Pretoria-Beijing trade deal, revival of South African exports, AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).
• Ugandan Politics & Diaspora: Zoran Mandani, first Muslim mayor of New York City, Ugandan pride, global recognition.
• Sports & Inclusivity: South Sudan blind football team, first international tournament win, grassroots development, unity.
• Conservation & Community: Nashulai Conservancy, Maasai community, coexistence of people, livestock, and wildlife, community-governed conservancy.
• Trauma Healing & Faith: Ukrainian soldiers, Mount Athos, Greece, faith-based healing, post-captivity recovery.

Sudan: Escalating Humanitarian Catastrophe

The conflict in Sudan continues to worsen, with recent events fueling fears of an even deeper humanitarian catastrophe.

• Attack on Funeral: At least 40 people were killed in an attack on a funeral in the key city of El Fasher.
• Famine Conditions: El Fasher in North Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan are experiencing severe famine. These towns are largely cut off from commercial supplies and humanitarian assistance due to the conflict.
• Displacement and Refugee Crisis: Thousands of Sudanese refugees are arriving daily in Tawila, many severely injured. Aid agency MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) is treating refugees at a small clinic but faces resource shortages.
• Malnutrition: In Tawila, 100% of children are malnourished, with approximately half suffering from severe malnutrition.
• Siege and Blockades: El Fasher was besieged for 18 months by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) insurgents, cutting off food and water supplies.
• Humanitarian Access: The UN has provided clean water to some 12,000 people in Tawila but warns that current funding is insufficient for the growing needs of displaced populations in North Darfur.
• Drivers of Hunger: The primary drivers identified are conflict, displacement, and blocked humanitarian access.
• Overcrowded Camps: Hundreds of thousands of people are living in overcrowded camps in Tawila, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming weeks as much of El Fasher's population remains unaccounted for.
• Rejection of Ceasefire: Sudan's army has rejected a US proposal for a ceasefire.

Political Dynamics and External Influence

International politics professor Shaharath Shrini Vasan explained the complexities of the conflict:

• Origins of the War: The war began between two parties who had previously committed a coup against a civilian transitional government in 2019. They were initially allies in the coup but later fell out, leading to a "counter-revolutionary struggle" where only one side can prevail.
• "Battle to the End" Mentality: Neither the army nor the RSF believes a middle ground can be found with the other, leading to a fight to the finish.
• Army's Claim of Legitimacy: The army claims legitimacy as the "state actor," although both were involved in coups. The army believes it has a moral upper hand due to the RSF's "heinous crimes against civilians."
• US-led Quad: The US is involved in a "quad" comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the US.
  • Egypt and Saudi Arabia generally support the Sudan Armed Forces.
  • The UAE has been closely aligned with the RSF.
• External Support: The risk of continued conflict is high if these external countries continue to support one side or the other.
• Failure of the Quad: The current composition of the quad has failed to significantly alter the outcome or achieve a breakthrough despite months of effort.

South Africa: Trade Shifts and Economic Opportunities

South Africa is preparing to host the G20 summit amidst significant trade shifts.

• US Tariffs vs. China Tariffs: The US is raising tariffs on African nations, while China is cutting them.
• Pretoria-Beijing Trade Deal: A new trade deal between Pretoria and Beijing is set to revive exports for South African farmers, particularly stone fruits. This comes as a relief after the end of the US's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
• Stone Fruit Exports to China: This new deal will open up exports of five South African stone fruits to China for the first time.
  • South Africa already exports significant amounts of apples and citrus to China.
  • The stone fruit deal is expected to generate 20 million euros in South African exports over the next five years.
• Diversification of Markets: The deal allows South African farmers to diversify their market access beyond traditional markets like the UK and Europe.
• Job Creation: The stone fruit industry is labor-intensive, and this opportunity is expected to create more jobs.
• Western Cape Export Goals: The Western Cape aims to triple its exports from the current 200 billion euros to 600 billion euros by 2035, by targeting new markets like China, India, and the Middle East.
• Strengthening Trade Relations: While traditional markets remain important, there is a focus on opening up new markets through strengthened trade relations.
• Growing Interest in Chinese Language: There is an increasing demand for Chinese language classes in South Africa, with students seeking tailored courses for business and trade. Joy, a student, highlights Chinese as "the language of trade."

Ugandan-Born Politician Makes History in the US

Zoran Mandani, a Ugandan-born politician, has made history in the United States.

• First Muslim Mayor of New York City: Zoran Mandani, a 34-year-old leftist politician, has become New York's first Muslim mayor, the largest city in America.
• Ugandan Pride: His victory has generated significant pride in Uganda.
• Inspiration for Young Ugandans: Mandani's success has motivated young Ugandans, encouraging them to apply for jobs and internships worldwide.
• Global Recognition for Uganda: His election puts Uganda on the global map, as people learn about him and his dual citizenship (Ugandan and American).
• Connection to Makerere University: Some individuals recall working with his father at Makerere University, expressing gratitude and hope for his success in New York.

South Sudan: Blind Football Team's International Triumph

A blind football team from South Sudan has achieved a significant milestone.

• First International Tournament Win: The team has won its first international tournament, marking the culmination of five years of grassroots efforts to establish the sport.
• Grassroots Development: The sport was built from scratch through dedicated efforts over five years.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The ball has a jingling sound, and players rely on listening to the ball and their guides. Players are encouraged to pay attention to the ball and listen to the guides.
• Empowerment and Visibility: The victory provides visibility for people with disabilities, demonstrating their capabilities.
• Unity and Peace Message: The team, composed of athletes from different tribes and communities, serves as a powerful example of unity and is expected to promote peace messages back home.

Conservation and Community: The Nashulai Conservancy Model

The Nashulai Conservancy in Kenya offers a unique model for conservation.

• Coexistence: The Nashulai model emphasizes the coexistence of people, livestock, and wildlife. The name "Nashulai" itself means "coexist" in the Maasai language.
• Community-Governed Conservancy: It is the first conservancy formed, governed, and managed by the community.
• Preserving Cultural Connection: The initiative arose from a clear danger of losing cultural connectedness to the land and the land itself, which holds ancestral stories and burial sites.
• Community Pull-Together: The community united to create the conservancy to protect their heritage and land.

Trauma Healing: Ukrainian Soldiers on Mount Athos

Ukrainian soldiers are seeking healing and recovery on Mount Athos in Greece.

• Faith-Based Healing: Soldiers who were prisoners of war are finding solace and answers through faith on the sacred mountain.
• Spiritual Guidance: Religion guides their path and provides strength.
• Rebuilding and Regaining Identity: The retreat is expected to help them rebuild, regain their identity, and find a sense of meaning, though it will take time.
• Return to Front Lines: Several soldiers are expected to return to the front lines after their monastic retreat, feeling renewed energy and nourished by prayer.

Conclusion

The Iron Africa report highlights a continent facing multifaceted challenges and triumphs. From the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding it, to the evolving trade dynamics between Africa, the US, and China, and the inspiring stories of individual achievement and community resilience, the continent is a site of significant global importance. The election of Zoran Mandani underscores the growing influence of the African diaspora, while the success of the South Sudan blind football team and the Nashulai Conservancy demonstrate the power of sport and community-led conservation. Finally, the story of Ukrainian soldiers finding solace on Mount Athos offers a poignant reminder of the universal search for peace and healing amidst conflict.