UN Forces Deployment in Sudan: Challenges and Implications
The deployment of UN forces in Sudan has been deemed almost impossible due to the complex and volatile situation on the ground. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted this reality during a recent Security Council meeting, stating, "At present, the necessary conditions for the successful deployment of a UN force to protect civilians in Sudan are not in place." This statement comes amidst increasing calls from Sudanese civil society and political organizations, particularly the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, for international military intervention to protect civilians in conflict zones.
The urgency of these calls has escalated as the Sudanese army gains ground against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has suffered significant losses, including the death of key military leaders and defections from its ranks. Despite these developments, the RSF continues to perpetrate violence against civilians, particularly in eastern Al-Jazeera State, where over 300 deaths and tens of thousands of displacements have been reported since mid-October. This violence appears to be a strategy to garner international attention and support for the deployment of UN forces, which could potentially halt the army's advances.
The Case Against UN Military Intervention
Guterres' remarks underscore the challenges of deploying UN forces in a conflict marked by ongoing military operations. He emphasized that effective peacekeeping requires a stable political environment and a ceasefire agreement, neither of which currently exists in Sudan. Any attempt to deploy UN forces without these prerequisites could exacerbate the conflict, putting both the forces and civilians at greater risk. Furthermore, the Sudanese government has consistently rejected the idea of foreign military intervention, complicating any potential deployment.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of infrastructure and safe passage for humanitarian efforts, as the RSF has actively destroyed critical facilities. The Sudanese government has shown cooperation with humanitarian organizations, facilitating aid flow to affected regions, which Guterres praised as a positive aspect of the ongoing crisis.
Ultimately, the resolution of the Sudanese crisis may hinge on adhering to the Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians signed by both the Sudanese army and the RSF earlier this year. This agreement aims to safeguard civilian lives and could serve as a framework for peace if adhered to by all parties involved.
