The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), once regarded as the defenders of Sudan’s sovereignty, have now become the very force inflicting terror upon their own people. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian markets and public spaces by SAF fighter jets has laid bare the military’s true nature—one marred by destruction, betrayal, and collusion with foreign powers. These airstrikes are not mere accidents of war; they are calculated atrocities that expose the SAF’s alignment with regimes like Iran, Russia, and China. This unholy alliance has devastated countless Sudanese lives and unmasked the SAF’s insincere participation in peace talks and ceasefire negotiations.
The skies over Sudan, which once symbolized hope and freedom, have been transformed into harbingers of death by the SAF. Fighter jets, meant to protect, now target bustling markets and public spaces, turning them into infernos of devastation. The Libya Market in Omdurman, once a thriving hub of commerce, was reduced to ruins in June 2023 when an SAF fighter jet unleashed a barrage of bombs. In a matter of moments, fifteen innocent lives were snuffed out, and over 50 others were left to grapple with severe injuries. This was no tragic accident but a deliberate act of terror, part of a broader strategy to instill fear and assert control through sheer brutality.
The situation across Sudan is equally dire. Since the conflict escalated, more than 3,000 civilians have lost their lives in airstrikes and related violence, with another 10,000 wounded, many of whom are women and children. The attacks have also forced over 2 million people to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. Displaced families are now scattered across the region, living in makeshift camps with little access to basic necessities. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent a catastrophic human tragedy inflicted by those who were supposed to be the nation’s protectors.
The horror unleashed by the SAF is not just a gross violation of human rights; it is a blatant breach of international law. Under Article 52 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the targeting of civilian objects is strictly prohibited and constitutes a war crime. Yet, the SAF, under the leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan—a puppet of the Islamist movement—has flagrantly disregarded this fundamental principle, waging war against the very people they are sworn to protect.
But the SAF’s betrayal of the Sudanese people does not end with these bombings. Their growing ties with Iran, Russia, and China have only deepened the crisis. Instead of seeking partnerships that could bring peace and stability, the SAF has chosen to align with regimes notorious for their oppressive tactics and blatant disregard for human rights. Iran’s influence has grown particularly ominous in recent months, with reports indicating that Sudan, under al-Burhan’s leadership, has welcomed Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials into the country. These officials are not only providing military support but are reportedly involved in orchestrating the bombings that have devastated Sudanese cities.
Russia and China have played their parts in this tragic alliance as well. Russia’s Wagner Group has been linked to providing military training and strategic support to the SAF, while China’s interest in Sudan’s natural resources has led to a dangerous complicity. Both nations have turned a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the SAF, prioritizing their geopolitical ambitions over the well-being of the Sudanese people.
Throughout this period of escalating violence, the SAF has repeatedly engaged in peace talks and ceasefire negotiations. But their actions on the ground tell a different story. The continued bombings and deepening alliances with foreign powers suggest that these negotiations have been nothing more than a stalling tactic. The SAF has used the peace process to buy time, to regroup and strengthen its position rather than to genuinely seek an end to the conflict. This deceitful behavior has not only undermined the peace process but has also eroded the trust of the Sudanese people and the international community.
The actions of the Sudanese Armed Forces serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked military power. The international community must respond decisively to these atrocities. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the leadership of the SAF must be held accountable for their war crimes, and their alliances with Iran, Russia, and China must be scrutinized and condemned. Sudan’s future depends on the establishment of genuine peace, free from the influence of foreign powers that have no interest in the well-being of its people. The world cannot allow the SAF to continue its campaign of terror under the guise of national defense. It is time for real action, real accountability, and real justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.
In conclusion, the Sudanese Armed Forces, under the leadership of al-Burhan, have betrayed the trust of the Sudanese people. Their actions have demonstrated a greater commitment to retaining power and forging foreign alliances than to the welfare of the nation. The international community must stand with the Sudanese people in demanding an end to this violence and in striving for a future where peace is not merely an elusive dream but a concrete reality.
