Sudan, a country located in the continent of Africa, has been experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises seen, yet it has been met with silence from many. Around April 2023, violent fighting emerged between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which quickly turned cities into war zones. Civilians became targets along with homes, schools, and hospitals either being bombed, occupied, or held hostage. Millions of people left behind their homes in order to flee with nothing. Their previously normal realities became overturned as they now faced mass displacement, disease, and food shortage. Half the population is in need of humanitarian aid and children, rather than growing up smiling in safety, are now faced with hunger, violence, and fear.
Though having recently escalated, this problem wasn’t sudden, and has been the result of countless years of political instability flooded with corruption and power struggles. Following a military coup in 2021, instead of prioritizing their citizens, two rival armed groups fought for control of the government. International hesitation to interfere has only allowed the violence to continue and spread. Sudan and its people are paying the price for corrupt leaders who chose domination over responsibility and alarmingly this crisis is not dominating headlines.
“It’s so hard seeing so many people suffering because their leaders and country failed them. Though there is only so much I can do, the main thing I focus on is bringing awareness because the more people know, the more interference can be pushed,” said junior Jillian Martinez.
The situation in Sudan is not just a conflict far from us but it is a moral failure. While global attention goes elsewhere, the violence continues and everyday countless lives are lost. Silence has become the greatest weapon enabling the suffering. What will be remembered is not only the suffering endured, but also the silence received in the face of violence. The people of Sudan are not invisible and their painful circumstances should not be treated as inevitable.
“I wasn’t aware that this was happening as I personally haven’t seen any news coverage on it. It’s heartbreaking to learn that this is a current issue and not a problem from the past that we learned from,” said junior Zoe Pazos.
Even though teens have little power over the situation, they are not helpless. The best thing to do is educate yourself and others using platforms, social media, and conversations to keep bring awareness to Sudan. It is important to know that a little bit goes a long way, and that you can support credible humanitarian organizations. Even though small actions don’t end wars, they do build pressure for change and display empathy. As part of the human race, everyone is in the world together, each being one of God’s children who deserve to live in peace.
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