APN | Amman –Zoom
18 May 2023
The International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) organized a dialogue session to discuss the current situation in Sudan in response to the request of ILPS member and APN Chairperson of the Board, Razan Zuayter. The session was facilitated by Zuayter and featured keynote speakers including APN Media Coordinator, Asmaa Awwad, former Sudanese parliamentarian and political and social activist, Abla Mahdi Abdel-Munim, ILPS Vice President, Malcolm Jay, and ILPS Regional Coordinator, Sony Oliveira. Additionally, members of the League from Africa were also in attendance.
APN shed light on the root causes of conflicts related to land division in Sudan, where the issue of land ownership and ensuring land tenure has been marred by confusion and instability. This predicament can be traced back to the colonial era and subsequent governments that failed to address historical imbalances, particularly following a drought and the decades-long blockade that the Sudanese people endured. These complex factors, coupled with increased interest in Sudan's resources by imperialist nations, further deepened ambitions and triggered various forms of conflict aimed at seizing those resources. Internal factions representing external interests clashed, leading to the displacement and refuge of more than 700,000 individuals, with thousands losing their lives or being injured (though precise statistics are unavailable).
Dr. Abla provided insights into the ongoing situation, highlighting the transgressions and violations taking place on the ground. She emphasized the deepening crisis driven by international actors who disregard the interests of the Sudanese people and aim to incite conflict for the purpose of seizing Sudan's valuable resources.
During her presentation, Zuayter drew attention to several pressing issues arising from the devastating events in Sudan. She specifically highlighted the problem of food scarcity among refugees, internally displaced individuals, and the population who have chosen to remain in their cities and villages. Another significant concern is the challenge of ensuring secure access to resources for the Sudanese people, which will have adverse effects on both the crop and livestock sectors of the agricultural industry. This impact will not only be felt within Sudan but also extend to neighboring countries that heavily rely on Sudanese agricultural exports.
Zuayter called for an end to the shedding of Sudanese blood and the preservation of the unity of Sudan's territorial integrity. She emphasized the importance of not using Sudan's lands as a battleground for foreign interests, particularly by regional powers seeking to undermine neighboring countries and deepen their water and food blockade. She also stressed the need to provide support and food assistance to those in need without discrimination. Zuayter emphasized the international responsibility to implement the Framework for Action for Food Security in Protracted Crises (FFA), adopted by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), to address the immediate humanitarian needs of Sudanese people and those present on Sudanese territory, and to contribute to peace-building through food security and nutrition.
To read the ILPS statement released following the dialogue, click here.