Sudan is facing one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century. Yet despite the scale of suffering, it has failed to command sustained global attention.
Millions have been displaced. Hunger is spreading. Basic services have collapsed across much of the country. For many civilians – especially women, children, and minority communities – daily life has become a struggle for survival.
And yet, Sudan remains on the margins of international focus.
This reality was brought into sharp focus during recent meetings in Brussels, where Sudanese political figure Khalid Omar Youssef briefed members of the European Parliament following the Berlin Summit.
Youssef acknowledged the efforts made by the European Union, particularly in mobilizing humanitarian assistance and supporting international initiatives. These efforts have been vital for those affected by the conflict.
But his message also carried a warning: Humanitarian aid, while essential, is not enough.
The growing crisis in Sudan
The crisis in Sudan is not only about immediate suffering – it is also the result of unresolved political dynamics that continue to drive instability. Without addressing these underlying issues, the humanitarian situation is unlikely to improve in any lasting way.
One of the factors highlighted in this context is the role of Islamist networks, particularly elements associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. According to Youssef, these groups have played a disruptive role by influencing political and military dynamics, complicating peace efforts, and prolonging instability.
Their links to broader regional networks, including connections with Iran, add another layer of concern. In this regard, calls have been made to designate such groups as terrorist organizations, in line with measures already adopted in some international contexts.
Sudan’s recent history explains much of the current reality. The 2019 revolution created hope for a new political direction, one that would move away from decades of authoritarian rule. But that momentum was disrupted in 2021, when a military intervention halted the transition and deepened divisions.
Since then, the situation has steadily deteriorated.
The challenge of addressing the crisis
Youssef stressed the need for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, as well as stronger coordination among international actors to support a political solution. He pointed to existing diplomatic frameworks, including the Quartet’s roadmap, as potential paths forward – if backed by sustained international commitment.
The challenge, however, goes beyond frameworks.
Sudan’s crisis highlights a broader pattern in global response: attention often shifts toward conflicts with more direct geopolitical visibility, while others – no matter how severe – receive less consistent engagement.
This does not reduce their urgency. If anything, it makes the consequences more severe. Delayed or fragmented responses allow crises to deepen, making recovery more difficult and more costly over time.
The discussions in Brussels reflect a growing recognition of this gap.
European policymakers expressed solidarity with the Sudanese population and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace, democracy, and stability. But the effectiveness of that commitment will depend on what follows.
For Sudan, time matters. The longer the crisis continues without a comprehensive response, the greater the human toll will be. Addressing immediate needs is critical – but so is ensuring that the conditions for long-term stability are not overlooked.
Sudan’s tragedy is not only in its scale. It is in how long it has been allowed to unfold without the attention it demands.
The writer is the CEO of the Dona Gracia Center for Diplomacy and an Israel-based journalist.