Chatham House: West Must Prioritize Ending Sudan War
Fears Sudan could become haven for terrorists and illegal migration
Chatham House: West Must Prioritize Ending Sudan War – Fears Sudan could become haven for terrorists and illegal migration- Khartoum Highlight – London
Chatham House warned Sudan’s war risks tearing the country apart and destabilizing the region, urging Western nations to act now. In a 9 September commentary, Rosalind Marsden said Sudan faces the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over 14 million displaced. She noted Sudan lacks global attention despite the scale of suffering, stressing the crisis poses direct humanitarian and strategic risks. Marsden warned of Russian naval base plans in the Red Sea, growing Iranian influence in Port Sudan, and terrorist haven threats. She added Sudan could become a source of irregular migration to Europe, raising fears of wider instability beyond its borders.
Crisis Beyond Sudan’s Borders
The report said the conflict is now regional. Marsden explained it threatens to create an instability corridor from the Sahel to the Middle East. She described the war as a “counter-revolutionary war,” an effort to bury the 2018 revolution’s democratic achievements.
Civilians at the Forefront
Marsden highlighted resilience among Sudanese youth and women, many now volunteering in emergency rooms to deliver aid. She also pointed to the “Somoud” coalition led by Abdalla Hamdok, Sudan’s broadest anti-war civilian alliance, facing major challenges. The group struggles to expand popular support and counter propaganda linking it to the Rapid Support Forces.
Mediation and US Role
Marsden criticized exclusion of civilians from mediation, blaming Arab rivalries for paralyzing global peace efforts. She stressed no quick fix should be sought: “A power-sharing deal between Burhan and Hemedti will not bring lasting peace.” She urged renewed US engagement, saying Washington is the only power able to press its regional allies to stop fueling the war.
Risks of Prolonged Conflict
Marsden cited Burhan’s recent Swiss meeting with US envoy Masad Boulos under Qatari mediation, but warned of little progress. She said both warring parties are preparing for a drawn-out war, rearming and recruiting thousands of new fighters. Marsden concluded Sudan risks a decade-long conflict: “This scenario would devastate Sudan and harm regional and global interests.”
