The heavens weep as humanity watches Sudan starve
Let us not mince words — this is not a natural disaster; it is a crime against humanity, unfolding in slow motion, a damning indictment of our collective moral bankruptcy.
Sudan is a nation ravaged by internal strife, a battleground where the spoils are power and the currency is human suffering. Decades of misrule, the cynical exploitation of ethnic divisions and the insatiable greed of warlords have brought
The current conflict, a brutal dance of death between rival factions, is merely the latest act in a long-running tragedy, a tragedy fueled by the same forces that have historically bled Africa dry: the lust for control and callous disregard for human life. To ignore this history is to misunderstand the present, to treat the symptoms while ignoring the festering wound.
The
The rains, which should bring relief, will instead transform the land into an impassable quagmire, turning refugee camps into death traps and sealing the fate of those already clinging to the precipice of survival. This is not a natural disaster; it is a calculated atrocity, a crime for which there must be accountability.
The world's response has been a shameful whisper where a deafening roar of outrage is required. Pledges of aid remain unfulfilled and diplomatic efforts are as feeble as they are ineffectual. We must abandon the language of polite diplomacy and speak the blunt truth — those who perpetuate this conflict, those who obstruct aid, those who turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Sudanese people are complicit in this impending famine.
Therefore, we demand immediate and decisive action:
An immediate and rigorously monitored ceasefire:
The warring factions, Generals Burhan and Hemedti, must be compelled to lay down their arms unconditionally and prioritise the survival of the Sudanese people above their personal ambitions. This must be done through the imposition of targeted international sanctions freezing their assets and restricting their movements, coupled with the credible threat of prosecution by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and obstruction of aid.
The urgent establishment of fully protected and internationally guaranteed humanitarian corridors:
These corridors, secured by UN peacekeepers if necessary, must ensure the safe and unimpeded passage of life-saving aid — food, water, medicine — to all affected populations, without the consent or interference of the warring parties. Any obstruction must be met with swift and decisive international repercussions.
A massive and immediate mobilisation of financial and logistical resources, spearheaded by the AU and the UN:
Wealthy nations and international financial institutions must immediately release earmarked and readily disbursable funds, bypassing bureaucratic delays, to bolster the efforts of the World Food Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other frontline humanitarian organisations. This must be accompanied by the urgent deployment of logistical support — military transport aircraft, trucks and experienced personnel — to pre-position supplies before the rainy season isolates entire regions. African nations with logistical capabilities must take a leading role in this effort, demonstrating continental solidarity.
A unified and forceful diplomatic offensive, led by the AU, with the full backing of the UN Security Council:
The AU must convene an emergency summit to forge a cohesive African strategy, leveraging the influence of regional leaders to pressure the warring factions. The Security Council must move beyond mere statements and adopt binding resolutions that impose concrete consequences for the perpetuation of violence and the obstruction of aid, including targeted sanctions and arms embargoes. External actors who are seen to be fueling the conflict must be unequivocally condemned and held accountable.
A long-term commitment to inclusive governance and development:
While addressing the immediate crisis is paramount, the international community, particularly African nations, must commit to a sustained effort to support a genuinely inclusive political transition in Sudan, one that addresses the root causes of marginalisation and inequality. This includes investing in sustainable development, strengthening civil society and ensuring accountability for past and present human rights abuses.
The Sudanese people deserve the right to self-determination, the right to live free from violence and hunger. The approaching rains are not just a meteorological event; they are a deadline for action, a test of our collective conscience. Will we stand idly by as Sudan is consumed by famine or will we rise up with the fierce and unwavering determination that this moment demands? The world is watching. History is judging. Let us not fail this test of our shared humanity.
Lindani Zungu is a Mandela Rhodes scholar pursuing a master's in political studies while serving as the editor-in-chief of the youth-oriented publication,
Voices of Mzansi
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mail & Guardian
an hour ago
- Mail & Guardian
Nicaragua Celebrates 46 Years of Sandinista Revolution in Pretoria
The Embassy of Nicaragua in South Africa hosted a vibrant commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the Sandinista Popular Revolution at its Waterkloof premises. The event, attended by dignitaries including ambassadors and diplomats from Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Sahrawi Republic and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the ANC, SACP, and South African youth organisations, marked a historic reflection on Nicaragua's transformative journey since 19 July 1979. H.E. Ambassador Danilo Chang Cash opened the event with a stirring address, emphasising the revolution's enduring legacy of justice, freedom, and dignity. He highlighted Nicaragua's strides in social equity, noting the revolution's role in fostering hope and self-determination. 'The Sandinista Revolution reshaped Nicaragua, empowering communities and affirming our commitment to inclusive progress,' he stated. The keynote address by H.E. John Hodgson Deerings, Presidential Advisor for Nicaragua's Southern Caribbean Coast and parliamentarian, provided a detailed recounting of the revolution's history and its profound impact. He underscored the autonomy granted to the Caribbean Coast's Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, including the Miskitu, Mayagna, Rama, Ulwa, Garífuna, and Creole peoples. 'The Statute of Autonomy has preserved ancestral cultures and empowered these communities to shape their future,' Deerings said. He cited significant achievements: over 30% of Nicaragua's territory is now legally recognized as communal property, ensuring sustainable resource use and cultural preservation. Deerings also detailed Nicaragua's developmental strides under the National Plan to Fight Poverty. Primary education coverage exceeds 97%, illiteracy has dropped to 4.5%, and life expectancy has risen to 75 years. Maternal mortality has decreased by 58% since 2006, and 99% of the population enjoys electricity access, with 80% from renewable sources. Women's leadership thrives, with over 50% parliamentary representation, ranking Nicaragua fourth globally. The event concluded with refreshments and renewed calls for solidarity with South Africa, Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine, and Iran, reinforcing Nicaragua's commitment to global justice and cooperation.
Mail & Guardian
an hour ago
- Mail & Guardian
‘Some MK members jealous of Duduzile and my relationship with Zuma'
MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. (@NhlamuloNdhlela/X) uMkhonto weSizwe ( The party's constitution stipulates that those in parliament cannot have full-time positions, but Ndhlela is also a legislator and a member of MK's 'high command'. Former party leader Jabulani Khumalo and former secretary general Ndhlela and Sambudla-Zuma have also been accused of being rude to other members and although Zuma has been happy in removing others accused of similar transgressions, the two have not been disciplined. Some party members have also accused them of behaving as if they are founding members of the MK party who cannot be told what to do. In an interview with the Mail & Guardian, Ndhlela said since the formation of the party on 16 December 2023, there had been a coordinated attack on him and Zuma-Sambudla. The two are believed to be the leaders of the so-called 16 December faction of the party, which claims to represent its founders rather than those who joined from other political movements after the This faction says these 'incompetent' newcomers have been elevated to senior positions, sidelining founding MK members. 'From day one, if you recall, there were three faces in the announcement of uMkhonto weSizwe. It was president Zuma, Dudu and I handling the media in terms of the questions and answer session.'. Before the 2024 elections there had been no internal party friction, Ndhlela said. 'So you can tell it's a coordinated attack on Dudu and Nhlamulo, after that they said we are in a relationship and now they are saying we are disruptive and that's a lie.' Ndhlela has also been accused by Shivambu of taking drugs. Without mentioning her name, Shivambu accused Zuma-Sambudla of posting on social media and insulting him while drunk. This was after she, in February, wrote on X that Shivambu was 'the worst thing that happened to MK', describing him as 'useless'. She also posted 'Fuck you Floyd', although she did not tag Shivambu in any of her posts. Zuma-Sambudla had to apologise and the party assured its members and the public that she would appear before the disciplinary committee, but this, according to insiders, has not been done. Ndhlela has also been accused by the party's MPs of being the author of a fake letter leaked to news channel eNCA, which claimed that the party's caucus in parliament was calling for its chief whip, Some insiders said Ndhela had done this to counter a letter the party's deputy president and parliamentary leader, Hlophe accused Ndhlela of repeated instances of being rude, arrogant and dismissive of communication toward parliamentary members and senior leaders, undermining the dignity and collaborative spirit needed in the whippery team. He also accused him of creating divisions among parliamentary members through perceived factional and counterproductive behaviour. Ndhlela said on television that he had not been removed as the party's whip of communication in parliament. He said Hlophe's letter was fake. Hlophe then held a briefing to clarify that the letter was authentic and Ndhlela had removed as a whip. Sources said Sambudla‑Zuma and Ndhela had also approached Zuma in a bid to influence him and to disparage Makhubele and Hlophe, but Zuma 'wouldn't hear anything of it'. Earlier this month, the M&G reported that the party was set to discussZuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela's conduct, but sources said this has not happened. Ndhlela told the M&G that Shivambu — who has since been axed as secretary general over an unsanctioned trip to Malawi — was among those who had coordinated the attack on Sambudla-Zuma and himself. 'At one point, she's taking drugs, then I'm taking drugs, you can just tell it's character assassination to try and drive a wedge between ourselves and the president so they can actually go for the kill,' he said. Asked if Ndhlela had appeared before him following the remarks by Hlophe, MK party disciplinary chair Ndhlela said: 'There's no need for a [hearing]. I resigned as a whip long after what was alleged to have happened. I was a whip of communication under [Mzwanele] Manyi, I stepped down under Manyi to give her [Makhubele] the whip of communication. I wanted to step away from the whippery and they requested that I stay in the whippery but deputise her, which I accepted.'
Mail & Guardian
3 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
South Africa seeks new export markets as US tariff looms
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola (left) and Minister of Trade Parks Tau (right) during a briefing on Monday. (DIRCO) South Africa is preparing to diversify its export markets in response to the looming 30% tariff imposed by the US, which government officials say will cost jobs and shave 0.2% off economic growth. The country is one of several facing punitive tariffs from the US as it moves to protect its own manufacturers and labour force. 'The 'We have been strengthening trade and investment partnerships with various trade partners. These efforts are bearing fruit, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas.' 'South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation rather than mimic extractive colonial-era trade patterns,' Lamola said, adding that talks with Washington were ongoing, with the government applying a principled approach through diplomatic channels. He said the 30% tariff had been factored into economic projections, with economists estimating a 0.2% reduction in growth. 'This depends on our ability to find alternative markets. Notably, 35% of exports remain exempted from the tariffs.' The director general in the trade department, Simphiwe Hamilton, said approximately 30 000 jobs would be at risk once the tariffs kick in. Lamola said value addition and beneficiation have been the government's priorities in its proposed trade framework, adding that its relationship with the US must be 'mutually beneficial and respectful'. The country is also pursuing other options including a clean energy trade and investment partnership with the EU, which has unlocked a R90 billion investment package for the export of sustainable aviation fuel by Sasol and of hybrid and electric vehicles. 'We've made significant progress in opening up vast new markets, like China and Thailand, securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others. With China alone being a $200 billion market, we are confidently expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for our agricultural producers,' Lamola said. 'Our government has not been idle; we are proactively and collaboratively diversifying our trade portfolio.' He said under the coordinated leadership of the presidency, the department of international relations and cooperation and that of trade, industry and competition, South Africa was 'making significant inroads into new, high-growth markets across Asia and the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia'. Trade minister Parks Tau told the same briefing that calls from some South Africans urging the country not to negotiate with Washington were irresponsible, while conceding that the US had not responded to the country's proposals. 'We can only make an offer, sit and wait, and hope. That is the reality,' Tau said. Asked about the potential for increased trade with China, Tau said negotiations were ongoing through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. China has offered a memorandum of understanding on green energy and industrialisation. Lamola said diversification efforts would include exporters collaborating to develop infrastructure, share market intelligence and coordinate activities to improve competitiveness. 'These efforts can help achieve economies of scale and efficiencies that enable them to be competitive,' he said. The department of trade, industry and competition has set up an export support desk as part of a diversification strategy 'to create resilience' in the economy. The desk is collaborating with export councils, industry associations and major exporters to the US to assist in accessing alternative markets. On Monday, acting deputy director for export in the trade department, Willem van der Spuy, said producers, mostly from the Western Cape, had been requesting clarity on when the tariffs would take effect and what support measures were in place. 'The issue is to create resilience in our international trade environment. And through this support desk, we will add practical areas of cooperation. We will link them up with embassies, we will link them up with potential buyers, we will take the journey with them in terms of the trade barriers,' Van der Spuy said. Lamola said the desk would 'provide updates, advisory services, guidance on market entry and linkages to South African embassies and high commissions'. According to Tau, the tariffs also presented an opportunity to accelerate implementation of the Lamola echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa's view that South African In his weekly He cited citrus exports as an example: 'They are counter-seasonal and don't threaten US production. The US sector has been in decline due to factors unrelated to imports — such as disease and low yields. Our citrus fills that gap.' South African firms also invest heavily in the US, including in mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food, said Ramaphosa, adding that this makes the country the largest African investor in the US. Tau said Wednesday's cabinet meeting would finalise the export support package.
