In 2019, a popular uprising ended 30 years of dictatorship. But protestors’ aspirations of democracy and a return to civilian rule were soon betrayed. The military hijacked the transitional government before disintegrating into violence, as former allies vied for power. From Khartoum, the violence spread, engulfing much of the country.
 
The impact on ordinary Sudanese is staggering. Violence and extreme shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel have displaced 13 million people. In a country where hunger is frequently a weapon of war, half the population (26 million) suffer acute food insecurity, and 8.5 million people face famine. Fanned by the ambitions of internal actors and external economic and political interests, peace remains elusive.
 
Together with a distinguished panel of experts, we unpick the complexities of Sudan’s unfolding crisis. We will discuss the roots of the war; analyse its key players and discover the internal and external factors fuelling the conflict. We will consider the war’s impact on the wider region, as well as the effects of an international community distracted by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Finally, we will discussing potential futures and outline which role – if any – the Netherlands and its citizens can play in ending the crisis.

This evening will be a book presentation, followed by a discussion on migration, history, memory, and food, with scholars Alma Igra and Matthijs Lok, moderated by Marta Morvillo.