Sudan’s Children… Born Under the ``Sign of Wars``
Khalid Massa
Since the outbreak of the war in April and the formation of positions regarding it, one can clearly observe an interest among some parties in genetically modifying the stance of those who chose "No to War." This modification attempts to shift the position from opposing the war itself to siding with one faction or another, despite the clarity of those who believe that advocating for an end to the war does not necessarily mean returning to the pre-war status quo as if nothing happened since April 15, 2023.
Adopting a neutral stance on the war or standing in the "gray zones" is morally ambiguous. Such positions often represent an easy way out for those unwilling to bear the responsibility of the consequences. Even more morally obscure is framing the war in Sudan as a contest with spectators divided into opposing stands, disregarding the devastating costs of this "game" on the country and its people.
From the seats of the "wreckage theater," one can observe the scenes of war and calculate its costs, inevitably leading to a profound desire to support efforts to stop it—efforts that might salvage what remains of this homeland and restore some of its people’s dreams of freedom, peace, and justice.
The continuation of this war, which has consumed nearly two years of Sudan’s life, building upon the destruction left by past conflicts, contributes nothing to the future of the Sudanese state. Even before the war, Sudan’s situation was far from ideal, offering little promise to future generations. However, this war exacerbates the nations ruin, adding insult to injury.
The devastating impacts of war are evident to all, even to the least discerning eyes. Reports from international organizations concerned with children’s issues reveal alarming figures about Sudans future and its coming generations.
Hate Speech: The Ammunition Store of War
Hate speech, the arsenal fueling this war, has become the "milk" upon which children are now nourished. They absorb its values, repeat its terminology, and use it to understand a society shaped by war-mongers. This nurtures a new consciousness for the nation, one fundamentally reliant on ignorance.
When UNICEF reports that 90% of the 19 million school-aged children in Sudan have been deprived of education due to the war, it becomes clear that they have become easy prey for the curricula of hate. This will burn Sudans future just as it has burned its past and present.
The call to end the war must now focus on the thousands of children whose spirits are being charged with warlike emotions and whose understanding is shaped by the culture of conflict prevailing in their communities. These communities often fail to grasp the far-reaching consequences of such a culture on shaping Sudan’s future.
Around 4 million Sudanese children have been displaced by war, with 3 million forced to experience the horrors of internal displacement—a traumatic ordeal beyond their age and capacity. This experience significantly shapes their personalities and perceptions of the nation they belong to. Another million children or more have been driven into the complexities of asylum in neighboring countries, enduring challenges they are ill-prepared to face.
Children at the Mercy of War
The continuation of the war in Sudan inevitably increases the need for human resources, creating opportunities for violations such as the forced recruitment of children to fuel the conflict. The longer the war persists, the lower the ethical standards for dealing with children, and the higher the rates of violations they suffer.
War exacerbates the crises faced by those trapped in conflict zones, blocking humanitarian aid and preventing access to basic needs. It deprives organizations working on children’s issues of the ability to mitigate the worsening conditions, leaving children to suffer severe malnutrition, lack of clean water, absence of vaccines, and deteriorating mental health. UNICEF estimates that 240 million is needed to address these issues—a figure bound to rise as long as the war continues.
A Call to Action
The call to end the war is fundamentally a call to protect these children and Sudan’s future. It is an ethical and responsible stance against a crisis that leaves no room for neutrality or political exploitation.
No planning for Sudans future can overlook investing in its human capital. Ignoring the war’s toll on infrastructure, education, and child welfare undermines the foundation for nurturing a generation capable of transcending the hardships faced by previous ones.
The rhetoric of war offers no solutions to these crises, particularly their impact on children. It is preoccupied with its self-centered desires, even at the cost of sacrificing entire generations of Sudanese children as offerings to a vile conflict.
The Legacy of War-Born Generations
The rhetoric of war and hate fails to recognize Sudanese children and their suffering as a compelling reason to end the conflict. It disregards the national conscience, which must awaken to this disaster and act to save the seeds of Sudan’s salvation from the hellish cycle of wars.
This rhetoric emerges from generations nurtured on the same wars and fueled by their flames. These generations have endured similar experiences, despite the changes in dates and the similarities in circumstances. The voice of enlightenment has faltered, giving way to divisive rhetoric that perpetuates conflict.
They are, in essence, the "war-born generations," who have failed to learn from their bitter experiences with violence that the way out of Sudans dark tunnel will never be through the barrel of a gun or the rhetoric of hate.
