The Rachman Review Sudan: inside the world’s worst humanitarian crisis
Jan 15, 2026
Kholood Khair, a Sudanese political analyst, and Alex de Waal, a renowned expert on Sudan and Director of the World Peace Foundation, delve into the devastating humanitarian crisis engulfing Sudan. They discuss the staggering loss of life, widespread famine, and the role of external powers like the UAE and Egypt in fueling the conflict. The duo highlights grassroots responses from local communities and stresses the need for a shift towards civilian governance and resource sharing to achieve lasting peace.
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Violence Documented By Perpetrators And Satellites
- RSF used social media and their own videos that document ethnic targeting and callous violence.
- Satellite imagery and reports indicate ethnically targeted door-to-door killings, especially against the Zagawa.
RSF As A Transnational Mercenary Force
- Alex de Waal sees a spirit of cruelty and a mercenary-like RSF seeking to remake Sudan through violence.
- He links this to a historical pattern of warlord mercenary behavior in the Nile Valley.
Global Outrage Did Not Produce Action
- Global attention spiked after El Fashir but translated into little concrete action.
- The international system shows increasing immunity to large-scale violence, reducing effective responses.