The Sudan Crisis of recent years has sparked global concern due to its multifaceted humanitarian, political, and economic dimensions. Marked by civil unrest, violence, and mass displacement, the crisis has drawn attention to the plight of millions caught in the crossfire of conflict and instability. Amidst this turmoil, Operation Kaveri emerges as a beacon of hope, representing international efforts to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the region. Through a combination of diplomatic initiatives, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping endeavors, Operation Kaveri aims to address the root causes of the Sudan Crisis while providing essential support to those most affected by its repercussions. As the international community mobilizes to confront the challenges facing Sudan, Operation Kaveri stands as a testament to the collective commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Tags: GS Paper – 2, Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
For Prelims: Red Sea, Nile River, Sudan Crisis, Operation Kaveri, Rapid Support Forces
For Mains: Factors contributing to the crisis in Sudan, and the possible implications for India’s foreign policy in the region.
Context:
- India has initiated ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate its nationals due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
- Approximately 3,000 Indians are stranded in different regions of Sudan, including the capital Khartoum and remote provinces like Darfur.
Operation Kaveri:
- Operation Kaveri serves as the codename for India’s evacuation mission aimed at repatriating its citizens stranded in Sudan amidst escalating conflicts between the army and a rival paramilitary force.
- The operation entailed the deployment of the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha, a stealth offshore patrol vessel, along with two Indian Air Force C-130J special operations aircraft kept on standby in Jeddah.
- Approximately 2,800 Indian nationals are currently in Sudan, with an additional settled Indian community of about 1,200 residing in the country.
The Current Crisis in Sudan:
Background:
- The conflict in Sudan stems from the ousting of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir by military generals in April 2019, following widespread protests.
- Subsequently, an agreement between the military and protesters led to the establishment of a power-sharing body called the Sovereignty Council, tasked with leading Sudan to elections by the end of 2023.
- However, in October 2021, the military seized control once again, overthrowing the transitional government led by Abdalla Hamdok. This resulted in General Burhan assuming de-facto leadership, with Dagalo as his second-in-command.
Tussle between Army and RSF:
- Following the coup, a power struggle emerged between two military factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), disrupting the transition to elections.
- Although a preliminary deal was reached in December 2021 for a political transition, negotiations stalled over the integration of the RSF into the SAF, particularly concerning the timeline and security sector reforms.
- Tensions escalated over control of resources and the RSF’s integration, leading to clashes.
- Disagreements arose regarding the integration process of the 10,000-strong RSF into the army and which authority should oversee it. Dagalo advocated for a 10-year delay in integration, while the army proposed a two-year timeline
What is RSF:
- The RSF, originally formed from Janjaweed militias, emerged from the conflict in the 2000s in Darfur, WestSudan, near the Chad border. Established in 2013, it initially served as border guards.
- In 2015, it joined Sudan’s army in sending troops to Yemen to support Saudi and Emirati forces.
- Operating not only in Darfur but also in regions like South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, the RSF has faced accusations of human rights abuses, earning descriptions such as “men with no mercy” in a 2015 report by Human Rights Watch.
The Repercussions of the Current Crisis:
- The battle between the army and RSF has exacerbated Sudan’s already challenging transition to democracy, potentially leading to broader conflict and the country’s collapse.
- Compounding this issue is Sudan’s struggling economy, which faces hyperinflation and substantial foreign debt. International support and debt relief, previously allocated, were frozen following the ousting of the Hamdok government.
- Given Sudan’s location bordering seven countries, the conflict poses a risk of spillover into neighbouring nations, particularly Chad and South Sudan.
- This instability could prompt significant external intervention, with refugees from Sudan’s contested areas already seeking refuge in Chad.
What are the Evacuation Operations carried out by India?
- Operation Ganga (2022): It is an evacuation mission to bring back all the Indian nationals who are currently stranded in Ukraine. The tensions between Russia and Ukraine are currently heightened, with war erupting in Ukraine after the Russian military launched a series of attacks recently.
- Operation Devi Shakti (2021): Operation Devi Shakti was India’s complex mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul after its swift takeover by the Taliban.
- Vande Bharat (2020): When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, the Centre launched the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back Indian citizens stranded in foreign countries. In the multiple phases of the operation, about 60 lakh Indians were brought back as on 30th April, 2021.
- Operation Samudra Setu (2020): It was a naval operation as part of the national effort to bring home Indian citizens from overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic. It successfully brought back 3,992 Indian citizens to their homeland by sea. Indian Naval ships Jalashwa (Landing Platform Dock), and Airavat, Shardul and Magar (Landing Ship Tanks) participated in this operation which lasted over 55 days and involved traversing more than 23,000 km by sea.
- Evacuation from Brussels (2016): In March 2016, Belgium was hit by terrorist strikes at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, and one at Maalbeek Metro station in central Brussels. A total of 242 Indians, including 28 crew members, returned to India in a Jet Airways flight.
- Operation Raahat (2015): In 2015, a conflict raged between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels. Thousands of Indians were stranded and Yemen was not accessible by air due to a no-fly zone announced by Saudi Arabia. Under Operation Raahat, India evacuated nearly 5,600 people from Yemen.
- Operation Maitri (2015): It is the joint relief and rescue operation by the Indian government and the Indian Armed forces in the aftershock of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The joint Army-Air Force operation brought over 5,000 Indians back from Nepal by Air Force and civilian planes. The Indian army successfully evacuated 170 foreign nationals from the US, the UK, Russia and Germany.
- Operation Safe Homecoming (2011): India launched ‘Operation Homecoming’ to bring back Indian citizens stranded in conflict-torn Libya. Under the operation, India evacuated 15,400 Indian nationals. The air-sea operation was conducted by the Indian Navy and Air India.
- Operation Sukoon (2006): As Israel and Lebanon broke into military conflict in July 2006, India rescued its stranded citizens by launching this operation, which is now famously known as the ‘Beirut Sealift’. It was the largest naval rescue mission since the ‘Dunkirk’ evacuation. The task force evacuated about 2,280 people including some Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals between 19th July and 1st August 2006.
- 1990 Kuwait Airlift (1990): In 1990, when 1,00,000 Iraqi soldiers armed with 700 tanks marched into Kuwait, the royals and VIPs had fled to Saudi Arabia. The general public was left behind to fend for themselves. Over 1,70,000 of those stranded in Kuwait were Indians. India kicked off the evacuation process in which over 1,70,000 Indians were airlifted and repatriated to India.
Way Forward:
- India has diversified its energy sources by cultivating relations with oil-rich African states like Sudan, Nigeria, and Angola, reducing dependency solely on West Asian countries.
- Protecting investments, trade, and other interests in the Horn of Africa, including Sudan, is crucial for India. The Red Sea region holds significance in India’s maritime security strategy.
- Given the established Indo-Sudanese ties and Sudan’s strategic location, India must safeguard its trade, investments, and interests in the region before considering recognition of any new regime.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q:1 Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts? (2018)
- Angola and Zambia
- Morocco and Tunisia
- Venezuela and Colombia
- Yemen and South Sudan
Ans: (d)
FAQs
Q: What is the Sudan Crisis?
The Sudan Crisis refers to the ongoing political and humanitarian turmoil in Sudan, which has been marked by civil unrest, violence, and instability. It began in December 2018 with protests against the government of then-President Omar al-Bashir and has since evolved into a complex crisis involving various political, economic, and social factors.
Q: What is Operation Kaveri?
Operation Kaveri is a multinational peacekeeping mission led by the United Nations aimed at stabilizing the situation in Sudan. It involves troops from several countries, including India, which has played a significant role in the peacekeeping efforts. The mission focuses on providing security, protecting civilians, and supporting the political transition in Sudan.
Q: What are the objectives of Operation Kaveri?
The primary objectives of Operation Kaveri include:
- Protecting civilians: Ensuring the safety and security of civilians caught in conflict zones and displaced populations.
- Supporting political transition: Assisting Sudan in its transition to a more stable and democratic government.
- Maintaining peace and stability: Preventing further violence and instability in Sudan through peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution.
- Humanitarian assistance: Providing aid and support to address the humanitarian needs of affected populations, including access to food, shelter, and healthcare.
Q: How has India contributed to Operation Kaveri?
India has made significant contributions to Operation Kaveri by deploying troops and resources to support the peacekeeping mission in Sudan. The Indian Armed Forces have provided personnel for tasks such as patrolling, protecting civilians, and assisting in humanitarian efforts. Additionally, India has offered logistical support and expertise to enhance the effectiveness of the mission.
Q: What are the challenges facing Operation Kaveri in addressing the Sudan Crisis?
Operation Kaveri faces several challenges in addressing the Sudan Crisis, including:
- Security threats: The presence of armed groups and ongoing conflict pose significant security challenges to peacekeeping efforts.
- Political instability: Sudan’s transition to a stable government is complicated by political divisions and power struggles, which can impede progress towards peace and reconciliation.
- Humanitarian needs: The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, with millions of people in need of assistance due to conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.
- International support: Ensuring sustained international support and cooperation is essential for the success of Operation Kaveri and long-term stability in Sudan.
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