The New Yorker Radio Hour: The Unfolding Genocide in Sudan

Host: David Remnick
Reporter: Nicholas Niarchos
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Unfolding Genocide in Sudan," David Remnick brings to light the harrowing civil war in Sudan, a conflict the U.S. State Department has designated as genocide. Despite its severity, the crisis has remained underreported compared to other global conflicts. Nicholas Niarchos, a seasoned contributor to The New Yorker, provides an in-depth exploration of the situation, offering firsthand accounts from war-torn regions.

Background of the Conflict

The civil war in Sudan, reignited in April 2023, involves a fierce battle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by billionaire Mohammed de Galo, also known as Hemeti. Former allies, these factions now occupy different territories, leading to widespread destruction and atrocities, especially targeting Sudan's black ethnic groups. According to Human Rights Watch, the conflict has resulted in over 9,000 civilian deaths and displaced more than 5 million people in the past two years.

Nicholas Niarchos recounts his arduous journey to the conflict zone:

“I joined up with a Human Rights Watch team and flew to South Sudan. And then we took trucks for five days through rebel territory, crossing the border.” [00:01:46]

Journey to the Nuba Mountains

Niarchos's reporting took him to the El Hilu refugee camp in the Nuba Mountains, a region of strategic and symbolic significance to the Nuba people. The mountains have historically provided a sanctuary, allowing the Nuba to resist genocidal forces by hiding among the peaks.

Upon arrival, Niarchos describes the stark contrast between the serene landscape and the grim realities faced by the inhabitants:

“You start seeing the children with their distended bellies. And you start hearing the stories of the people who fled.” [00:03:28]

The refugees, including families like Wanis and Intisar, have endured traumatic journeys, fleeing their homes to seek safety in the mountains. Wanis, a former courier and community pillar, shares his harrowing experience:

“They brought my mother in front of me, and they raped her because they want to see how I react if I am a soldier. So it will bring... Maybe bring guns or something like that. I just kept quiet, and they were raping her.” [00:15:02]

Key Players and Their Motivations

The conflict's roots trace back to power struggles following the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A transitional government emerged, offering hope for peace after decades of civil wars and dictatorships. However, power dynamics shifted when the RSF, led by Hemeti—a former camel herder turned military leader notorious for his role in the Darfur genocide—attempted a coup to seize control in Khartoum [00:04:17].

Hemeti, leveraging his wealth from gold mining and control over vital supply routes, amassed significant power, becoming a billionaire in the process. His rivalry with General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, head of the Sudanese army, culminated in open conflict. According to Niarchos:

“There was this great animosity that developed between both Burhan... and Hemetti... it was basically as if Hemetti... was not allowed into the country club.” [00:07:56]

This personal and power-driven conflict has exacerbated ethnic tensions, with the predominantly Arab leadership oppressing Sudan's black ethnic groups in regions like Darfur and Kordofan [00:08:25].

Human Impact and Atrocities

The civil war has unleashed widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and systemic displacement. Niarchos highlights that sexual violence is systematically used by RSF troops as a means of terrorizing and controlling the population. A Sudanese civil society activist explains:

“Rape was used as a way of rewarding troops... there’s a toxic mix of both supremacist ideology and a culture of giving spoils to troops in lieu of paying them.” [00:13:58]

Survivors recount traumatic experiences, underscoring the brutality of the conflict:

“They will kill you like dogs.” [00:12:16]

The refugee crisis is dire, with approximately 1 million people seeking refuge in the Nuba Mountains and tens of millions suffering from malnutrition and lack of basic necessities [00:13:05].

International Response and Challenges

Efforts to quell the conflict have been largely ineffective. The U.S. has attempted to support peace negotiations, but both the Sudanese army and RSF remain uninterested in dialogue. Nicholas Niarchos notes:

“It has been fairly futile because the Sudanese armed forces don't really want to negotiate. Neither do the RSF.” [00:16:15]

Sanctions against countries like the UAE or Saudi Arabia, which are believed to back the RSF, could potentially alter the conflict's trajectory, but Niarchos expresses skepticism about such measures in the near future [00:16:39].

Additionally, cuts to local aid organizations, exacerbated by previous U.S. administration policies, have worsened the humanitarian crisis. While the U.S. State Department has maintained some aid, grassroots organizations have suffered significant funding losses, impacting food distribution and essential services [00:17:04].

Prospects for Resolution

The outlook for peace in Sudan remains bleak. A U.S. official described the conflict as a "fight to the death," indicating that deep-seated animosities between Burhan and Hemeti leave little room for compromise [00:18:03]. Niarchos suggests that without substantial intervention, Sudan may continue to experience increasing violence and humanitarian suffering [00:18:27].

Proposals for a United Nations peacekeeping mission have been floated, aiming to prevent further genocidal violence. However, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of such missions, which historically often only temporarily halt conflicts without addressing underlying issues [00:19:16].

Conclusion

Nicholas Niarchos's reporting from Sudan paints a grim picture of a nation torn apart by power struggles, ethnic tensions, and relentless violence. The lack of international intervention and the internal intransigence of Sudan’s leaders suggest that the conflict may continue to escalate, deepening the humanitarian crisis. As the global community grapples with numerous crises, the Sudanese genocide remains a pressing yet under-addressed tragedy.

For further reading, refer to Niarchos's article, "Escape from Khartoum," available at newyorker.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicholas Niarchos [00:15:02]:
  “They brought my mother in front of me, and they raped her because they want to see how I react if I am a soldier. So it will bring... Maybe bring guns or something like that. I just kept quiet, and they were raping her.”

• Wanis [00:12:16]:
  “God, be patient, because they'll kill you too. It's appalling to hear, and there doesn't seem to be anyone to defend them from these atrocities.”

• Nicholas Niarchos [00:16:39]:
  “Well, the day that the US puts sanctions on the UAE or on Saudi Arabia is the way that this conflict will probably change. But I don't see that coming.”

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for readers who have not listened to it, capturing the essential discussions and poignant testimonies surrounding the Sudanese genocide.