Africa under strain: Genocide fears in Sudan, Trump threatens military action in Nigeria

Thousands remain trapped in Al-Fashir as Sudan’s civil war worsens

Sudan is facing one of its darkest moments as reports of ethnic massacres emerge from the war-torn Darfur region. 

Sudanese journalist Abdullah Hussein described the situation as a 'genocide', citing thousands killed in the city of Al-Fashir after it fell under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"The reports and the estimations suggest that on the 26th and the 27th [October], more than 2,000 people have been killed inside the city of Al-Fashir. The city holds about 250,000 people who are besieged by the support forces in the city. So far, the people who managed to flee the city were about 70,000. That leaves us with nearly 180,000 people who are still trapped in the city of Al-Fashir."

Hussein says the trapped civilians are without food or medicine, while international powers have been slow to respond. 

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has been accused of supplying weapons to the RSF.

"There have been reports, confirmed reports, that the RSF is being backed by the UAE and the UK, the US and several major countries.

"There have been multiple reports, multiple pictures, multiple videos showing pretty well Abu Dhabi weapons with their markers on boxes with the RSF, their uniform, their weaponry, even some documents for Emirati soldiers. So, no one can deny at this moment the involvement of the UAE in this matter.

"Some of the analysts from the US expressed their concerns earlier this week, saying that if the UAE stopped supporting the RSF, this war could have ended in a matter of days."

Observers warn the US may be using faith-based rhetoric for strategic gain

In Nigeria, tensions have increased following US President Donald Trump's threat of military action, as he accused the Nigerian government of not adequately protecting Christians from extremist attacks.

Nigerian journalist Wale Fatade says that, while Christians have been targeted, Muslims have also suffered from terrorist violence by groups such as Boko Haram. 

"The attacks are pretty much localised to certain areas, but the fact remains that Christians are under attack by terrorists. Other religious groups are under attack as well.

"These are jihadists that have been attacking villages, attacking Christians, killing people. 

"The failure of the government is in not protecting its own citizens very well, which is basically the duty of the government, the protection of lives and property. The Nigerian government has persistently been failing.

"Our government actually needs to prove President Trump wrong. The only way you can prove him wrong is by action. That's the only credible response. Step up and protect your citizens."

Observers have warned that Washington’s sudden concern for Nigeria may have less to do with religious freedom and more with strategic interests in Africa’s resource-rich Sahel region.

They suggested that framing the issue as religious persecution could be a geopolitical pretext for Western influence in countries increasingly aligning with Russia.

To listen to Hussain and Fatade in conversation 702's Clement Manyathela, use the audio player below: