Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Applebaum recently shared her harrowing experiences in Sudan, a nation beset by conflict and chaos. During her visits, she witnessed the dire conditions resulting from a civil war that has led to a staggering death toll, surpassing that of both Gaza and Ukraine combined. Applebaum spoke with host Samantha Selinger-Morris on The Morning Edition podcast, detailing the overwhelming challenges faced by civilians amid the lawlessness created by warring militias.
On her two trips to Sudan this year, Applebaum navigated both sides of the key front line, primarily focusing on the regions of Darfur in the west and Khartoum in the north. She recounted her conversations with young Sudanese activists who formed a mutual aid group in response to the civil war that erupted in April 2023. These individuals, many of whom participated in the democracy movement that ousted a dictator in 2019, now engage in humanitarian efforts, providing food and essential support where non-governmental organizations have failed.
Applebaum highlighted a young man she met who had dreams of studying graphic design. His aspirations vanished overnight as the conflict escalated, illustrating how swiftly societal structures can collapse. “Civilization is a lot more fragile than we like to think,” Applebaum remarked, emphasizing the rapidity with which armed groups can dismantle political systems.
She noted that the same forces destabilizing Sudan threaten other nearby countries such as Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Egypt. The spillover effects of violence and refugee flows could lead to further unrest. Applebaum’s observations serve as a stark reminder of the precarious state of global stability, as armed factions can wreak havoc in a very short time.
Applebaum concluded that addressing the underlying issues in Sudan requires a new framework for governance, one that promotes a system of rights, the rule of law, and fair economic competition. She stressed the importance of establishing a social contract that allows for justice and equity, rather than a winner-takes-all approach that has defined the nation’s history.
To delve deeper into Anne Applebaum’s insights and experiences in Sudan, listeners can access the full podcast episode on various platforms, including Apple and Spotify. Her compelling narrative not only sheds light on the current crisis but also serves as a cautionary tale for the broader implications of state failure in the modern world.
