In a somber meeting held by the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, lawmakers and experts gathered to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, a nation grappling with a devastating conflict fueled by external influences and internal strife. As discussions unfolded, the stark realities of Sudan's plight became painfully clear, revealing a complex web of foreign involvement and humanitarian disaster.

The committee heard alarming reports detailing the financial underpinnings of the conflict, particularly the role of gold mining in sustaining the warring factions. It was revealed that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army are profiting from gold mines in regions like Darfur, with significant revenues funneled to foreign partners, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The RSF reportedly earns around $3 billion annually, raising concerns about their ability to procure weapons and sustain their military operations even if external funding were to be cut off.

Experts highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, noting that Sudan is currently facing the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 11 million people internally displaced and many fleeing to neighboring countries like Egypt and Chad. The lack of adequate support for these refugees, compounded by restrictive policies from host nations, exacerbates the suffering of those fleeing violence and instability.

The meeting also shed light on the troubling dynamics of international involvement, with countries like Russia, Iran, and Turkey providing military support to various factions. This foreign engagement has not only prolonged the conflict but has also transformed it into a technologically advanced war, with drone warfare becoming a new reality. Civilians, once primarily affected by ground battles, now find themselves at risk from aerial attacks on critical infrastructure, further complicating their already precarious existence.

As the committee members deliberated on potential solutions, calls were made for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the conflict and the external actors profiting from it. Suggestions included establishing a trust fund to manage the proceeds from Sudan's gold and other resources, aimed at rebuilding the nation once peace is restored.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency, underscoring the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and to curtail the influence of foreign powers that have turned the country into a battleground for their own interests. As the crisis deepens, the international community faces a critical moment to respond with compassion and resolve, ensuring that Sudan's future is not dictated by the greed of external actors but by the will of its own people.