Operation Kaveri To Evacuate Indian Citizens From Sudan

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Sudan crisis?
• What is the origin of the Sudan conflict?
• Which countries have a stake in Sudan?
• News Summary: Operation Kaveri To Evacuate Indian Citizens From Sudan
• What is India’s plan?

 

Why in news?

• India has begun 'Operation Kaveri' to bring back its citizens stranded in violence-hit Sudan.
• Sudan has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country's army and a paramilitary group for past few days that has reportedly left around 100 people dead.

 

What is Sudan crisis?

·   Sudan’s military and the paramilitary group RSF are up in arms due to their disagreements over the proposed transition to civilian rule in the country.

·   The conflict left hundreds of Indians stranded in the airport in Khartoum who subsequently took shelter in nearby hotels as fighting intensified.

 

What is the origin of the Sudan conflict?

• Ouster of President Omar al-Bashir
  • The roots of the ongoing conflict go back to April 2019, when Sudan’s long-serving authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown.
  • He was overthrown by military generals following a countrywide uprising against him.
• Constitution of the Sovereignty Council - a power-sharing body
  • Despite Bashir’s ouster, civilians continued their demonstrations, seeking democratic elections and the establishment of a civilian government.
  • This led to the constitution the Sovereignty Council, a power-sharing body of military officers and civilians.
  • This council would lead Sudan to elections at the end of 2023 and Abdalla Hamdok was appointed Prime Minister for the transitional period
• Military overthrew Hamdok’s government in October 2021
  • The new arrangement was short-lived as the military overthrew Hamdok’s government in October 2021, and Burhan became de-facto leader of the country.
    • Dagalo, vice-president of the ruling council and Burhan’s partner in the military seizure of power, became the second-in-command.
  • Burhan announced that the military would hold power until elections are held in July 2023.
• Tussle between Army and RSF
  • Soon after the 2021 coup, relations between the military and the RSF deteriorated.
    • RSF was formed in 2013, and has been accused of human rights abuses, including the massacre of more than 120 protesters in June 2019.
  • Burhan and Dagalo disagree over how the 10,000-strong RSF should be integrated into the army, and which authority should oversee that process.
• Other fault lines
  • Civilians have called for the handover of lucrative military holdings in agriculture, trade, and other industries.
    • These are crucial source of power for an army that has often outsourced military action to regional militias.
  • Another point of contention is the pursuit of justice over allegations of war crimes by the military and its allies in the conflict in Darfur from 2003.
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking trials for Bashir and other Sudanese suspects.
• Ferocious battle broke out
  • Later, the RSF was redeployed around the country, which the army saw as a provocation and threat.
  • With both sides on edge, a ferocious battle broke out recently.

 

Which countries have a stake in Sudan?

• Owing to its strategic location on the Red Sea, access to the Nile River, the vast swath of gold reserves and agriculture potential, Sudan has long been coveted by outside powers.
• Neighbouring States in Africa
  • Sudan’s geographic location is crucial as it borders seven countries — Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, Eritrea and South Sudan.
  • Therefore, many analysts fear that the ongoing war would spill over into neighbouring countries, which are already mired in their own internal conflicts, causing destabilisation of the entire region.
• United Arab Emirates
  • Once South Sudan seceded from Sudan, it took away 75 per cent of Khartoum’s oil resources with it.
  • In a bid to contain the shrinking economy, Sudan lured foreign investors and one of them was the UAE.
  • The UAE also used the opportunity to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa.
• Russia
  • Russia has been wanting to construct a naval base for year in Port Sudan, located on one of the world’s busiest and most contested sea lanes.
• Israel
  • Israel seeks support from Sudan in its efforts to encourage other Arab and Muslim nations to form a political and military front against its arch-enemy Iran.
• Western Countries
  • The West, including the United States, unanimously celebrated when Bashir was ousted from power in 2019.
  • It hoped that the development would not only bolster the country’s transition to democracy but also curtail the growing influence of Russia and China in the region.
• India
  • Over the years, India has developed close ties with Sudan and in recent years warmed up to the Government of South Sudan as well.
  • In the last decade, India’s investments have been mainly in the energy sector.
  • In 2003, India’s ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) had invested $750 million to acquire 25 per cent equity held by the Talisman group in the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GNPOC).

 

News Summary: Operation Kaveri To Evacuate Indian Citizens From Sudan

• With the week-long crisis in Sudan showing no signs of a truce, India has launched Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals from the violence-hit African nation.

 

What is India’s plan?

• As many as 3,000 Indians are believed to be stranded in Sudan. A few of them have been evacuated by the French and Saudi Arabian rescue missions, but their exact numbers have not been released.
• Currently, India has positioned two Indian Air Force C-130J on standby in Jeddah and the Indian Navy vessel INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan.
• The Indian embassy is in touch with the Indians stuck in the African nation.
• India is also maintaining contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United States, the U.K., and Egypt over the evolving situation on the ground.

 

---

Q1) What is ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL)?

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) is the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), which is India's largest exploration and production company. OVL is a state-owned company that is responsible for acquiring, exploring, developing, and producing oil and gas resources outside India.

 

Q2) What is Indian Navy vessel INS Sumedha?

INS Sumedha is an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the Indian Navy. It is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu-class of OPVs. The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2014 and is currently in active service. INS Sumedha is a versatile platform designed for multiple roles such as maritime surveillance, patrolling, anti-smuggling operations, and search and rescue missions.

 

---

Source: Sudan crisis latest news: India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals | The Hindu | Indian Express | News18