The Sudan Civil War: Causes, Actors, and Consequences
Once known as the “Food Basket of Africa,” Sudan is now trapped in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The country, blessed with fertile lands watered by the Nile and rich in gold and livestock, has descended into chaos, hunger, and destruction. Over ten million Sudanese people are currently facing famine, and millions more have been displaced. But what exactly led to this tragic downfall?
Origins of the Conflict
The current civil war erupted in April 2023 between two powerful military factions — the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), also known as the Janjaweed. At the heart of the conflict lies a struggle for power, control over national resources, and military supremacy.
After the ouster of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019, a transitional government was formed, combining military and civilian leaders. Initially, this arrangement brought hope for democracy. However, tensions soon surfaced between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (head of the SAF) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” (leader of the RSF).
Disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the national army and the timeline for restoring civilian rule eventually escalated into a full-blown war.
How the War Spread
What began as a battle in the capital Khartoum quickly spread nationwide. By late 2023, the western region of Darfur — already scarred by past ethnic conflicts — became the epicenter of violence. The city of Al-Fashir, once a symbol of peace, turned into ruins amid massacres and famine.
The RSF, initially formed from tribal militias during the Darfur war, has been accused of mass killings, looting, and sexual violence. Meanwhile, the regular army has carried out heavy airstrikes in urban areas, worsening civilian suffering.
Foreign Involvement
Sudan’s strategic location on the Red Sea has attracted global powers seeking influence. Multiple foreign actors are involved directly or indirectly:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Allegedly supports the RSF with weapons and funding in exchange for access to gold mines and farmland.
- Egypt: Backs the Sudanese army, fearing instability and threats to Nile water resources.
- Russia: Seeks to build a naval base on the Red Sea and has economic interests through the Wagner Group’s gold trade.
- United States and Israel: Aim to prevent Russian or Chinese influence in Sudan and to integrate Sudan into regional alliances.
Risk of Division
Analysts warn that if the conflict continues, Sudan could fragment further — much like in 2011 when South Sudan broke away. Currently, the north and east (including Port Sudan) remain under army control, while Darfur and the west are dominated by the RSF. A de facto partition could lead to the creation of multiple weak states, each vulnerable to external manipulation.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
According to the United Nations, more than 12,000 people have been killed and over 14 million displaced since the war began. Hospitals are destroyed, food supplies cut off, and clean water is scarce. Cities like Al-Fashir, Nyala, and El Geneina are witnessing famine and disease on a massive scale.
This verse aptly describes the tragedy of Sudan, where every faction claims to fight for peace, yet leaves behind only destruction and bloodshed.
Conclusion
Sudan’s conflict is not just a battle for political dominance — it is a war for survival. What began as a quest for democracy in 2019 has devolved into chaos. Unless international actors stop fueling the conflict and Sudanese leaders prioritize peace over power, the nation once known as the “Future of Africa” may vanish into ashes.
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