What is causing the conflict in Sudan? Unpacking the power struggle.

Sudan is plunged into chaos after a violent power struggle erupts between the regular army and powerful paramilitary forces on April 15, 2023. The two forces are led by two generals who were former allies to overthrow the last government in the country.

What is happening in Sudan?

A conflict is taking place in Sudan between the country’s army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting was concentrated in the capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur region.

Who is fighting whom?

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The Sudanese Armed Forces is the regular army of Sudan, while the Rapid Support Forces is a paramilitary force set up by former leader Omar al-Bashir.

What is the reason for the fight?

The fighting is the result of a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The SAF wants to maintain control over the government, while the RSF wants to increase its power and influence.

What are the consequences?

The fighting has caused a humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Thousands of people were displaced from their homes, and widespread looting and violence were reported. The fighting has also disrupted the country’s economy and made it difficult to provide basic services to the population.

What is the international community doing to help?

It calls on the international community to stop the fighting and urges the two sides to reach a political solution. The United Nations has also called for an independent investigation into the human rights violations committed during the fighting.

What are the concerns of the countries of the region and the world powers?

The conflict in Sudan is irritating neighboring countries and worrying the United States and others, for reasons ranging from concerns about shared Nile waters and oil pipelines to a new government and a new humanitarian crisis in the making.

Sudan’s neighbors

Egypt

Egypt is concerned about the conflict in Sudan because of the potential impact on the Nile River. Egypt depends on the Nile for water, and conflict could disrupt water flow or lead to pollution.

Libya

Libya is concerned about the conflict in Sudan because of the potential for instability to spill across the border. Libya is already struggling with its own political and security challenges, and the conflict in Sudan could exacerbate the situation.

Chad

Chad faces certain threats because of the potential for cross-border conflict. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces are powerful forces, with a history of violence.

South Sudan

South Sudan is concerned about the conflict in Sudan because of the potential impact on oil exports. South Sudan depends on oil exports for revenue, and conflict in Sudan could disrupt oil production or exports.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is concerned about the conflict in Sudan due to the potential impact on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Renaissance Dam is a controversial dam being built on the Blue Nile River. Conflict in Sudan may disrupt dam construction or lead to water shortages downstream.

world powers

Russia

Russia is interested in expanding its influence in Sudan. Russia has a history of supporting autocrats in the region and can provide military or financial assistance to warring factions.

United State

The United States is concerned about the conflict in Sudan because of the potential for widespread instability. The United States also has a history of supporting Sudanese governments.

The conflict in Sudan is a complex and difficult situation. The international community needs to work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Arab Gulf countries

Wealthy oil producers Saudi Arabia and the UAE have long sought to shape events in Sudan, seeing the transition from Bashir’s rule as a way to roll back influence and bring stability to the region.

Investors from both countries have deals to invest in a range of projects from agricultural projects, as Sudan has huge potential based on large irrigated areas, to an airline and strategic ports on the Red Sea coast.

What will the future look like?

Sudan’s future is uncertain. The fighting has created a political vacuum and made it difficult to address the country’s many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and food insecurity. The international community will need to continue to support Sudan and help the country find a peaceful solution to its current crisis.