What’s Happening in Sudan? Understanding the Conflict and Its Key Players
- damiadeniyi
- April 20, 2023
- News
- African Union, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, human rights abuses, integration, international mediation, Khartoum, military factions, News, power struggle, Quad, regional politics, RSF, Sudan, United Nations, violence
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Ever since the ousting of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has been embroiled in a power struggle between opposing military factions. Unfortunately, in recent weeks, the situation has taken a turn for the worse, with bloodshed and instability spreading throughout the nation.
Key Players:
Two key players in the conflict are General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who were once allies and jointly overthrew the government in a coup back in 2021. Since then, they have been vying for control of the military.
The RSF:
The RSF, an independent security force in Sudan originally formed from Janjaweed militias, has become a powerful entity in the country’s military structure. However, it has been accused of committing human rights abuses, and its role in the conflict is a major point of contention between the military factions. Some believe it should be integrated into the regular army, while others oppose this move.
Integration of the RSF:
Tensions have increased between the army and the RSF over the proposed integration of the RSF into the military. The primary concern is who would serve as the military’s commander-in-chief during an integration period, which has led to further clashes and violence in Sudan.
Violence in Sudan
Fighting broke out on April 16th, mainly in the capital city of Khartoum. The death toll and number of injured people continue to rise, and the situation remains highly volatile. Regional powers and international organizations are increasingly alarmed by the violence.
Regional Politics
Sudan’s strategic location and agricultural wealth have attracted regional power plays, which have been further complicated by strained relationships with neighboring countries. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also gotten involved, driven by their own agendas and interests in the region. This has contributed to the complexity of the conflict.
International Mediation
The Quad, United Nations, and African Union are all supporting mediation in Sudan. Western powers are also concerned about Russia establishing a military base on the Red Sea, making it urgent to resolve the situation. International mediation is crucial in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan involves multiple players with differing agendas, and regional and international mediation will be vital in finding a peaceful resolution. We must keep in mind the human toll of the conflict and support those affected by the violence.
