Sudan’s Political Crisis: War, Power Struggles, and a Nation in Turmoil
Introduction
Sudan, a nation with a complex past, is once again in the grip of a devastating political and humanitarian crisis. What began as a struggle for power between two military factions in April 2023 has escalated into a full-blown civil war, displacing millions, destroying infrastructure, and plunging the country into chaos. This article explores the historical context, key players, causes, humanitarian impact, and possible paths forward in one of the world’s most underreported but deadly conflicts.
1. Historical and Political Background
Sudan has long been plagued by civil unrest, coups, and authoritarian rule. In 2019, the Sudanese people rose up in mass protests, leading to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled the country for three decades.
Following his removal, a fragile power-sharing agreement was formed between civilian leaders and the military. However, tensions between the two sides remained unresolved. In October 2021, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), staged a coup, dissolving the transitional government and reigniting instability.
2. Outbreak of Conflict in 2023
In April 2023, open fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.
Initially allies, Burhan and Hemedti became rivals for control of Sudan’s future. Their power struggle has led to intense street battles in Khartoum and widespread violence across regions like Darfur, Kordofan, and Blue Nile.
3. Who Are the Main Actors?
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF):
- Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
- Represents the traditional military
- Seeks to maintain control over state institutions
Rapid Support Forces (RSF):
- Led by Mohamed “Hemedti” Dagalo
- Originally formed from the infamous Janjaweed militias
- Accused of committing mass atrocities in Darfur
- Now operates as a powerful, heavily armed force with political ambitions
Both groups have access to heavy weapons, drones, and international backers, turning the internal conflict into a proxy war with global implications.
4. Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
The consequences of the fighting have been catastrophic:
- Over 40,000 civilians killed since April 2023
- Nearly 13 million people displaced, internally or as refugees
- 25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance
- Widespread famine, particularly in Darfur and Khartoum
- Collapse of healthcare, with over 80% of hospitals non-functional
- Cholera outbreaks due to unsanitary conditions and water shortages
- Education halted for millions of children
The situation has created Africa’s largest displacement crisis, surpassing even the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine in some metrics.
5. Ethnic Cleansing and War Crimes
Both the SAF and RSF have been accused of committing war crimes. The RSF, in particular, has been blamed for:
- Ethnic cleansing in West Darfur, targeting non-Arab groups like the Masalit
- Sexual violence, including mass rapes
- Deliberate starvation of civilian populations
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is actively investigating these crimes, and several global human rights organizations have described the violence as genocide.
6. Political Developments and the “Dual Government”
In 2025, the RSF and several rebel groups formed a parallel administration called the “Government of Peace and Unity”, headquartered in Darfur. This de facto government challenges the legitimacy of the SAF-led administration in Port Sudan.
The country now faces the risk of permanent fragmentation, with two rival authorities ruling over different regions.
7. The Collapse of Basic Services
As the fighting rages on:
- Water, electricity, and fuel are scarce
- Banks and schools have shut down
- Local markets have collapsed
- Food prices have skyrocketed
- Disease and malnutrition are spreading rapidly
Humanitarian access is severely restricted, with aid convoys often blocked or looted. International NGOs struggle to operate safely within the country.
8. Regional and International Impact
Sudan’s war is destabilizing the broader region:
- Refugees are pouring into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, and Ethiopia
- Smuggling and arms trafficking have surged
- Terrorist groups are exploiting the chaos
- Rival powers are suspected of supplying arms to different factions, further fueling the war
The international community, including the UN, African Union, and Arab League, has issued calls for peace, but concrete action remains limited.
9. Can Peace Be Achieved?
A political solution remains elusive. Previous ceasefires have failed, and peace talks have made little progress due to:
- Lack of trust between factions
- Interference from regional players
- The absence of a united civilian voice
- Deep-rooted ethnic tensions
However, a peaceful resolution is still possible if:
- A neutral ceasefire can be enforced
- Civilian groups are included in negotiations
- Humanitarian corridors are established
- International pressure is increased on both warring parties
10. Stories of Resilience
Amid the horror, there are powerful stories of human resilience:
- Volunteers in Khartoum continue to distribute food, despite bombardments
- Women-led organizations provide shelter and education in IDP camps
- Youth resistance committees keep the dream of civilian rule alive through peaceful protests
These everyday heroes remind the world that the Sudanese people want peace, democracy, and dignity.
Conclusion
Sudan stands at a critical crossroads. The current conflict threatens not only the country's territorial integrity but the lives of millions of innocent people. The international community must act urgently to pressure all parties into ending hostilities and protecting civilians.
Sudan’s future depends on more than military victory—it depends on justice, inclusion, and the courage of its people. The world must not turn a blind eye to their suffering.
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