Sudan's Civil War: A Neutral Look at the Conflict

Introduction: Sudan's Civil War – Background and Overview

Sudan, a country with a long history of internal fights, saw violence flare up again in April 2023. This latest civil war broke out between the official army, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and a powerful paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) [1]. To help understand this complicated crisis from a neutral point of view, this article looks at the main parts of the conflict: where it's happening, its history, the main groups fighting, other important issues, who wants what outcome, the situation for ordinary people, peace efforts, and why the war matters globally.

The ongoing trouble in Sudan isn't new. It's really the result of a complex mix of political changes, military power struggles, and old injustices that have shaped the country since it became independent [2]. So, the fighting that started in 2023 needs to be seen as part of these long-standing ethnic and political tensions.

Where is the Conflict Happening? Affected Regions and Cities

The current civil war in Sudan has spread across large parts of the country, hitting some areas and cities particularly hard. Fighting has been intense in Khartoum State, which includes the capital city Khartoum and its sister cities Omdurman and Khartoum North (Bahri) [1]. Key spots like the presidential palace and the international airport have seen fierce battles and changed hands multiple times [1]. Although the SAF has recently made some military gains in the capital, the situation remains tense [1].

The violence has also deeply affected the western Darfur Region, made up of five states, which has suffered from conflict for a long time and is now mostly controlled by the RSF [2]. Cities like El Geneina and Nyala have experienced terrible violence [12]. El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, is unique as the only Darfur state capital not fully controlled by the RSF; the SAF holds it, but it is currently surrounded and besieged by the RSF [12].

South of Khartoum, in the important farming area of Gezira State, major fighting has also occurred. The RSF controlled large parts of this state for a time [11], including capturing its capital, Wad Madani, although the SAF later reportedly took it back [10]. The Kordofan Region, split into North and South Kordofan, has also been drawn into the fighting, especially areas where the RSF is present [2], including around the strategic city of El Obied [15]. Beyond these main areas, fighting and unrest have touched other states too, such as Blue Nile, Red Sea, White Nile, and Sennar [2]. Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast, has become the temporary base for the Sudanese government [2]. It's important to remember that the military situation on the ground is constantly changing, and control over areas is still being fought over [2].

Historical Background of Sudan's Civil War

The roots of Sudan's current civil war go deep into the country's past. After gaining independence from joint British-Egyptian rule in 1956 [3], Sudan faced decades of unstable politics and armed conflicts. A major cause was the divide between the often dominant Arab-Muslim North and the poorer, ethnically and religiously diverse South [3].

This tension led to the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972), driven by Southerners feeling ignored and wanting more self-rule [4]. After some years of peace, conflict erupted again in 1983, starting the even more devastating Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005) [3]. That war eventually led to South Sudan becoming an independent country in 2011 [3].

Around the same time, starting in 2003, a major crisis unfolded in the western region of Darfur. This conflict involved ethnic tensions, fights over scarce resources, and political neglect. The government under President Omar al-Bashir, who took power in a 1989 coup [3], responded brutally. It armed local Arab militias known as the Janjaweed, who committed terrible atrocities against civilians [3]. Crucially, the RSF, one of the main sides in today's war, grew directly out of these Janjaweed militias [3].

In 2019, huge protests forced the military to remove Bashir [3]. A transition period began, aiming to set up a civilian government [17]. However, tension simmered between the two military forces that ousted Bashir: the regular army (SAF) led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the powerful RSF led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) [3]. This tension boiled over in October 2021 when the two generals staged another coup, removing the civilian leaders and taking full control [8]. Their disagreements, especially over how to merge the RSF into the SAF and share power, finally exploded into open warfare in April 2023 [17]. Today's conflict is therefore a tragic result of Sudan's long history of internal struggles, made worse by the failed attempt to build democracy after Bashir's fall [17].

Main Actors and Groups in the Conflict

The civil war is primarily a fight between two main armed groups. First is the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the country's official military (army, air force, navy), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's de facto head of state [2]. The SAF views itself as the legitimate state army and aims to defeat the RSF, which it calls rebels, and regain control of the country [21]. Burhan insists he won't negotiate with "traitors" [26], and his forces have recently reported some gains, especially around Khartoum [1].

The second main actor is the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) [2]. The RSF originated from the Janjaweed militias used by the former Bashir regime in Darfur [2]. Hemedti presents himself as a legitimate leader and wants a major say in Sudan's future. His forces currently control large areas, particularly in western Sudan (including most of Darfur) and parts of the center [2]. In February 2025, the RSF even announced plans for a parallel administration in the areas it controls [16].

Besides these two main forces, various other armed groups are involved, making the situation even more complex. These include different factions of rebel groups like the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army–North (SPLM-N), as well as the Darfur Joint Protection Force and numerous local or tribal militias [2]. Some have taken sides with either the SAF or RSF, while others try to remain neutral or focus on protecting their own communities [2]. This fragmentation makes finding a simple solution much harder [12].

Other Relevant Aspects

Several other important factors shape this devastating conflict. Widespread atrocities and human rights abuses are being committed, reportedly by both sides, including mass killings, sexual violence, torture, and random arrests [3]. In Darfur especially, the RSF and allied militias are accused of ethnically targeted attacks against non-Arab groups like the Masalit, acts the US has labelled as genocide [3]. The SAF is also accused of war crimes, like indiscriminate bombing [37]. A major problem is that those responsible for these crimes rarely face justice ("impunity"), which allows the violence to continue [38].

The conflict has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Millions have been forced from their homes [3], leading to the world's largest displacement crisis [10]. The country faces an unprecedented food crisis, with famine declared in parts of Darfur [10, 1]. The healthcare system has largely collapsed due to attacks, looting, and lack of resources, leaving people without basic medical care [10]. Getting aid to desperate people is extremely difficult due to fighting and restrictions [1].

Ethnicity also plays a significant role. Historical discrimination against certain groups, particularly in Darfur, fuels deep resentment [3]. The current fighting has worsened these tensions and led to targeted ethnic attacks [33]. Finally, outside actors are deeply involved. Various regional and international powers support different sides with weapons, money, or political backing [28], which prolongs the war and makes peace efforts much harder [10].

Who Has Interests in the Outcome of This Conflict?

Many different players, both inside and outside Sudan, have a strong interest in how this war ends.

Sudan's neighbors are deeply affected and involved. Egypt traditionally supports the SAF and worries about stability on its border and along the Nile [28]. Chad is struggling to cope with a massive influx of refugees from Darfur [28]. South Sudan relies on oil pipelines running through Sudan and has tried to mediate peace [28]. Ethiopia and Eritrea also have complex interests and relationships with the warring parties, sometimes reportedly leaning towards the RSF [28].

Key Gulf states are also major players. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely seen as the main international backer of the RSF, driven by strategic and economic interests, including Sudan's gold trade [28]. Saudi Arabia, while trying to balance relationships and concerned about regional stability, seems closer to the SAF and wary of UAE influence [28].

Among global powers, the United States wants stability and a return to democracy, using sanctions and diplomacy [2]. Russia has connections, particularly through the Wagner group (now Africa Corps) and gold interests, and seeks a naval base on the Red Sea [2]. China also has resource and strategic interests. The European Union is primarily concerned with the humanitarian crisis and regional stability, pushing for diplomacy and providing aid [27].

Inside Sudan, civilian groups and political actors desperately want the war to end and hope for a return to democratic rule, though their specific interests vary widely [15]. Furthermore, various economic players have interests tied to Sudan's stability, particularly concerning its natural resources like gold and oil [3]. This complex web of competing interests makes finding a path to peace incredibly difficult [28].

Humanitarian Situation in Sudan Due to the Civil War

The human cost of Sudan's civil war, ongoing since April 2023, is staggering and has created a humanitarian situation of catastrophic proportions [1]. The UN calls it the world's largest displacement crisis [10]. More than 11 million people have been forced to flee their homes but remain inside Sudan, while over 3 million others have sought refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan [2], overwhelming local resources.

Alongside this mass displacement, food security has collapsed. Over half the population, about 25 million people, urgently need humanitarian aid [1]. Famine is already a reality in parts of the country, especially Darfur, due to destroyed farmland, disrupted trade, and blocked aid access [1]. Sudan's healthcare system is in ruins; many hospitals have been attacked, looted, or forced to close due to lack of staff and supplies [10]. This leaves millions without essential medical care and vulnerable to disease outbreaks like cholera and measles [10]. Civilians also endure extreme violence, including widespread sexual violence used as a weapon of war [10]. Despite the immense need, delivering life-saving aid is incredibly challenging due to fighting, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of funding, making Sudan's crisis one of the world's most under-resourced [1, 15].

Possible Peace Initiatives or Negotiations

Efforts to peacefully end Sudan's civil war have largely failed so far [3]. Several initiatives aimed to bring the SAF and RSF to the negotiating table, but mistrust, lack of political will, and outside interference have blocked progress [27].

One major effort was the Jeddah talks, backed by the US and Saudi Arabia, starting in May 2023 [3]. While they produced some short-lived ceasefires and a declaration promising to protect civilians and allow aid [95], these agreements were repeatedly violated, and the talks stalled by December 2023 [100, 27]. Regional bodies like the East African group IGAD also tried to mediate, but faced pushback from the warring parties, leading Sudan to suspend its membership [28, 51]. The African Union (AU) similarly made efforts but achieved little concrete progress [28]. Even reported secret talks in Bahrain in early 2024 failed to produce a breakthrough [27]. A significant obstacle remains the apparent belief by both SAF leader al-Burhan and RSF leader Hemedti that they can achieve a military victory, making them unwilling to compromise [10]. Outside interference also continues to undermine peace efforts [10].

Geopolitical Importance of Sudan and Regional Impacts

Sudan's location and size give it significant geopolitical importance, meaning its conflict affects stability far beyond its borders [64]. Positioned in the Horn of Africa, bordering seven countries, and with a long coastline on the Red Sea—a vital global shipping lane—Sudan is a strategic linchpin [64].

The war is already destabilizing the region. Massive refugee flows are straining neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia [3]. The chaos also creates potential openings for extremist groups and criminal networks, threatening wider regional security [17]. Furthermore, Sudan's stability is crucial for the security of maritime trade through the Red Sea; the conflict adds to tensions in this critical waterway [64, 10]. The fighting also disrupts important land trade routes connecting Central Africa with the Middle East and North Africa [75, 62]. Because various outside powers are backing different sides, the conflict has characteristics of a proxy war, reflecting and intensifying regional rivalries [23]. This external meddling makes peace harder to achieve and risks escalating the conflict further [3].

Conclusion

Sudan's civil war is a deep and complex crisis, rooted in a long history of internal conflict, political instability, and outside interference. The brutal fight between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused a devastating humanitarian catastrophe, displacing millions and pushing the country towards widespread famine. The ongoing reports of atrocities and human rights abuses, including ethnically targeted violence, are horrifying.

Peace efforts have failed to gain traction, highlighting the urgent need for renewed and more effective diplomacy. However, the competing interests of numerous internal and external players make finding a path to lasting peace incredibly challenging.

Sudan's geopolitical importance means its stability is vital for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The ongoing conflict seriously threatens regional stability and could have far-reaching consequences for international security and trade. Finding a peaceful resolution is therefore critical, not just for the suffering people of Sudan, but for the wider region. The international community must urgently increase its efforts to secure a ceasefire, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and support a political process that can finally bring lasting peace to Sudan.