In Sudan, two rival generals have waged a devastating war that has driven 8.6 million people from their homes, making it one of the largest waves of displacement in the world. The conflict has left Khartoum, once a thriving center of commerce and culture, in ruins and pushed over a third of the population into severe hunger. Harvests and aid deliveries have been disrupted, leading to the imminent threat of death for hundreds of thousands of malnourished children and new mothers. Hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities have been forced to close, causing what the UN describes as the worst education crisis globally. The death toll from the fighting has surpassed 15,600, and millions have been displaced within Sudan and to neighboring countries.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue to dominate Khartoum and other strategic areas, while the army holds parts of the country’s east. Attempts at a cease-fire have been unsuccessful, with humanitarian agencies struggling to deliver aid amidst fighting, threats, blocked roads, and tax requirements. The US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, expressed hope for a resumption of talks following a donor conference in Paris where over two billion euros were pledged in aid. Despite calls for a halt in hostilities, fighting continues to ravage Sudan, with no end in sight.
The rival generals at the center of the conflict are army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces leader Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, known as Hemeti. Both rose to power following the ousting of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2019. General al-Burhan was initially part of a power-sharing agreement with civilians but proved reluctant to hand over control as the transition to democratic rule approached. General Hamdan, on the other hand, has a history of leading Janjaweed militias responsible for atrocities in Darfur. The two generals united in a military coup in October 2021 but later fell out, leading to the current conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has drawn the attention of many countries due to the nation’s strategic position on the African continent. Sudan has a significant Red Sea coastline and shares borders with seven countries, many of which are also threatened by instability. Darfur, where much of the violence has spread, was a base for Russian mercenaries and local armed groups. Reports indicate that Russian mercenaries are still active in Sudan, along with Ukrainian forces who are supporting the army against the paramilitary forces. The United Arab Emirates has been accused of secretly supplying arms and providing medical treatment to the paramilitary forces, claiming their operations are humanitarian.
The violence in Sudan has not only devastated the country but also impacted neighboring nations and drawn the involvement of various international actors. The continued clashes between the rival generals have dashed hopes of civilian rule in Sudan, with no end to the conflict in sight. Despite efforts from the international community to negotiate peace and provide aid, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen. The future remains uncertain for millions of displaced Sudanese and the stability of the region as a whole.
