Sudan, a chaos we all forgot. With every new global event the crisis in Sudan is one step further away from the international media, but in reality this is not the case, the situation in Darfur is still unstable and people are still dying. High-profile events, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, or major political developments, overshadow the significant conflict in Sudan.
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What really happened in Sudan ?
To fully understand why the conflict emerged in Sudan we have to take a look at Sudan who ruled by Omar al-Bashir’s so-called “Dictatorial Regime“ from 1989 until he was ousted in April 2019. His regime was marked by repression, conflict and economic difficulties.
Beginning in December 2018, widespread protests erupted across Sudan in response to rising bread prices and the deteriorating economic conditions. The protests quickly expanded to demand an end to Bashir’s 30-year rule.
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After al-Bashir’s removal, Sudan was governed by a transitional government that included both civilian and military leaders. This government was led by a Sovereign Council, which was intended to oversee the transition to civilian rule.
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In september 2019 Abdalla Hamdok was appointed as the Prime Minister of the transitional government. The transitional period was set to last for about 39 months, leading up to elections.
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By October 2021, a coup d’état led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan disrupted the transition. The military dissolved the Sovereign Council and arrested Prime Minister Hamdok, causing international outrage and a resumption of protests. The coup effectively derailed the transition to civilian rule and exacerbated the political crisis.
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In November 2021, a deal was struck between al-Burhan and ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, which allowed Hamdok to return to office. However, this deal was viewed as insufficient by many opposition groups and failed to fully restore civilian rule or address the underlying issues.
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Despite the agreement, protests continued across Sudan. Demonstrators called for a complete return to civilian governance and the end of military dominance. The protests were often met with violent crackdowns by security forces, leading to further casualties and unrest.
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From November 2021 to April 15, 2023, Sudan faced ongoing political instability, economic difficulties, and humanitarian challenges. The transitional government struggled with implementation issues, continued protests, and fragmentation of political factions. The deteriorating security situation and rising tensions between the RSF and SAF set the stage for the outbreak of major conflict on April 15, 2023, marking a new phase of violence and instability in Sudan.
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And by April 15, 2023 something happened. Something big.
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A chaos has emerged.
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What happened on April 15, 2023?
On April 15, 2023, a major escalation in violence occurred in Sudan, marking the beginning of a significant armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
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Key Figures were:
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General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan: Chairman of the Sovereign Council and leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) .
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General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti): Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council and leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
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On April 15, 2023, Sudan experienced a dramatic escalation in violence with the outbreak of armed conflict between the SAF and RSF. The immediate impact included significant casualties, widespread damage, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The international community responded with calls for peace and efforts to mediate the conflict, but the situation remained unstable and challenging.
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How is this related to darfur conflict, janjaweed and RSF targeting ethnic minorities ?
Darfur Conflict (2003 Onwards):
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Origins: The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when rebel groups in the Darfur region, such as the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), took up arms against the Sudanese government. They accused the government of neglecting and marginalizing non-Arab African communities in Darfur.
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Government Response: The Sudanese government, led by President Omar al-Bashir, responded by mobilizing the Janjaweed militias, which were primarily composed of Arab fighters. These militias were used to counter the rebels and were involved in widespread attacks against non-Arab Darfurians.
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Janjaweed Militia:
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Role and Actions: The Janjaweed militias were notorious for committing atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and the burning of villages. Their actions were a central element in the Darfur conflict and were seen as part of a broader strategy of ethnic cleansing against non-Arab populations.
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Legacy: The Janjaweed’s actions in Darfur left a legacy of deep ethnic divisions and mistrust. The group’s involvement in human rights abuses was a key factor in the international condemnation of the Sudanese government.
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Evolution into the RSF:
Formation of RSF:
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Transition: The Janjaweed militias eventually transformed into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 2013. The RSF was formally integrated into the Sudanese government’s security apparatus and became a key paramilitary group under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti.
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Continued Role: The RSF retained many of the Janjaweed’s tactics and operational methods, including its structure and regional influence. This transition also included a broader mandate and involvement in various conflicts beyond Darfur.
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RSF and Ethnic Targeting:
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Ethnic Dynamics: The RSF has continued to be associated with the targeting of ethnic groups, particularly in Darfur. Despite being part of the national security apparatus, the RSF has been accused of perpetuating ethnic divisions and violence.
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April 2023 Conflict: During the April 2023 conflict, the RSF’s historical role and its roots in the Janjaweed era influenced its actions and tactics. The RSF’s involvement in various regions, including areas with significant non-Arab populations, raised concerns about the potential for ethnic targeting and the continuation of past abuses.
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Connection to the April 2023 Conflict:
Role of RSF:
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Strategic Importance: The RSF, with its experience and operational capabilities derived from its Janjaweed origins, played a significant role in the fighting against the SAF. Its tactics and strategies, including those developed during the Darfur conflict, were evident in the April 2023 clashes.
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Ethnic Tensions: The RSF’s involvement in the fighting carried echoes of its past, including concerns about ethnic targeting. Although the conflict primarily involved a power struggle between the SAF and RSF, the historical context of the RSF’s actions in Darfur influenced perceptions of the group’s conduct in the new conflict.
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Impact on Darfur and Other Regions:
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Continued Violence: The fighting in April 2023 contributed to ongoing instability in Darfur and other regions with significant ethnic and tribal divisions. The legacy of the Darfur conflict and the RSF’s history added to the complexity of the situation, impacting how different communities experienced and responded to the violence.
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Territorial Control and Map of Conflict Areas
As of August 2024, the territorial control between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remains fluid and contested, with the following key observations:
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Khartoum and Major Cities:
- SAF Control: The SAF has managed to maintain control over major urban centers, including Khartoum, Omdurman, and other key cities.
- RSF Operations: The RSF has conducted operations and attacks within these cities, leading to significant damage and disruption.
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Darfur Region:
- RSF Presence: The RSF has a strong presence in Darfur, where it has been involved in both fighting the SAF and continuing its historical role in the region. The RSF has controlled various towns and areas, but the situation remains dynamic.
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- SAF Engagement: The SAF has launched military operations to regain control over key areas in Darfur, leading to ongoing clashes and shifting lines of control.
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Other Regions:
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Kordofan and Blue Nile: The fighting has also affected regions like Kordofan and Blue Nile, with control often shifting between the SAF and RSF. Both sides have engaged in operations in these areas, affecting local populations and infrastructure.
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Casualties
The conflict has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties. Estimates suggest thousands of civilian deaths and injuries due to direct violence, as well as from indirect causes such as lack of medical care, starvation, and displacement.
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The humanitarian crisis has exacerbated civilian suffering, with widespread reports of violence against civilians, including targeted attacks and human rights abuses.
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Casualty figures for combatants on both sides are difficult to verify but are reported to be in the thousands. The exact numbers are subject to change as fighting continues and information becomes available.
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Current Situation in Darfur
Darfur remains a hotspot of conflict. The RSF has continued its operations in the region, and clashes with the SAF have been frequent. The region has experienced intense fighting, with control over various towns and areas often changing hands.
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The conflict has led to massive displacement in Darfur, with many people fleeing their homes to escape violence. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge in camps and other safer areas within Darfur or in neighboring regions.
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Humanitarian aid organizations face significant challenges in accessing affected areas due to ongoing violence and insecurity. This has hampered efforts to provide essential services and support to displaced and affected populations.
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Ethnic Tensions:
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- Historical Context: The ongoing violence in Darfur reflects historical ethnic tensions and grievances. The RSF, with its roots in the Janjaweed militias, has been associated with ethnic targeting and violence. These dynamics continue to influence the conflict and its impact on local communities.
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International and Regional Response:
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- Peace Efforts: International and regional actors have been involved in efforts to mediate the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis. However, achieving a stable resolution has proven challenging due to the complexity of the conflict and the entrenched positions of the SAF and RSF.
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How the Conflict Might End
The end of the conflict in Sudan could come through a negotiated settlement, military resolution, or prolonged stalemate, influenced by both internal and external factors. The reduced media coverage of the conflict can be attributed to competing news priorities, difficulties in reporting from conflict zones, information control, and safety concerns for journalists. Despite reduced coverage, the situation remains critical, and efforts to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis continue.
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