Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a fierce civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), tearing communities apart, displacing millions, and exacerbating a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Foreign intervention is worsening the situation, with several nations lending financial, military, and political support to both sides, most notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose involvement has added new layers to an already devastating conflict.
The Roots of Sudan’s Conflict
The origins of the civil war lie in years of political instability, with tensions simmering since the ousting of Sudan’s long-time authoritarian leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Following Bashir’s removal, Sudan entered a transitional period where civilian and military factions shared power, aiming to pave a path toward democracy.
However, rivalries between key military figures intensified, particularly between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” of the RSF. Both factions held substantial power, setting the stage for conflict.
The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias implicated in war crimes during the Darfur conflict, had since grown into a formidable military force. This uneasy power balance unraveled in April 2023 when both factions clashed over who would lead Sudan, plunging the country into open warfare as they vied for control of the state.
Humanitarian Toll: Impact on Sudanese Civilians
The conflict has spiraled into a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN reports that over 5.6 million Sudanese have been displaced, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. Within Sudan, essential resources such as food, water, and healthcare are scarce, with a fragile economy now on the brink of collapse.
Women and children face heightened risks, particularly in conflict zones like Darfur and Al Jazirah. Reports of sexual violence and exploitation are widespread, with some victims suffering extreme psychological distress.
International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), warn of rising disease outbreaks within overcrowded refugee camps due to inadequate sanitation and medical services.
Communication disruptions hinder aid coordination, making relief efforts challenging. While international organizations have urged intervention, the response has been largely insufficient, leaving millions of Sudanese civilians struggling to survive amid persistent violence and scarcity.
UAE’s Role: Strategic Shifts in Support
The UAE has played a significant and controversial role in Sudan’s civil war, initially supporting the SAF under General al-Burhan. The UAE’s backing of the SAF reflected its broader interest in regional stability and safeguarding economic investments in Sudan. Through logistical and political support, the UAE aimed to maintain a favorable balance of power along Sudan’s Red Sea coast and at strategic border areas.
Recently, however, the UAE appears to have shifted its support toward the RSF, led by Hemedti. Exclusive mining contracts granted to the UAE allow it to access Sudan’s vast gold reserves, providing critical funding that bolsters the RSF’s military campaigns. The profits from Sudanese gold exports are a lifeline for the RSF, allowing it to sustain operations and even expand its influence amid the war. This shift indicates the UAE’s pragmatic approach to maintain influence by aligning with both sides of the conflict, securing its interests regardless of who ultimately prevails.
The Path Forward: A Call for International Action
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts from the United Nations and the African Union, peace in Sudan remains a distant goal. The entrenched rivalries between the SAF and RSF, combined with regional interests, complicate negotiations and fuel the conflict.
Experts argue that halting military aid and economic backing could reduce the violence, particularly by cutting off RSF funding through sanctions on Sudanese gold exports. This strategy could potentially curb the RSF’s operational strength, easing pressure on Sudan’s vulnerable population and creating a conducive environment for negotiations.
The Sudanese civil war exemplifies the devastation that can arise from a combination of political instability, economic hardship, and regional power struggles. Civilians are bearing the brunt of this turmoil, especially women and children who face dire circumstances in conflict-affected areas.
With cohesive global efforts, Sudan may yet find a pathway to peace and stability. The UAE’s dual-role strategy and similar foreign interventions underscore the complexities of the conflict but also emphasize the need for responsible foreign policies that prioritize human lives over resource-driven ambitions.
Ending external military aid and redirecting focus to humanitarian relief could be critical steps toward restoring hope for Sudan’s war-torn population.
Watch a video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
44 Medical Students from Gaza Continue Studies at Pakistan Amid Ongoing Genocide
Foreign Beggars in Johor Night Market Arrested for Allegedly Earning Thousands Monthly
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
