The Current State and Implications of Sudan’s Civil War

The Sudanese civil war has intensified, with the military regaining the capital amid immense civilian suffering. The RSF claims to have formed a parallel government, hinting at a potential partition. Both factions are entrenched in conflict, showing no signs of peace talks, which contributes to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The civil war in Sudan is approaching a pivotal moment after two years of relentless conflict, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. The Sudanese military has reportedly regained control of the capital, Khartoum, including the critical Republican Palace, while the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has yet to acknowledge these developments.

Since the eruption of war in April 2023 between the military and RSF, both factions, once allies during the democratic transition attempt post-2019, have engaged in fierce power struggles. This internal discord has resulted in at least 28,000 fatalities and has led to over 14 million people being displaced, aggravating humanitarian issues including famine.

The military’s advancements in Khartoum suggest a potential partition of Sudan into regions controlled by either the military or the RSF. Despite military gains, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the military chief, shows no intentions of pursuing meaningful peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the RSF, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, remains resolute in its commitment to combat.

The RSF has established a parallel governance system, as announced in a charter signed in February in Nairobi, which emphasizes a secular and democratic Sudan. Burhan’s discussions about forming a transitional government imply a likelihood of two competing administrations, further entrenching the nation’s division.

The RSF originated from the infamous Janjaweed militias, implicated in severe human rights violations during the Darfur conflict. Current accusations against the RSF include numerous atrocities, and the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Dagalo. Conversely, both the RSF and the military have faced allegations of abuses during the ongoing war.

The civil war in Sudan has escalated to a critical stage marked by military advances and the establishment of rival governance structures. With the RSF asserting control in western regions and both factions unwilling to engage in peace talks, the future trajectory remains uncertain. The ongoing humanitarian crisis stands as a pressing concern, urging the international community to seek resolutions to mitigate suffering in the region.

Original Source: www.newsday.com