Battle For Khartoum: The Fight For Sudan's Future
- Hidden Archivez
- Sep 6, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
-Background-
Sudan's rich history spans thousands of years, marked by conflicts, foreign invasions, and internal strife.
From ancient times to the Middle Ages, the region experienced ethnic tensions, religious disputes, and resource conflicts.
In 1821, Egypt conquered Sudan, and in 1881, Muhammad Ahmad led a nationalist revolt, establishing the Mahdist State.
After Ahmad's death, British-Egyptian forces retook Sudan, and in 1899, it became a condominium of Egypt and the UK, with the UK holding de facto control until Sudan gained independence in 1956.
Since then, Sudan has faced:
- Over 19 military coup attempts, the most in African history
- Military rule, punctuated by brief periods of democratic governance
- Two devastating civil wars (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) that led to South Sudan's independence in 2011, resulting in 1.5 million deaths
- The Darfur conflict (2003-Present), marked by state-sponsored violence, war crimes, and genocide, with 300,000 dead and 2.7 million displaced In Darfur, the Janjaweed militia, later reorganized as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), perpetrated atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and ethnic cleansing.
RSF leaders have been indicted for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Despite this, the RSF has grown in power, with tens of thousands of forces and thousands of armed vehicles, patrolling Khartoum's streets.
The Bashir regime's "coup-proofing" strategy allowed the RSF and other armed groups to proliferate, solidifying their influence in Sudanese politics.
-How Sudan's Past Affects Sudan Today-
The legacy of Sudan's tumultuous past, marked by foreign invasions, military coups, and devastating civil wars, has culminated in the ongoing 2023 civil war.
The same dynamics of ethnic tensions, resource disputes, and power struggles that fueled previous conflicts have resurfaced, plunging the country into chaos once again.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formed during the Darfur conflict, have emerged as a key player in the 2023 civil war, leveraging their military prowess and political influence to shape the country's future.
The RSF's history of human rights abuses and war crimes, however, raises concerns about their role in shaping Sudan's future.
As the international community grapples with the crisis, it is essential to consider the historical context that has led to this point.
Understanding the complex web of factors that have driven Sudan's conflicts, including the role of external powers, ethnic tensions, and resource disputes, is crucial to finding a lasting solution to the 2023 civil war and building a more stable future for the Sudanese people.
2023-Present Civil War In Sudan
A devastating civil war has ravaged Sudan since April 15, 2023, pitting two rival factions of the military government against each other.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are fighting against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies, including the Janjaweed coalition, led by Hemedti.
The conflict has drawn in three minor factions:
The Darfur Joint Protection Force, SLM (al-Nur) under Abdul Wahid al-Nur, and SPLM-N under Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
Fighting has concentrated around Khartoum, the capital city, and the Darfur region, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
As of January 21, 2024, the death toll stood at 13,000-15,000, with 33,000 injured. The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with over 7.7 million internally displaced and 2.1 million refugees fleeing the country as of July 5, 2024.
The conflict has also led to the Masalit Genocide, with numerous civilian casualties reported in Darfur.
The war began with RSF attacks on government sites, followed by airstrikes, artillery, and gunfire across Sudan.
Khartoum and Omdurman were divided between the two factions, with al-Burhan relocating his government to Port Sudan as RSF forces captured key government buildings.
International efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, including the Treaty of Jeddah in May 2023, have failed to stop the fighting. The conflict has evolved, with rebel groups joining the war.
The Minni Minnawi and Mustafa Tambour factions of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) have backed the SAF, alongside the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
In contrast, the Tamazuj movement has joined forces with the RSF, while the Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North has attacked SAF positions in southern Sudan.
Momentum has shifted between the two sides, with the RSF gaining ground in Darfur and Khartoum State, Kordofan, and Gezira State since October 2023.
The SAF has made gains in Omdurman since February 2024, while the RSF has advanced in Sennar State since June 2024.
Despite ongoing negotiations, no significant breakthroughs have been achieved, with various countries providing military or political support to either al-Burhan or Hemedti.
Additional information:
- The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, food shortages, and a cholera outbreak.
- The African Union and the United Nations have condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire.
- The United States, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have provided military support to the SAF, while Turkey and Qatar have backed the RSF.
- The conflict has also drawn in regional forces, with the Ethiopian military providing support to the SAF and Eritrean forces backing the RSF.
Parts Cited From
As the conflict in Sudan rages on, it's clear that the devastating toll on civilians and the country's future can no longer be ignored.
The international community must come together to demand an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated settlement to this senseless war.
We call on the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to put
aside their differences and work towards a peaceful resolution.
The people of Sudan deserve nothing less. The world has a responsibility to act. We must support diplomatic efforts, provide humanitarian aid, and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses.
Let us unite in our quest for peace, justice, and a brighter future for Sudan.
The time for war is over; the time for peace is now. We owe it to the victims, the displaced, and the future generations to end this conflict and rebuild Sudan on the principles of unity, equality, and human rights.
Peace is possible. Let us make it a reality.