On April 15, 2023, Sudan plunged into yet another brutal conflict as fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). What began as a power struggle between two military factions has since turned into a devastating war, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. Yet, despite the ongoing destruction and humanitarian crisis, Sudan’s war has largely disappeared from global media coverage, overshadowed by other geopolitical conflicts.
A War Rooted in Power and Betrayal
The conflict can be traced back to Sudan’s turbulent transition following the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Initially, both the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), worked together to maintain control. However, tensions rose when plans for integrating the RSF into the regular army collapsed. Hemedti, fearing a loss of power, mobilized his forces across Sudan, prompting the SAF to respond militarily. What followed was a full-scale war between two factions unwilling to compromise.
What began as a power struggle between two military factions has since turned into a devastating war, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.The Forgotten Crisis Despite its scale, Sudan’s war has been largely ignored by international media. Unlike conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, which dominate headlines, Sudan’s suffering has been met with global indifference. This lack of attention has only worsened the humanitarian situation, as aid organizations struggle to secure funding and access. Over 10 million people have been displaced, and famine looms as essential services collapse. The absence of sustained media focus has also allowed external actors to fuel the war with impunity. The Role of Foreign and Regional Powers Sudan’s war is not just an internal struggle—it is a battleground for foreign interests. Egypt has backed the SAF, fearing instability on its southern border. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been accused of arming the RSF, seeing Hemedti as a valuable ally in securing influence in Sudan’s gold trade. Other regional players, including Chad and South Sudan, have been drawn into the conflict as waves of refugees spill across their borders. Russia’s Wagner Group, previously active in Sudan, has also been linked to supplying arms to RSF forces. With external actors fueling both sides, the war shows no sign of ending soon. A Nation in Ruins Once seen as a country with hope for democratic transition, Sudan is now in freefall. Infrastructure is destroyed, entire cities have been reduced to rubble, and millions are trapped in a war not of their making. The international community must step up efforts to mediate peace and provide urgent humanitarian aid. Without intervention, Sudan risks becoming another endless conflict that the world chooses to forget.