On April 15, a dispute between Sudan’s top two generals erupted, putting the East African country’s military against the Rapid Support Forces, a state-sponsored militia. The military is using jet fighters to bomb RSF positions, many of which are in densely populated regions, while both factions engage in street fighting with firearms and artillery fire. Tens of thousands of Sudanese have fled their homes, as millions face a food and water shortage. The paramilitary forces RSF attacked the government’s seat of power in order to destabilize the administration, which was already led by a dictator, General Burhan. This is analogous to if any militia force attacks the government or army in a country. This conflict is still ongoing, and government forces are fighting stiff opposition.
By 2020, President Bashir had been in power in Sudan for 26 years with the support of Turkey and Qatar because President Bashir was affiliated with the Ikhwani ideology. As Sudan was part of the Arab League, Turkey’s growing influence in North Africa did not sit well with the Arabs. Therefore, the first Egyptian Democratic President Morsi, who was affiliated with the Ikhwani ideology, was overthrown and General Sisi seized power, the neighboring country Libya saw the US, France, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates support General Haftar while Turkish forces began arming the GNA government. In October 2021, the President of Tunisia, a neighboring country of Libya, took control of the government by overthrowing the Prime Minister who was affiliated with the Ikhwani ideology, while during this time, in the neighboring country of Tunisia, the Ikhwanese faced the worst defeat in the election and a liberal party came to power.
President Bashir intends to take control of 200 Sudanese enterprises owned by the military in December 2019, prompted by other regional actors to prepare the military for a possible coup. President Bashir was toppled by the military in April 2019 after his followers took to the streets to oppose his administration. When protesters gathered, the paramilitary forces RSF opened fire and suppressed them. Following it, the military and opposition divided the government, and President Bashir was placed under house arrest. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates provided $2 billion in aid to the military government, while the US and Israel took advantage of Sudan’s weak administration and persuaded it to recognize Israel in exchange for removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Until November 2021, the opposition and the military were ruling the country together, with the opposition front at the forefront and the military standing behind them. However, in November 2021, a general of the military imposed martial law in the country, sending the opposition’s interim president, Abdullah Hamdok home. This caused great concern for the United States, the European Union, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, an attempt was made to overthrow General Burhan with the help of the RSF during the week. Restoring peace and stability in Sudan is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a sustained and coordinated effort from all stakeholders. The transitional government must prioritize the implementation of the peace agreement, address the root causes of conflict, and promote reconciliation and justice. At the same time, international partners must continue to provide political, economic, and humanitarian support to help Sudan navigate this challenging period. While there are no easy solutions, a genuine commitment to dialogue, compromise, and inclusivity can help pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese.