Sudan’s civil war, ongoing for nearly two years, has resulted in significant casualties and displacements. Recent military advances have not resolved the conflict, as the RSF maintains control over parts of the country and has established a rival government. Continued hostilities seem likely as both factions remain unwilling to engage in meaningful peace talks.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has reached a critical phase following nearly two years of conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Recently, the Sudanese military has achieved significant territorial gains against the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including control over Khartoum, although the RSF has yet to acknowledge this defeat.
The conflict erupted in April 2023 as fighting commenced between the military and the RSF, stemming from a power struggle between former allies who sought to block the reinstatement of civilian governance after the 2019 uprising. The violence has claimed at least 28,000 lives, with displacement affecting over 14 million individuals and inducing famine conditions across the nation.
While the military’s recent successes could signify a shift towards an effective division of Sudan into military- and RSF-led territories, it is unlikely to conclude the overall conflict. Military leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan has exhibited no inclination for serious negotiations, while the RSF, under Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, remains committed to its fight. The RSF continues to control substantial areas in western Sudan, notably throughout the Darfur region.
Furthermore, the RSF has initiated the establishment of a rival governance structure, having signed a charter in February 2023 for a parallel government in Nairobi, Kenya. This development may lead to two competing administrations vying for power amid ongoing hostilities. The RSF’s charter advocates for a secular, democratic system that respects the autonomy of Sudan’s diverse communities.
A notorious offshoot of the Janjaweed militias, the RSF has a history of violence against civilians, and both the RSF and the military have faced accusations of severe human rights violations during the conflict. The United States has sanctioned Dagalo for alleged genocide, which he denies, while the military also refutes allegations against its forces.
The civil war in Sudan remains unresolved as military gains in Khartoum potentially foster a partition of the country between military and RSF-controlled regions. The lack of serious peace discussions and the establishment of a parallel governance structure by the RSF highlight the persistent tensions and prospects for continued violence. Given the historical context of the RSF and ongoing atrocities, the path toward peace appears complex and fraught with challenges.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
