Overview of the Conflict in Sudan: Armies and Paramilitaries Clash
Sudan’s ongoing conflict is characterized by a struggle between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). After significant territorial advances, the army faces allegations of human rights abuses, while the RSF, a well-prepared paramilitary force, has been implicated in ethnic violence. Both sides are currently engaged in a contentious battle for power during a tumultuous political transition in Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan pits the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), originating from their earlier collaboration to oust President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in 2019. Recently, the Sudanese army gained significant ground by taking control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum but faces challenges due to its prior losses in urban areas to the more agile RSF units. The two factions are deeply entangled, seeing heavy losses and causing widespread displacements amid their ongoing power struggle as Sudan navigates through a political transition.
The Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, possess a numerical advantage and heavy military equipment. Historically central to Sudanese governance, they have relied on allied militia for regional fighting and have substantial economic interests. Burhan, having served since the Darfur conflict, quickly emerged as a pivotal figure after al-Bashir’s removal but has faced accusations of human rights violations during the war.
The RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), was initially a militia that formed in response to attacks on his trade. Hemedti’s forces grew through government alliances in Darfur, gaining military recognition in 2017. As an adept force, they’ve captured military bases and implemented strategies that evade conventional army tactics. Despite accusations of ethnic attacks in Darfur, the RSF has denied wrongdoing, positioning itself as a major player supported by influential allies.
The struggles between these factions continue to fuel violence and suffering in Sudan, contributing to humanitarian crises as both the army and the RSF pursue their interests in an unstable environment. International scrutiny and sanctions have targeted leaders from both sides for their roles in perpetuating violence and human rights abuses, highlighting the severe consequences of this ongoing conflict across Sudan.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan features a complex struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, both emerging from a shared history of political upheaval yet now in violent opposition. As the army regains control in parts of urban centers, the RSF continues to adapt its unconventional warfare tactics, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and displacements. Both factions face international pressure due to allegations of human rights violations, indicating the severe implications of this protracted confrontation for Sudan’s future stability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
