Sudan’s civil war, ongoing for nearly two years, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Recent military advances have not led to peace talks as both the military and RSF remain entrenched in conflict. The RSF’s formation of a parallel government complicates the situation further, indicating a potential division of the country and ongoing humanitarian concerns.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has persisted for nearly two years, is approaching a pivotal moment, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions. Recently, the military has reported substantial victories against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claiming control of key areas, including the Republican Palace in Khartoum, although the RSF has not acknowledged these losses.
The conflict began in April 2023, with clashes erupting between the military and the RSF, which had previously collaborated to suppress a return to civilian governance after the 2019 uprising. This escalation has led to the deaths of at least 28,000 individuals and forced over 14 million people to flee their homes, exacerbating conditions of famine throughout the country.
Despite military gains in Khartoum, the war is unlikely to conclude soon and may instead evolve into a divided Sudan, with territories controlled by both the military and RSF. Military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan has shown no intent to pursue serious peace negotiations, while RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has indicated a continued commitment to battle, particularly since the RSF maintains significant control over western Sudan and the Darfur region.
The RSF recently established a parallel government following the signing of a charter in February in Nairobi, Kenya, which aims to represent a secular and democratic Sudan. This development raises concerns of competing authorities in Sudan as both factions seek legitimacy. The RSF’s charter echoes the demands of various communities within Sudan for greater autonomy from Khartoum.
The RSF has roots in the Janjaweed militias formed under former president Omar al-Bashir, notorious for backing the government during the Darfur conflict. With recent allegations of genocidal actions against the RSF and its leader, the U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Dagalo, who has denied these claims, while the military has also faced accusations of human rights abuses.
The civil war in Sudan seems poised to enter a new phase characterized by a potential partition of the country. With both the military and the RSF maintaining firm positions and preparing for prolonged conflict, prospects for peace negotiations remain bleak. As competing authorities emerge, concerns about human rights abuses and humanitarian crises amplify, necessitating urgent attention from the international community to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
