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| Image Credit: Google |
Sudan
is engulfed into a new catastrophe. A civil war, wearing a uniform, forces are fighting for power, dominance, and rule. Divided majorly in two factions, Sudanese
army and paramilitary forces are fighting from the last week.
The
fight has rendered a county into complete chaos, guest states are trying to
extract their diplomatic officials and citizens. Civilians’ places along
medical facilities are allegedly under extreme fire from both the sides. Most
importantly, transition to civilian rule has been left in dismay due to this
war where both the factions are vying for control. There are some points
required to be discussed here.
Struggle
for Power:
There is
struggle for power between the two factions.
They are lead by;
1. 1.Sudan’s Army Chief Commander, Abdel Fattah
Al-Burhan
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| Image Credit: Google |
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| Image Credit: Google |
In
2019, both the factions successfully ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Both
were allies and played a pivotal role in the Military taker over in 2021.
The
two group came at odds when negotiations took place to integrate RSF into the
mainstream Army as part of the plan to restore civilian rule in Sudan. The
question of subordination under the new hierarchy created a deadlock between
the two.
Seemingly
a deadlock, vying for power, transformed into a full-fledged war to which both
the parties view as an existential fight for dominance, CNN reported.
A war
erupted from the chaos of a decade. Sudanese has witnessed majority upheaval
from the previous years. Darfur Crisis is not an old phenomenon. Before he
thrown out of office by the protests later transformed into a civil war,
erupted over soaring bread prices, Omar al-Bashir ruled the country for three
decades.
North
Sudan separated from South Sudan during his rule. Due to alleged war crimes in
Darfur, International Criminal Court issued warrant in his name.
However,
Darfur crisis was the one of the last nails in the coffin of integrated Sudan.
It resulted later, in the ouster of Bashir. After him, Sudan was ruled by an
uneasy alliance formed between the Army and Civilian parties.
However,
the Military Coup in 2021 has ended this uneasy alliance.
Rapid Support
Force (RSF):
Rapid
Support Force is the pre-eminent paramilitary force in Sudan, it was used by
state for border intelligence, internal security and supporting main army in
establishing writ of the government in times of crisis. It was also allegedly
used by the Omar al-Bashir for political purpose.
During
Darfur Conflict in the early 2000s, Dagalo, the current Commander of RSF was the
leader of Janjaweed forces which is known for human rights violations and
atrocities in Sudan.
Due to
international pressure, Janjaweed Forces transformed into formal Paramilitary
forces, known as Border Intelligence Units. In 2007, it became the part of
country’s surveillance services.
When
in 2013, Bashir created RSF, another paramilitary group overseen by him gave
its command with Dagalo.
In 2019, He turned again Bashir when his forces opened fire, killing 118 people in anti-Bashir and a pro-democratic sit-in in Khartoum,
Dagalo worked later as Deputy of the transitional Sovereign Council that was aligned with Civilian leadership ruling Sudan till the start current war.
The Two
Competitive Generals; Outcome of the Darfur Crisis
Burhan
was the Sudan’s De Facto leader in recent Civil-Military arrangements after Bashir. During the tenure and removal of Bashir, he was the Chief of Sudan’s
Military.
He
remained contemporary and parallel almost all the times with Dagalo. Both are
the outcome of infamous Darfur Crisis.
It is
alleged that Al-Burhan and Dagalo both strengthen their rise and stay in power through
the allegiance of Gulf powerhouses.
They
sent Sudanese troops to serve with the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen from
the separate battalions they were entrusted with.
Their coalition have transformed to struggle for power recently.
Blame
Game:
Speaking
with CNN, Burhan, characterized the RSF offensive as an “attempted coup.”
Burhan
termed RSF rebellion and offensive as an attempted military coup while speaking
to CNN by phone, CNN reported. He further said “RSF leader Dagalo had mutinied
against the state, and if captured, would be tried in court of law.”
Burhan
also accused Dagalo that he had tried to “capture me and kill me.”
On Contrary, an RSF spokesperson told in response of the claim that the group was “seeking to capture him (Burhan)” and bring him (Burhan) to justice for many treasons acts against the Sudanese people.” CNN reported
“We
are fighting for all Sudanese people,” and “We [are] going to bring all
responsible parties to justice and give them a fair trial.” RSF
Spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNN.
While
on the other hand, Burhan is adamant on the stance that “The Sudanese Army
is the people’s army.” And “It is not owned by specific people or
specific organizations,” he also added. “It is a national institution,
which is tasked with defending Sudan.” Reported by CNN.
(Courtesy: CNN)
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