Sudan Crisis 2023: A brief Introduction

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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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2.Paramilitary’s Rapid Support Force’s (RSF) head, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Image Credit: Google

Statistics from various official and non-official estimates told the number of Sudanese Armed forces at around 210,000 to 220,000, the RSF are believed to number approximately 70,000 but are better trained and better equipped.

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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