What is Happening in Sudan, on the Brink of a Civil War?

Sudan has been one of the most controversial countries in recent years. Located in Africa, south of Egypt, for many years, it was a nation ethnically divided into an Arab north and a black south, leading to secession. Today there are two nations, Sudan and South Sudan, the latter being the youngest country, when in 2011, 99% of voters chose to form a new government.

Last week, Sudan returned to the headlines of the international press. This is due to an infamous power struggle between the African nation's Sudanese military and paramilitary forces. This has brought the crisis to the brink of civil war. In recent days, the capital Khartoum has been the center of shelling, airstrikes, fighting, and chaos. According to NGO reports, this has left nearly 200 civilians dead and 2,000 injured.

On the one hand, the paramilitary groups claimed control of the airport and the presidential palace. But, later, the Air Force attacked the same Sudanese captain.

Additionally, there is a crisis in the medical centers since the panorama of war leaves hospitals without supplies or electricity.

What are the Sides?

Many media talk about the struggle of former friends and allies. They are Abdel Fatah al Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, generals who fought side by side in the Darfur war several years ago and who today seem to be fighting for power in the nation. The first was a general of the official army, and the second was the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (FAR) paramilitary group, heirs of the Yanyauid. Burhan and Hamdan Dagalo were essential to preventing the country's transition to civilian rule.

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Al Burhan has controlled Sudan since the coup in 2021. He was a figure that united various Sudanese sectors, and they saw a unifying leader in the constitution of the 62-year-old man. Today, he is accused of being an ally of the Islamists.

Past in Darfur

The war in Darfur, which dates from 2003 to 2009, is the name given to a conflict between the Janjaweed (government-backed militants) and groups of farmers. Although both groups were Muslim-majority (the main reason for the Sudanese Civil War), these groups fought for control of the western region of Sudan, also known as Darfur. They were known as a conflict between Arab and black ethnic groups.

It is estimated that the war left up to 400,000 victims, one of the most violent in recent years. It was not until 2007, when the UN sent 26,000 soldiers, that they entered a period of peace in the area. However, today, several say that the conflict continues, although only small outbreaks of violence are officially registered.

A Little Light of Hope

Despite the heavy fighting between both sides that have left hundreds of civilians dead and thousands injured, both sides have agreed to a ceasefire. However, with few ways to monitor and monitor the cessation of hostilities, it will be vital that forces on both sides comply and that both leaders reach fundamental agreements.