Sudan’s Civil War: A Potential Turning Point Amid Ongoing Crisis
The civil war in Sudan is witnessing a shift as the Sudanese army reclaims the presidential palace from the Rapid Support Forces. Humanitarian crises persist, aggravated by international neglect and cuts in U.S. aid. The situation remains complex, with the RSF continuing to control significant territory. The conflict’s repercussions threaten regional stability, particularly in South Sudan.
International diplomatic efforts have yet to yield a resolution to the civil war in Sudan, but recent developments indicate a notable shift in battlefield dynamics. Forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese army chief, recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). This victory follows the RSF’s prior success in April 2023, when they ousted Burhan from the capital.
In the early stages of the conflict, the RSF seized critical sites in Khartoum, including the gold market and media headquarters. However, in recent months, Burhan’s forces have successfully reclaimed these territories, thereby diminishing the RSF’s influence. It is important to note that the RSF’s remaining forces are concentrated in eastern and southern Khartoum and are struggling to maintain their position, particularly with recent advancements by the Sudanese army.
During the weekend, the Sudanese army continued to capitalize on its momentum by retaking the central bank. Reports from Omdurman, a city adjacent to Khartoum, indicated increased shelling incidents. The Sudanese military attributed their successes partly to new Iranian and Turkish drone technologies and cited the capture of the presidential palace as a pivotal moment symbolizing national sovereignty.
The ongoing civil war has been marked by severe human rights violations, with both sides committing atrocities. In January, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Hemedti for his role in what they termed the “second genocide in a generation.” Aid organizations are also facing challenges delivering assistance to affected populations amid a landscape complicated by various armed groups and local militias.
The RSF reportedly has support from the United Arab Emirates, which serves as a market for gold mined in RSF-controlled regions, while the Sudanese military receives backing from Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire have repeatedly failed, as short-lived agreements are often disregarded.
Despite the Sudanese army’s advancements, the RSF remains active in and around Khartoum and controls significant areas in the southern and western parts of the nation. This division is underscored by RSF leaders convening in Kenya to discuss forming a parallel government.
The conflict in Sudan has exacerbated instability in neighboring South Sudan, where a fragile power-sharing agreement has faltered. This has led to escalating violence and foreign evacuations from the capital, Juba. A senior U.N. official has warned that South Sudan is on the verge of reverting to civil war, following the breakdown of vital oil export routes.
Both Sudan and South Sudan have faced neglect from the international community. Reports suggest that only a small fraction of the anticipated U.N. humanitarian support for Sudan has been secured, with substantial shortfalls linked to a lack of global commitment. Significant cuts to U.S. foreign assistance programs, especially humanitarian aid, are yielding devastating consequences for the affected populations.
Experts, such as Kholood Khair, have emphasized the serious implications of U.S. aid reductions, noting that the U.S. was a crucial humanitarian donor for Sudan. Furthermore, the reallocation of funds toward defense efforts has compounded the suffering of millions in Sudan, as international focus shifts to conflicts in other regions.
In summary, recent military developments in Sudan suggest a potential turning point in the civil war, with the Sudanese army regaining territory and facing ongoing struggles against the RSF. Despite these shifts, the humanitarian crisis remains acute, exacerbated by international neglect and significant reductions in foreign aid. As instability spreads into neighboring regions, the need for effective diplomatic intervention and increased humanitarian assistance becomes more critical than ever.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
