TLDR;
This video provides a detailed historical overview of the conflicts in Sudan, from its independence to the current civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). It explains the roots of the conflict, the various political and military leaders involved, and the international interests at play. The video highlights the devastating impact of the war on the Sudanese people, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced.
- Sudan's history of instability is rooted in identity conflicts and military coups.
- The current conflict is between the army (SAF) and the paramilitary group (RSF).
- Regional and international powers have different interests and involvement in the conflict.
Historical Context: Egypt and Sudanese Independence [0:37]
Historically, Egypt and Sudan were once a single entity under British occupation, with the Egyptian monarch ruling over both. Following a revolution in Egypt led by Gamal Abdel Nasser, Sudan gained independence in 1956. The newly independent Sudan faced challenges due to its diverse population, including Arab tribes in the central and northern regions, Christians and African tribes in the south, and the Darfur region in the west, home to the Fur and Rizeigat tribes.
Early Conflicts and Military Coups [2:04]
Just two years after independence, Sudan experienced a series of military coups. The first coup in 1958, led by General Ibrahim Abboud, dissolved parliament and suppressed political activities. Abboud's attempts to impose Arabic language and Islam on the Christian-dominated south led to a civil war. Despite initial success, Abboud's regime faced public protests and was overthrown in 1964, leading to a return to civilian rule.
Nimeiri's Rule and the Islamic Turn [3:34]
Civilian rule was short-lived, as political and economic instability led to another coup in 1969, led by Colonel Jaafar Nimeiri. Initially an admirer of Nasser's socialist policies, Nimeiri later shifted towards Islamism, implementing Sharia law in 1983. He signed an agreement in 1972 granting autonomy to the Christians in the south, but this did not last, and a new civil war began as southern factions demanded complete independence.
Al-Bashir Era: War Crimes and South Sudan's Secession [5:47]
In 1985, Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab overthrew Nimeiri and handed power back to civilians. However, in 1989, Omar al-Bashir, backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, seized power in another coup. Al-Bashir's rule was marked by increased conflict in southern Sudan and the Darfur region. In Darfur, militias known as the Janjaweed, led by figures like Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), committed atrocities against non-Arab tribes, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people. The International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted al-Bashir for war crimes and genocide in 2009. Facing immense pressure, al-Bashir allowed South Sudan to hold a referendum, leading to its secession in 2011.
The Rise of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) [9:29]
In 2013, al-Bashir rebranded the Janjaweed militias as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and integrated them into the armed forces, but kept them directly under his control. This was intended to balance the power of the regular army and prevent coups.
2019 Revolution and the Transitional Government [10:40]
In 2019, widespread protests against al-Bashir's rule led to his ouster in a coup orchestrated by military leaders, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti. A transitional government was formed, with Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister, but it was fragile and faced constant pressure from both the military and civilian factions.
The 2021 Coup and Hamdok's Resignation [13:52]
In 2021, al-Burhan and Hemedti staged another coup, arresting Hamdok and dissolving the transitional government. Although Hamdok was later reinstated under military supervision, he resigned in January 2022, leaving al-Burhan and Hemedti as the de facto rulers of Sudan.
The Current Conflict: SAF vs. RSF [15:04]
Tensions between al-Burhan and Hemedti escalated as al-Burhan called for the integration of the RSF into the army, which Hemedti resisted. The conflict erupted into open warfare, with the RSF seizing control of Khartoum and expanding its influence westward towards Darfur. The Sudanese army, under al-Burhan, has been trying to regain control of the capital.
International Involvement and Perspectives [18:37]
Egypt supports the Sudanese army, viewing the RSF as a threat. The United States attempts to maintain a neutral stance. Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of Sudan's unity and opposes external interference, offering Jeddah as a venue for negotiations. The United Arab Emirates, while officially denying involvement, is accused by the Sudanese army of supporting the RSF.
The Battle for Al-Fashir and Humanitarian Crisis [21:31]
The RSF's control of Al-Fashir, a strategic city in Darfur, is critical for maintaining supply lines and potentially establishing a parallel government. The city is also home to millions of displaced people, and reports of atrocities committed by RSF-affiliated forces have emerged. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and widespread suffering.
