Sudan Crisis 2023 Explained | Military conflict

Summary

The video explains the ongoing conflict in Sudan, tracing its roots back to historical tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011. Currently, Sudan is experiencing violence due to a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Army, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has escalated into a battle for control, with both generals seeking dominance. The video also highlights global and regional interests, including potential Russian involvement and ties to Middle Eastern nations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Sudan and South Sudan were originally one country, but South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after a 30-year civil war.
• 🕌 The North-South conflict was fueled by differences in religion, ethnicity, economics, and politics, with the North dominated by Arab Muslims and the South by Black African Christians and animists.
• ✍️ A comprehensive peace agreement was signed in 2005, mediated by the United Nations, the United States, and other international players, leading to South Sudan's independence in 2011.
• 👥 The current conflict in Sudan is between two military leaders: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Sudan's de facto ruler) and his deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - RSF).
• 💥 The fighting between these two generals is driven by a struggle for power, as both are vying for control over Sudan following a 2021 military coup.
• 👨‍💼 General Burhan led a coup in 2019 to overthrow Sudan's longtime president, Omar al-Bashir, with the help of Dagalo. However, tensions between them grew after the coup.
• 💰 Dagalo has built a vast business empire and has significant control over resources like gold, positioning himself as a national figure and forming alliances with marginalized groups.
• ⚔️ The current conflict escalated after plans to place Dagalo's RSF under the control of the Sudanese Army, which he strongly opposed, leading to armed clashes between the two forces.
• 🌐 Global powers, including the U.S., Russia, and Gulf states, have a vested interest in Sudan, with Russia allegedly supporting Dagalo to secure access to Sudan's coastline and resources.
• 🛑 Western nations are calling for a ceasefire, but their influence in Sudan is limited, as Sudan has been largely isolated since the 2021 coup.

Q & A

What is the historical context behind the current conflict in Sudan?

The current conflict in Sudan stems from a long history of civil war between the northern and southern regions of the country, largely due to differences in religion, ethnicity, economics, and politics. In 2011, South Sudan gained independence following decades of conflict, but Sudan has continued to experience internal power struggles.

Who are the two main figures involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan?

The two main figures in the current conflict are General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Army and de facto ruler of Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group.

What triggered the recent violence between these two generals?

The recent violence erupted due to a power struggle between General Burhan and General Dagalo. While both were initially allies, they turned against each other over disagreements about military and political control, with tensions exacerbated by attempts to integrate Dagalo's RSF into the Sudanese Army.

How did the Sudanese Civil War lead to South Sudan's independence?

The Sudanese Civil War, driven by religious, ethnic, and political differences, led to decades of conflict between the north and south of Sudan. This conflict culminated in a peace agreement in 2005, and eventually, South Sudan gained independence in 2011 through a referendum.

What role did the United States play in the peace process between Sudan and South Sudan?

The United States, along with the United Nations and African nations, played a key role in mediating the comprehensive peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, which led to South Sudan's independence.

Why did General Burhan and General Dagalo turn against each other after initially working together?

After the 2021 coup in Sudan, General Burhan began reinstating individuals associated with the former regime of Omar al-Bashir, causing General Dagalo to feel threatened. Dagalo, who led the RSF and helped Burhan take power, feared being sidelined or betrayed, leading to their eventual fallout.

What is the significance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s political landscape?

The RSF, led by General Dagalo, is a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan. It played a significant role in Sudan's military and political affairs, particularly during the 2019 coup. However, tensions arose when there were plans to integrate the RSF into the Sudanese Army, leading to the current conflict.

What global powers are involved in Sudan's internal conflict, and how do they influence it?

Several global powers have interests in Sudan. Russia, through its Wagner Group, reportedly supports General Dagalo and his RSF in exchange for access to Sudan's gold. Western nations like the U.S. and the European Union have called for ceasefire and talks but have limited leverage due to Sudan’s isolation after the 2021 coup.

What is the historical role of military leaders in Sudan’s government?

Military leaders have long dominated Sudan’s government. Since Omar al-Bashir's military coup in 1989, Sudan has been ruled by military figures. Even after Bashir's ousting in 2019, the military, led by General Burhan, continued to play a significant role in governing the country.

What are the main goals of the two sides involved in the conflict?

General Dagalo and the RSF claim to represent the marginalized groups in Sudan and aim to challenge the political elites in Khartoum. General Burhan and the Sudanese Armed Forces, on the other hand, insist that the military will only hand over power to an elected government and expect civilian politicians to share power with the military.