Sudan’s brutal civil war has entered its third year, leaving over 150,000 people dead and triggering what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The power struggle between Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the army, and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as “Hemedti”, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), continues to devastate the country.
War Roots: A Failed Transition and Military Rivalry
The conflict began in April 2023, following a deep rift between the army and the RSF, two forces that had jointly seized power in 2021. Tensions escalated when efforts to integrate the RSF into the national military faltered. Each general accused the other of undermining Sudan’s democratic transition while allegedly seeking to preserve their own power and wealth.
Heavy fighting erupted in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. The RSF seized vast areas including much of Darfur and Kordofan, while the army regained partial control of Khartoum in March 2025 and now holds much of the north and the east.
Human Catastrophe: Famine and Mass Displacement
- Over 12 million people have been displaced.
- Famine has taken hold in several regions, including the besieged city of El-Fasher.
- Hospitals have been bombed, children sexually assaulted, and basic services destroyed.
- In Darfur, thousands from the non-Arab Massalit community have been massacred.
Genocide Accusations and RSF Denials
While UN investigators and the US government accuse the RSF and allied militias of committing genocide, particularly in West Darfur, the RSF denies responsibility and describes the violence as “tribal.” The US sanctioned RSF leader Hemedti in January 2025 for his alleged role in orchestrating ethnic-based killings and sexual violence.
UAE’s Alleged Role and Questions Over Gold Trade
The Sudanese army has accused the United Arab Emirates of supporting the RSF through arms supplies, drones, and funding—allegations Abu Dhabi denies. The RSF is also said to smuggle Sudanese gold, with suspected routes to the UAE, helping fund its military operations.
These allegations gained international attention partly because of the UAE’s global business ties. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior UAE official and owner of Manchester City Football Club, is part of the ruling family. While there is no direct link between him and Sudan’s conflict, his political role has increased scrutiny on the UAE’s wider influence in Africa.
Sudan filed a case at the International Court of Justice earlier this year, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide. The court dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds.
Divided Country, Stalled Peace
With Sudan now effectively split between army- and RSF-held territories, the prospect of reunification looks increasingly distant. The RSF announced intentions to form a parallel government, raising fears of another national breakup like the 2011 secession of South Sudan.
Despite several international peace initiatives, no ceasefire has held, and aid agencies report 80% of food kitchens have shut down. Civilian suffering remains at catastrophic levels.