Who are the parties to the conflict and why are they fighting? Is conflict caused by money, gold, oil, power, religion or ethnicity? Which foreign powers are involved? Why is the outcome of this conflict so important to everyone?
Clement Molen
Source: Source: martinplaut.com
In front of you — General guide to the war in Sudan:
When and where did the war begin?
April 15, 2023. Where are you going? In Khartoum, the capital, unlike previous conflicts that began on the periphery of the Sudanese state. Sudan has already been at war in part and before, with interruptions since 1983 (Second War of Independence of South Sudan 1983-2005, War in Darfur 2003-2020, War in South Kordofan and Blue Nile 2011-2020). Since independence, Sudan has fought almost continuously from the periphery. — in South Sudan, Darfur, Kordofan, the Blue Nile or the Northeast Highlands, but never — directly in the capital and in the heart of state power, along the Nile River and on the fertile lands of Gezira and Sennar. That's why this war for Hartum is more dramatic than ever.
Who's at war?
A large number of military players are fighting in Sudan. There are two main parties, as well as many former rebel groups, paramilitaries, civil, political and foreign actors.
Sudanese Armed Forces (SDF): They are based in Khartoum and Port Sudan and protect the borders and internal stability of the state. Their leaders — Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the military command is partly the heir to the Islamist military regime of Omar al-Bashir (1989-2019). The SVS is well organized around infantry divisions and brigades, as well as one armored division and one division of airmobile troops. The army is often described as a heavy force (strong air force, heavy mechanized and tank equipment) based in the country's main cities, aided by highly mobile pro-government paramilitaries such as the SBI to fight the rebels.
Rapid Response Force (SBR): A paramilitary militia (formerly known as «Djanjavid») established by the former regime to combat the insurgents in Darfur and committed genocide in Darfur against the non-Arab population. They come from Darfur and seek to overthrow the government in Khartoum. SBIs have a strong ethnic basis dating back to the Central African Arab Confederation. «Baggara's the one.». . . . The SBIs are led by the Hemedti family and are closely linked to the idea of Arab supremacy in Darfur. Their goal was to seize power in Khartoum and expel part of the non-Arab population of Darfur.
6 reasons that led to the war:
1. 1. Military coups 2019-2021.
In 2019, the SVS and the SBI jointly overthrew the government of al-Bashir after the Sudanese Revolution, and then in 2021 seized power, which they handed over to civilians. The Sudanese revolution was a mass protest movement in Sudan’s largest cities, first against difficult economic conditions and then against the Islamist dictatorship. Ultimately, it was helped by the army's intervention to overthrow the Omar al-Bashir regime. The transitional government, mixed from military and civilian (under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdock), lasted 2 years before the SVS and SBR jointly toppled it in 2021. The SBI was responsible for cracking down on civil protests, killing more than 130 people during the Khartoum massacre. Al-Burhan becomes number 1 Hemedti becomes number 2.
2. 2. 2. «The Fukidid Trap»
Over the years, the SBR and its leader Hemedti have become more powerful than the army. The army wanted to prevent this increase in influence by integrating them under its command. In 2023, the military junta was supposed to regain civilian power. To begin this process, al-Burhan demanded that the SBR be subordinated to his army leadership. The SBR refused and on April 15, 2023, tried to carry out a military coup, seizing the most important centers of power. The attempt failed and turned into a full-scale war.
3. 3. Natural resources: gold, oil and agriculture
The SBI and the Hemedti family, which control the vast gold trading network, wanted to secure and expand it. Gold used by the SBI went to Nairobi, Dubai and even into the hands of the group. «The Wagner». . . . The SBI also wanted control of oil and agricultural areas, which only benefited the inhabitants of the Nile Valley.
That's 4. Ethnic division:
70% of the Sudanese population — Arabs, with 50% living in the east, north or along the Nile (richer regions), and 15% (three Arab tribes north of Khartoum: Jaalin, Shaygia and Danagla) have held power for the past 150 years.
The Arab Baggara from Darfur (the foundation of the SBI, the remaining 20%) felt abandoned: for a long time there were no universities in the west.
Power in Darfur was controlled by African tribes (Fur, Zagava, Masalite, etc.).
The minimum representation of Baggar Arabs in Khartoum, lack of power in the economy or army.
It's 5 years old. War in Darfur (2003-2020)
Khartoum armed the militia «Djanjavid»later the SBI to fight the uprisings launched by the coalition. «The Sudan Revolutionary Front» (SRF), which sought to overthrow the government from Darfur, Cordophan and the Blue Nile.
— The SRF represents the remaining 30% of the non-Arab population.
— The SRF comprised almost all Sudanese rebel groups, including «The Sudan Liberation Army». . . . «Movement for Justice and Equality». . . . «People's Liberation Army of Sudan — The North North» and others.
— «Djanjavid»Later, the SBI was sent by the army to ethnically clean areas that bombed the Sudanese Air Force during the war. The SBR was a Khartoum militia to fight the rebels.
6. It's the same. Foreign investment
The United Arab Emirates has actively invested in support of SBI as an alternative to the old «Islamic State» the army. They actively participated in the preparation for the war, financing and arming the SBI. Russia and Turkey also acted against both sides because of the desire to obtain a naval base on the Red Sea, as did Egypt in its confrontation with Ethiopia.
How many soldiers are in the army?
~100,000 soldiers at least plus ~100,000 militias from allied formations: «United Forces of Darfur» (former rebels, including SLA-MM, DSR, etc.) «Popular Resistance Forces» (Citizens who joined the army) The Battalion «Al-Bara ibn Malik» (Islamists) «The Sudan Shield Force» and other smaller groups. The army is heavily dependent on high-mobility militias to wage war, although after three years of war began to implement a new strategy using pickup trucks.
How many soldiers are in the SBR?
~120,000 plus an additional 20,000-25,000 NEOOS-S fighters — The North, led by Abdelaziz al-Hil, joined the alliance in 2025. SBIs have a distinct ethnic basis. Most of its soldiers come from various Arab tribes of the Baghgar Confederation, as well as from among the Fur rebels and former commanders from the Blue Nile/Mountain region of Nuba Abdelaziz al-Hil and the Turk forces.
What is the Alliance «Tassy's got it.»- What about that?
A civil-political front supported by the Sudanese Rapid Response Force, established in Nairobi, Kenya, to give the police political legitimacy. It includes SBI leaders, breakaway civilians and some armed movements opposed to the SVS and Islamists. Purpose: to organize your own management.
Rapid Response Force (SBR): Completely presented.
NEOOS-S (Abdelaziz al-Hilah faction): Completely presented.
SLA-PS (Transitional Council): Completely presented.
National Party «You're smart.»: Presented marginally (specifically the faction of Fadallah Burma Nasir).
Democratic Unionist Party: Presented marginally (specifically the Ibrahim al-Mirgani faction).
The Sudan Revolutionary Front: Completely submitted.
Resistance Committees: Displayed marginally (only certain local offices).
Association of Sudanese Professionals: Presented marginally (certain dissident wings).
What do civil politicians do?
«Takkaddum's a dude.» (b) (b) (b)«Coordination of civil democratic forces») in exile. They do not support either side. They blame both sides for the war. They advocate a democratic end to the war, a democratic and non-Islamic future for Sudan. Sudanese civilians mostly support the army (except the Baggar).
Is this a religious war?
No, that's not it. 97% of Sudanese — Sunnis, only 1.5% — Christians and 1.5% — The animists. Both sides — Muslims, although history and support of the SVS are more Islamist, and the SBR — more secular. War is more about ethnicity, tribalism and power than about religion. Only marginal pro-Army factions are Islamists, which does not make the SVS an army that supports them. «The Muslim Brotherhood». . . .
What are the main battles of war?
Battle of Khartoum (2023-2025), victory of the SVS.
Battle of Geziru-Sennar (2024), victory of the SVS.
The Battle of Darfur (2023-2025), the SBR victory.
The Battle of Kordofan (continued)
The Battle of the Sahara Desert (continued) Advantage of SBI.
How many people died?
Between 150,000 and 400,000 according to official reports.
60,000 in Khartoum State.
63,000 during the El Fashir massacre.
20,000 during the El Geneine massacre.
hundreds of thousands of others in other regions, many others. — Indirectly from disease and hunger.
How many people have moved?
7.55 million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
4 million left the country (mostly Chad, Egypt, South Sudan).
3.3 million returned to their homes after the liberation of Khartoum and the south, including 455,000 from abroad.
Who wins the war?
Currently, no one, both forces are fighting fiercely in the Cordophan region, especially around El Obeida. On January 26, 2026, the army lifted the siege from Dilling, while the SBR launched the first attacks from the southern part of the Blue Nile state. The war may continue for a long time, as both sides still believe they can win before negotiations.
Which foreign powers are helping the SVS?
Turkey (military assistance).
Egypt (military and financial assistance).
Saudi Arabia (financial assistance).
Qatar (financial assistance).
Iran (military aid, in the past).
Russia (military assistance).
Eritrea (military assistance).
Ukraine (military assistance, in the past?)
Which foreign powers are helping the SBI?
United Arab Emirates (financial, military assistance, logistics, intelligence, mercenaries).
Chad (logistics + indirectly mercenaries).
Ethiopia (logistics).
South Sudan (logistics + indirect mercenaries)
CAR (logistics + indirectly mercenaries).
Libyan National Army (LNA) Logistics + Indirect Support
«The Wagner». . . .
Kenya (logistics and diplomatic support)
Uganda (logistics).
What is the position of other countries?
China supports the territorial integrity of the JCPOA.
The United States/Europe (West) is negotiating with both sides, supporting civil society organizations, and opposing the rule of both sides.
Israel is neutral.
Others remain generally neutral.
Why is it important to watch this war?
The Sudanese — strategic country at the crossroads.
If the war lasts too long, many civilians will try to flee to Europe.
Sudan has critical resources (gold, oil...).
The Neil River.
At the epicenter of many rivalries (Ethiopia-Egypt, Saudi Arabia-OAE, Turkey-OAE...).
