VIDEO: The War in Sudan: Understanding the Most Deadly Current Conflict and What the U.S. Can Do to Help
The War in Sudan: Understanding the Most Deadly Current Conflict and What the U.S. Can Do to Help
Speakers: Suliman Baldo & Pamela DeLargy
Presented by: Arizona State University’s Future Security Initiative
| Suliman Baldo |
| Baldo previously directed the Sudan Democracy First Group, former UN Independent Expert on Mali and Independent Commission of Investigations in Côte d’Ivoire, former Africa Director at the International Center for Transitional Justice and the International Crisis Group, and a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Pamela DeLargy DeLargy has over two decades’ experience in international development and humanitarian assistance with a focus on population and development, migration, gender and development, former head of United Nations Population Fund’s humanitarian programs, specialist in Eritrea, Sudan, and Ethiopia, assisting ASU’s Education for Humanity initiative in bringing access to higher education to camp-based and urban refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. |
This presentation exposes a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. The conflict has precipitated the world’s most extensive force displacement crisis, with an unprecedented nine million individuals forcibly removed from their homes. The human toll is devastating: over 150,000 lives lost, with half the population confronting acute food insecurity. Infrastructure destruction has been systematic, targeting critical national institutions including schools, health facilities, bridges, the National Bank, and even the National Museum.
Historical Genealogy of Conflict: From Janjaweed to Rapid Support Forces
The conflict’s origins can be traced to the Darfur War of 2003-2004, where the Sudanese Army strategically recruited Arab militias to suppress African communities opposing Omar Al-Bashir’s regime. These Janjaweed militias underwent a critical transformation in 2013, being formally integrated into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). By 2019, the RSF had metamorphosed into a formidable 100,000-strong paramilitary organization, effectively functioning as the infantry backbone of Sudan’s military apparatus.
Economic Warfare: Resource Extraction and Institutional Corruption
Gold has emerged as the conflict’s economic fulcrum. Sudan produces approximately 60 tons annually, with a staggering 50% smuggled through opaque channels. The United Arab Emirates serves as the primary destination for these exports, creating a complex international economic ecosystem. Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF have developed extensive corporate empires, operating with minimal governmental oversight across sectors including mining, energy, construction, manufacturing, and commodity trading.
Geopolitical Chessboard: Regional and International Dynamics
The conflict’s geographical complexity is unprecedented. Every neighboring nation—Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt—is intricately involved. Regional and global powers, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have transformed Sudanese military groups into strategic proxies. The UAE’s involvement is particularly nuanced, driven by geostrategic ambitions to control the Horn of Africa, Sahel region, and North Africa.
Military Expertise: The Yemen Connection
The RSF’s military effectiveness can be directly attributed to combat experience gained during the Yemen conflict. Deployed to the southern front against the Houthis starting in 2015, the RSF received extensive training from Saudi and Emirati forces. This experience created a significant military capability disparity with the Sudan Armed Forces, who were predominantly stationed at the Saudi-Yemen border and avoided direct combat.
Ideological Undercurrents: The Muslim Brotherhood Factor
The conflict is a military confrontation and an ideological struggle. Sudan’s Islamist movement, an extension of the Muslim Brotherhood, dominated state institutions during Bashir’s 30-year rule. The movement strategically created parallel institutions to monopolize power, embedding a complex political infrastructure that continues to influence current dynamics.
Financial Mechanics: External Support and Internal Manipulation
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have provided billions in financial support to both military factions, bypassing governmental structures. This funding served multiple purposes: supporting soldiers in Yemen, building institutional capacities, and ultimately undermining civilian governance during the 2019-2021 transition period.
Gold: A Conflict Mineral Ecosystem
The gold sector reveals the conflict’s economic perversity. While Sudan produces significant gold quantities, local producers—approximately one million individuals—derive minimal benefits. The RSF’s leadership, particularly the commanders’ families, have been primary beneficiaries. Army-owned companies similarly channel revenues to support the officer corps’ luxurious lifestyle.
International Response and Potential Interventions
Emerging international scrutiny, particularly from the UK and US, is beginning to recognize the UAE’s complex role. Some American congressional representatives have introduced bills to halt military aid to the Emirates, signaling potential diplomatic pressure.
Conclusion: A Multidimensional Crisis
Sudan’s conflict transcends traditional military confrontation, representing a complex intersection of economic exploitation, geopolitical ambition, historical ethnic tensions, and international strategic interests. The crisis demands sophisticated, nuanced international engagement.
