Politics / France
Sudan Civil War Overview
The civil war in Sudan has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced since January 2023, marking it as the worst humanitarian crisis globally. Following the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan briefly experienced hope, but military control quickly undermined this progress, culminating in a coup in 2022.
Source material: 3 ans de guerre au Soudan : la vidéo pour tout comprendre
Summary
The civil war in Sudan has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced since January 2023, marking it as the worst humanitarian crisis globally. Following the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan briefly experienced hope, but military control quickly undermined this progress, culminating in a coup in 2022.
The 2022 coup triggered protests from youth demanding the military adhere to the power-sharing agreement, which were met with harsh military repression. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), are key military figures in the conflict, with their rivalry stemming from their past alliance under the previous regime.
The conflict officially began on April 15, 2023, when the two military factions clashed, leading to intense fighting, especially in Khartoum. The power struggle reflects deeper ideological divides, with al-Burhan representing traditional military leadership and Hemeti emerging from paramilitary origins.
The RSF has established organized supply lines for arms from neighboring countries, including Libya and Chad, crucial for their military operations. The conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and destruction, particularly in the densely populated capital of Khartoum.
Perspectives
Analysis of the ongoing conflict in Sudan and its implications.
Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
- Utilizes organized supply lines for arms from neighboring countries
- Engages in ethnic targeting and violence against civilians
Sudanese Army
- Receives backing from various international actors, including Egypt
- Maintains control over key military bases despite RSF advances
Neutral / Shared
- Both sides have evolved their military strategies over the course of the war
Metrics
deaths
hundreds of millions of deaths people
total deaths due to the civil war
This staggering number underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis.
hundreds of millions of deaths
displaced
11 million displaced people
total number of displaced individuals
The displacement crisis exacerbates the humanitarian situation and strains resources.
11 million displaced
territory
95%
control of the Darfur region by RSF
This indicates the RSF's significant influence and control in a critical area.
they have 95% of the Darfur region, which is under their control.
territory
a year, a little more than a year years
time taken for the army to reclaim territory
This reflects the prolonged nature of the conflict and the challenges faced by the military.
it will manage to free the map in January, February, March, 2025, which is almost a year, a little more than a year.
casualties
dozens of thousands people
civilian casualties due to the conflict
This highlights the severe impact of the conflict on the civilian population.
there are dozens of thousands of buildings that are moved
population
almost 10 million people
population of the Khartoum agglomeration
A large population in a conflict zone increases the humanitarian stakes.
we can imagine that almost 10 million inhabitants in the agglomeration
destruction
state of quite impressive devastation
extent of damage in Khartoum
The level of destruction indicates a dire need for humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.
it is really in a state of quite impressive devastation
casualties
6,000 dead units
estimated deaths during the siege
This figure highlights the severe human cost of the conflict.
there are figures that have started to circulate from 6,000 dead
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The civil war in Sudan has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, marking it as the worst humanitarian crisis globally. The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, stems from a power struggle between military leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
- The civil war in Sudan has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced since January 2023, making it the worst humanitarian crisis in the world
- After the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan briefly experienced hope, but military control quickly undermined this progress, culminating in a coup in 2022
- The 2022 coup triggered protests from youth demanding the military adhere to the power-sharing agreement, which were met with harsh military repression
- General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), are key military figures in the conflict, with their rivalry stemming from their past alliance under the previous regime
- The conflict officially began on April 15, 2023, when the two military factions clashed, leading to intense fighting, especially in Khartoum
- The power struggle reflects deeper ideological divides, with al-Burhan representing traditional military leadership and Hemeti emerging from paramilitary origins
05:00–10:00
The conflict in Sudan, which escalated on April 15, 2023, has led to significant territorial shifts and humanitarian crises. Military leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's power struggle has resulted in widespread violence and ethnic cleansing, particularly in Darfur.
- The conflict in Sudan escalated on April 15, 2023, marking a critical moment in the power struggle between military factions, resulting in widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis
- Tensions between military leaders General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, intensified due to their refusal to integrate the Rapid Support Forces into the national army, igniting the conflict
- Initially, the RSF seized control of much of Khartoum while the Sudanese army retained key military bases, creating a fragile balance of power with the army using its air superiority for destructive bombardments
- Throughout the conflict, the Sudanese army gradually reclaimed territory, regaining significant areas of Khartoum by early 2025, demonstrating its resilience despite the RSFs initial advantages
- The RSF has solidified its influence in western Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where their dominance has been accompanied by severe violence and ethnic cleansing, raising serious humanitarian concerns
- As the conflict persists, front lines have shifted, with recent offensives in the Kordofan region and near the Ethiopian border, indicating ongoing volatility and potential for further escalation
10:00–15:00
The conflict in Sudan involves multiple factions, including the regular army and the RSF, supported by various local and foreign allies. External backing, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, has prolonged the conflict and complicated the military landscape.
- The conflict in Sudan involves the regular army and the RSF, along with various local and regional allies, complicating the military landscape and war dynamics
- The regular armys coalition includes pro-government troops, former Darfur rebels, and Islamist battalions, enhancing its capabilities against the RSF
- The RSF has recruited locally and employed foreign mercenaries, bolstering their ranks and sustaining military efforts
- External support, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, has significantly prolonged the conflict by providing military and financial resources to the RSF
- The RSFs operations over three years are largely sustained by this external patronage, suggesting the conflict could have ended sooner without such support
- The ongoing war highlights deep-rooted issues in Sudan, including tribal affiliations and historical grievances, contributing to the conflicts complexity and longevity
15:00–20:00
The RSF has established organized supply lines for arms from neighboring countries, including Libya and Chad, crucial for their military operations. The conflict in Sudan has led to significant civilian casualties and destruction, particularly in the densely populated capital of Khartoum.
- The RSF has established organized supply lines for arms from neighboring countries, including Libya and Chad. This support is crucial for their ongoing military operations
- The regular Sudanese army also receives backing, notably from Egypt, which has historical ties to the Sudanese military regime. Reports indicate that Egypt has clandestine drone bases aiding the regular armys efforts
- Various international actors, including Turkey, have been involved in supplying arms to different factions in the conflict. This complicates the situation and highlights the multifaceted nature of external involvement
- Despite the chaos, some areas of Khartoum remain relatively untouched by the violence. This suggests that not all parts of the city are equally affected, allowing for pockets of normalcy amidst the devastation
- The wars outbreak in a densely populated capital has led to significant civilian casualties and destruction. The scale of devastation in Khartoum is unprecedented, with many buildings severely damaged or destroyed
- Life is gradually returning to parts of Khartoum, with some businesses reopening and residents resuming daily activities. This resilience indicates a potential for recovery, even in the face of ongoing conflict
20:00–25:00
The city of Al-Fasher in Darfur has endured a prolonged siege by the Rapid Support Forces, culminating in a massacre that has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Despite a United Nations resolution demanding an end to hostilities, the RSF's actions have led to thousands of civilian casualties and raised concerns about potential genocide against the Arawa people.
- The city of Al-Fasher, historically significant in Darfur, faced a prolonged siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for nearly 18 months. This siege culminated in a massacre, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region
- Despite a United Nations resolution calling for the RSF to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian access, the siege continued unabated. This disregard for international mandates underscores the dire situation for civilians trapped in conflict zones
- The fall of Al-Fasher resulted in numerous civilian casualties, with reports indicating thousands of deaths and many more unaccounted for. The ethnic targeting of the Arawa people during this assault raises alarming concerns about potential genocide
- The violence in Al-Fasher is not an isolated incident, as other cities remain under siege and face similar threats. The ongoing ethnic tensions and ideological motivations behind the conflict suggest that further atrocities could occur
- Witness accounts reveal horrific acts committed against civilians, including executions and sexual violence. These testimonies emphasize the urgent need for accountability and intervention to protect vulnerable populations
- The transformation of urban spaces in Sudan due to the war has reshaped social dynamics, with previously quiet areas becoming focal points for civilian life. This shift illustrates the complex impact of conflict on community resilience and adaptation
25:00–30:00
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in a significant refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring countries, particularly Chad. This mass displacement is straining resources in Chad, which is already one of the poorest nations and has historical ties to the conflict.
- The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a significant refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring countries. This mass displacement is straining resources in those countries, particularly in Chad, which is already one of the poorest nations
- Chad is facing political complications due to its historical ties to the conflict, as many military officials have connections to the affected communities. This relationship complicates Chads response to the crisis, as it has been reported that they have provided support to the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces
- The military dynamics of the conflict have evolved over the past three years, with both sides increasing their recruitment efforts. This escalation indicates a prolonged conflict, as both factions are preparing for a sustained struggle
- The introduction of drones has changed the nature of warfare in Sudan, with both sides acquiring advanced drone technology. This shift not only enhances their military capabilities but also raises concerns about the potential for increased violence and civilian casualties
- The lack of signs of peace or stability in the region suggests that the humanitarian crisis will continue to worsen. Without intervention, the situation may lead to further violence and displacement in the coming months
- The implications of the conflict extend beyond Sudan, affecting regional stability and security. Neighboring countries are grappling with the influx of refugees and the political ramifications of their involvement in the conflict