Full Breakdown
Sudan's Civil War: A Deep-Dive into the Ongoing Conflict
12/19/2025, 10:51:17 PM
Overview of the Conflict
Sudan's civil war, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has evolved into one of the deadliest conflicts globally, resulting in over 150,000 deaths and displacing more than 14 million people. The primary factions involved are the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti." The conflict has seen both sides vying for control, leading to a humanitarian crisis described by the United Nations as the world's largest.
Control of Territory
As of December 2025, the SAF controls approximately 60% of Sudan, including the capital, Khartoum, and key cities like Port Sudan. In contrast, the RSF has established dominance in Darfur, capturing significant areas including el-Fasher, and controlling vital gold and oil resources. This territorial division has resulted in a complex power struggle, with both factions receiving external support from various nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Humanitarian Impact
The war has inflicted severe humanitarian consequences. Reports indicate that over 30 million people require urgent assistance, with widespread food insecurity leading to what the World Food Programme describes as the "world's largest hunger crisis." The conflict has also seen systematic violence against civilians, including mass killings and sexual violence, particularly targeting ethnic minorities in regions like Darfur. The RSF's actions have raised allegations of genocide, echoing the atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s.
International Involvement and Responses
The international community has struggled to mediate the conflict effectively. Despite various attempts at peace negotiations, including a December 2022 agreement aimed at transitioning to civilian governance, the power struggle between Burhan and Hemedti has stalled progress. The United States has imposed sanctions on entities linked to the RSF, while regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt have provided military and financial support to the SAF.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the RSF highlight its history of violence and human rights abuses, with organizations like Human Rights Watch documenting numerous atrocities. The RSF's attempts to establish a parallel government in Darfur have been met with skepticism, as many view these efforts as a means to legitimize their actions rather than a genuine commitment to peace.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Estimates of the death toll and displacement figures vary significantly among sources. While some reports suggest that as many as 400,000 people may have died since the conflict began, others maintain lower estimates. The true extent of the humanitarian crisis remains difficult to ascertain due to ongoing violence and restricted access for aid organizations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we are running out of time.” — Carl Skau, World Food Programme
- “Every attack deprives more people from health services and medicines,” — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Chief
- “Lewis said: “The war in Sudan is a hi-tech one, with guided weapons and long-range drones causing daily civilian deaths.” — Mike Lewis, Researcher
What's Next?
As the conflict continues, the international community faces increasing pressure to address the humanitarian crisis and facilitate a ceasefire. Ongoing negotiations, particularly those mediated by regional actors, may provide a pathway to de-escalation, but the entrenched positions of both the SAF and RSF complicate prospects for peace.
