Sudan War: The Generals Fueling Conflict & Chaos

The Roots of Sudan’s Conflict: A History of Violence

To understand the current crisis, it’s crucial to examine Sudan’s turbulent past. Alex DeWaal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University, who has studied Sudan for over 40 years, explains that both al-Burhan and Hemedti are products of a deeply ingrained cycle of violence. “These leaders didn’t emerge in a vacuum,” DeWaal stated in an interview with Today, Explained. “They are the result of decades of conflict, political instability, and economic hardship.”

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan: The Career Soldier

General al-Burhan represents the traditional Sudanese military establishment. He rose through the ranks, serving in the Darfur conflict two decades ago and later commanding Sudanese troops in Yemen, backed financially by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. His connections extend beyond the military, with reported interests in various business ventures. However, his power base is complex, relying heavily on a coalition that includes hardline Islamist brigades, who often obstruct attempts at peaceful negotiation.

What does General Burhan ultimately seek? He asserts his legitimacy as the government of Sudan, despite lacking full control of the capital. While he publicly expresses willingness to engage in peace talks, the influence of the Islamist factions within his coalition consistently undermines these efforts. His primary goal appears to be restoring the pre-conflict status quo, a system that many Sudanese civilians actively rejected just seven years ago.

His forces have been accused of committing war crimes, including obstructing humanitarian aid and hindering the work of the United Nations. These actions, attributed to both a lack of discipline and deliberate targeting, exacerbate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Hemedti and the RSF: From Janjaweed to Power Broker

Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, or Hemedti, presents a starkly different profile. He first came to prominence as a commander within the Janjaweed militia, a notorious group accused of widespread atrocities during the Darfur conflict. DeWaal recounts encountering Hemedti 20 years ago, witnessing his open acknowledgment of responsibility for the massacre of 128 people, including 38 children, in the village of Adwa. Despite this brutal past, Hemedti skillfully navigated the Sudanese political landscape, becoming a powerful commander and accumulating significant wealth through control of gold mines.

Unlike al-Burhan, Hemedti doesn’t necessarily seek to rebuild the existing state. His ambitions appear centered on consolidating power for himself and his family, effectively transforming Sudan into a private enterprise controlled by his military forces and business interests. He portrays himself as a champion of the marginalized and a proponent of democracy, but his actions tell a different story.

The RSF’s conduct during the war has been particularly egregious. From the initial ransacking of Khartoum, marked by widespread looting and sexual violence, to the alleged genocidal campaign in El Fasher, their actions have been condemned internationally. Disturbingly, reports indicate that RSF fighters often film themselves committing atrocities, reveling in the violence they inflict.

Did You Know?: The Janjaweed militias, from which Hemedti rose to power, were originally recruited to suppress a rebellion in Darfur in the early 2000s, but quickly devolved into a force responsible for widespread human rights abuses.

Considering the long history of violence and the ruthless ambition of these two leaders, what viable path towards peace exists for Sudan? And how can the international community effectively intervene to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sudan Conflict

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing conflict in Sudan:

• What is the primary cause of the conflict in Sudan? The conflict stems from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese military, and Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rooted in decades of political instability and competition for control of the country.
• What role is the RSF playing in the Sudan crisis? The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of widespread atrocities, including massacres, looting, and sexual violence, particularly in Darfur. Their capture of El Fasher represents a significant escalation of the conflict.
• Who is General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan? General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is the head of the Sudanese military and a key figure in the ongoing conflict. He has a long career in the military and has been accused of involvement in past conflicts and crony capitalism.
• What is the humanitarian situation in Sudan? The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a lack of access to essential services. The conflict has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
• Is there any hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan? A peaceful resolution remains elusive, given the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting agendas of the warring parties. International mediation efforts are ongoing, but face significant challenges.