Sudan Civil War: Key Insights and Turkey’s Role
**The ongoing civil war in Sudan has escalated dramatically, primarily fueled by a fierce power struggle between General Abdülfettah el-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and General Muhammed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, who leads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has wrought havoc across the nation, with both factions vying for control, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and widespread suffering among the Sudanese populace.**
In an effort to mediate the ongoing violence, Turkey has stepped forward, gaining initial support from General el-Burhan. During a recent meeting in Port Sudan with Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran, el-Burhan expressed his approval of Turkey’s peace initiative and urged that the Sudanese leadership’s backing for this initiative be communicated to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This marks a significant moment in Turkey’s diplomatic engagement in the region.
Sudan’s Foreign Minister Yusuf emphasized the critical role of Turkey, stating, “Sudan needs brothers and friends like Turkey,” highlighting the initiative’s potential to foster peace and resolve ongoing conflicts. President Erdoğan has been actively involved in discussions aimed at ceasing hostilities, having previously communicated to el-Burhan his readiness to assist in stabilizing Sudan and curtailing foreign interference. Following talks with Sudanese leaders, Deputy Foreign Minister Duran reiterated Turkey’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Turkey has underscored the necessity of regional cooperation for a successful peace process. Duran noted that Turkey is willing to collaborate with other regional stakeholders to seek a durable solution. Meanwhile, the Sudanese government has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of providing military support to the RSF, claiming that RSF forces have utilized UAE-manufactured drones in Chad. The UAE, however, has refuted these allegations, asserting that it has not supplied military support to any paramilitary factions in Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan has deep roots, continuing since the ousting of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A transitional government was established between military and civilian factions, but this arrangement was disrupted in 2021 when General el-Burhan executed a coup, intensifying political instability. The conflict erupted openly in April 2023, stemming from disagreements regarding the integration of the RSF into the national army. Historically, the RSF evolved from the notorious “Janjaweed” militias, which gained infamy during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s.
The ongoing hostilities have led to repeated failures in ceasefire attempts, with both the army and RSF seeking external support to bolster their positions. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates across Sudan, the international community remains challenged in its efforts to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
