The Dynamics Driving the Conflict in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan is fueled by tensions between the military and the RSF, led by Hemedti, who has capitalized on historical marginalization and military entrepreneurship. The fallout from the Darfur conflict has led to a power struggle that threatens to reshape Sudan’s political landscape, as Hemedti’s paramilitary organization gains unprecedented influence in the capital, Khartoum.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is primarily attributable to escalating tensions between the national military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a dominant paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, better known as Hemedti. The discord arises from a failure to integrate the RSF into the national army as part of a transition agreement that has remained unsigned. Hemedti, with his roots in the marginalized regions of Darfur, has emerged as a key player in Sudan’s political arena, capitalizing on his military leadership and commercial enterprises to become a powerful figure in Khartoum, the heart of Sudan’s governance. The RSF, initially formed to combat regional rebellions, has transformed under Hemedti’s command into a formidable force, heavily influencing the dynamics of conflict both nationally and regionally. Hemedti’s rise from a school dropout to a general illustrates a path marked by opportunism and strategic alliances, first with the Sudanese government led by Omar al-Bashir and later against a backdrop of political upheaval following Bashir’s ousting in 2019. His control over lucrative gold resources and engagement in the Yemeni conflict have secured substantial financial resources for the RSF, further consolidating Hemedti’s influence. This situation has furnished Hemedti with the means to challenge the traditional power structures rooted in Khartoum’s Nile-centric elites, signaling a potential shift in Sudan’s political landscape. The historical context of this conflict speaks to a broader pattern of marginalization within Sudan, with powers from the peripheries, particularly Darfur, asserting their influence in the capital. The consequences of the state-sponsored violence during the Darfur war in the early 2000s have reverberated back to Khartoum, where historical grievances have manifested in contemporary power struggles. Hemedti symbolizes both a backlash against the traditional power structure and a continuation of the cycle of violence that has long plagued Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan is rooted in tensions between the Sudanese military and the RSF, which can be traced back to the early 2000s during the Darfur conflict. The RSF evolved from the Janjaweed militias, which emerged as a key military force in Sudan’s complex civil wars. Historically, the central government favored military solutions that involved local militias, leading to the emergence of groups like the RSF as significant power brokers. Hemedti’s ascent is symbolic of long-standing marginalization experienced by peripheral regions, particularly Darfur, where historical injustices have fueled resentments that now play a critical role in the country’s contemporary power dynamics.
In conclusion, the conflict in Sudan encapsulates the struggle between established military powers and insurgent forces that have gained prominence from the margins of society. General Hemedti’s leadership of the RSF exemplifies the intersection of military force and economic interests as key drivers in the ongoing civil war. The implications of this conflict extend beyond immediate violence, heralding significant shifts in Sudan’s political architecture that challenge centuries of power held by the Nile-centric elites. Ultimately, the fate of Sudan will depend on how these tensions resolve and whether a new, inclusive governance model can emerge amid the chaos.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
