Why in the News?

The fight between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemayti (“My Protector”), has caused severe destruction in Sudan.

Historical Background of Sudan

• Civil Strife and Governance: Sudan has a history of civil strife, marked by 15 military coups and two civil wars since its independence in 1956, resulting in 1.5 million deaths and the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The conflict in Darfur has been particularly notable, involving the Janjaweed militia and leading to over 200,000 deaths and millions displaced.
• Current Crisis Genesis: The ongoing conflict is rooted in the 30 years of autocratic rule by Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019. The subsequent attempts to establish a civilian government failed, culminating in a military coup in October 2021, which led to the current armed conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) starting on April 15, 2023.

Global Power Competition and Regional Powers Influence

• Foreign Involvement: Sudan’s conflict has drawn significant foreign interest due to its strategic location and natural resources. Egypt supports the SAF, while Iran backs the SAF despite its rivalry with Egypt. The UAE has emerged as the primary supporter of the RSF, providing weapons and resources. Russia’s Wagner Group has also supported the RSF, while the Kremlin seeks a naval base in Port Sudan.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: The conflict has created complex alliances, with countries like Chad and Libya also involved. Mercenaries from various regions, including South Sudan and Ukraine, have joined the fray, complicating the conflict further.

Sudan and Syria Issue:

• Humanitarian Crisis: Sudan’s crisis is particularly acute due to its strategic location and resource wealth, leading to a massive displacement crisis, with over 10 million people displaced since April 2023
• Parallel Conflicts: Both Sudan and Syria have experienced severe internal conflicts driven by authoritarian regimes, regional power plays, and foreign interventions, leading to widespread human suffering and instability.

India’s Strategic Considerations:

• Economic Interests: India’s trade with Sudan reached $2,034 million in 2022-23, with a significant trade surplus. India has also invested heavily in Sudan’s oil sector, with cumulative investments worth $2.3 billion.
• Historical Ties: India has maintained strong people-to-people ties with Sudan, including educational exchanges and medical tourism. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit in 2003 reinforced these relations.
• Humanitarian and Diplomatic Engagement: India evacuated its nationals early in the conflict, but the ongoing crisis may require continued diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to protect its broader interests in the region.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Multilateral Diplomacy: India should collaborate with international bodies like the UN and the African Union to promote peace initiatives in Sudan, leveraging its neutral position to mediate and support conflict resolution efforts that safeguard regional stability and its strategic interests.
• Expand Humanitarian and Development Aid: India can bolster its humanitarian assistance, focusing on essential services like healthcare and education, while also exploring opportunities for post-conflict reconstruction projects, ensuring long-term economic engagement and goodwill in Sudan.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now