War in Sudan | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Sudan's political history: Coups, dictatorships, and fragile transitions.
• The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) vs. the Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Their origins, power struggles, and international connections.
• The 2019 revolution and the subsequent power-sharing agreement.
• Geopolitical interests in Sudan: Foreign involvement and influence.
• Humanitarian crisis: Displacement, food insecurity, and healthcare collapse.
• The role of tribalism and ethnic tensions in the conflict.
• The Darfur conflict as a precursor to the current crisis.
• The impact of the war on civilians and the future of Sudan.

Origins of the Conflict: A Power Struggle

The DW Documentary explores the roots of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, tracing it back to the complex power dynamics between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The documentary highlights that both generals were previously allies, orchestrating a coup in 2021 that derailed Sudan's transition to democracy following the 2019 revolution which ousted Omar al-Bashir. The power-sharing agreement that followed the revolution was fragile, and the integration of the RSF into the SAF proved to be a major point of contention. The documentary emphasizes that the RSF, originally the Janjaweed militia notorious for atrocities in Darfur, has grown into a powerful independent force with significant economic interests, particularly in gold mining.

The SAF and the RSF: Two Armies, Two Agendas

The documentary details the contrasting origins and support bases of the SAF and the RSF. The SAF is presented as the traditional national army, with a hierarchical structure and a history of involvement in Sudanese politics. The RSF, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more decentralized force, drawing its strength from tribal affiliations and its control over key economic resources. The documentary points out that the RSF's involvement in the Darfur conflict, where it was accused of widespread human rights abuses, has shaped its reputation and fueled mistrust among many Sudanese. The documentary also mentions the international connections of both forces, with the RSF reportedly having ties to the Wagner Group and other foreign actors.

The 2019 Revolution and the Failed Transition

The documentary underscores the significance of the 2019 revolution as a pivotal moment in Sudan's history. The mass protests that led to the ouster of Omar al-Bashir demonstrated the Sudanese people's desire for democracy and civilian rule. However, the subsequent power-sharing agreement between the military and civilian leaders proved to be unsustainable. The documentary argues that the military, particularly the SAF and the RSF, were reluctant to relinquish power and ultimately undermined the transition process. The documentary features interviews with Sudanese activists and analysts who express their disappointment and frustration with the failure of the transition.

Geopolitical Interests and Foreign Influence

The documentary examines the role of foreign powers in Sudan, highlighting the country's strategic location and its rich natural resources. The documentary suggests that various countries, including Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have vested interests in Sudan and have sought to influence its political trajectory. The documentary points out that the competition for influence among these foreign powers has contributed to the instability in Sudan and has complicated efforts to resolve the conflict.

The Humanitarian Crisis: A Nation in Distress

The documentary paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. The fighting has displaced millions of people, both internally and across borders. The documentary highlights the severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, as well as the collapse of the healthcare system. The documentary features interviews with aid workers and displaced people who describe the desperate conditions and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The documentary also raises concerns about the targeting of civilians and the potential for war crimes.

The Darfur Conflict: A Recurring Tragedy

The documentary draws parallels between the current conflict and the Darfur conflict of the early 2000s. The documentary emphasizes that the RSF, as the successor to the Janjaweed militia, played a central role in the atrocities committed in Darfur. The documentary suggests that the failure to hold those responsible for the Darfur conflict accountable has contributed to the current crisis. The documentary also highlights the ongoing violence in Darfur, where ethnic tensions have been exacerbated by the conflict.

The Future of Sudan: A Bleak Outlook

The documentary concludes with a pessimistic assessment of the future of Sudan. The documentary suggests that the conflict has deepened divisions within Sudanese society and has made it more difficult to achieve a lasting peace. The documentary raises concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate further and to destabilize the entire region. The documentary emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire, a political solution, and a comprehensive humanitarian response to avert a catastrophic outcome.

Notable Quotes

• (Attribution needed, if available in the transcript): "The RSF has become a state within a state."
• (Attribution needed, if available in the transcript): "The international community needs to hold those responsible for the violence accountable."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces): The national army of Sudan.
• RSF (Rapid Support Forces): A paramilitary group that evolved from the Janjaweed militia.
• Janjaweed: A militia group that operated in Darfur and was accused of widespread human rights abuses.
• Coup: A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.
• Power-sharing agreement: An agreement between different political factions to share power in a government.
• Humanitarian crisis: A situation in which there is widespread human suffering and a need for humanitarian assistance.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The DW Documentary provides a comprehensive overview of the complex factors that have contributed to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The documentary highlights the power struggle between the SAF and the RSF, the failure of the transition to democracy, the role of foreign powers, and the devastating humanitarian consequences of the war. The documentary paints a bleak picture of the future of Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire, a political solution, and a comprehensive humanitarian response. The documentary underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the legacy of the Darfur conflict and the need for accountability for human rights abuses.