Conflict in Sudan

Sudan’s paramilitary force ‘Rapid Support Force’ ie RSF and the army there are fighting face to face. The conflict is estimated to have killed 100 civilians and injured around 1,100 so far. According to the latest information, this struggle is now spreading to different areas of the country.

Geographical location of Sudan :

 Until the separation of South Sudan in 2011, Sudan was the largest country in Africa by area. Located in the north-east of Africa, this country borders seven countries.

To its north is the mighty country Egypt, and to its east are Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Red Sea lies to its northeast. South Sudan lies to the south, while Chad and Libya lie to its west.

 What is the reason for the dispute?

There has been a struggle in Sudan since 2021 demanding the transfer of power to a civilian government. The main controversy is over the merger of the army and the paramilitary force ‘RSF’.

Considering the RSF jawans as a threat to itself, the army started a new system last week by changing their deployment. This is the reason why there was resentment among the RSF jawans.

The army and paramilitary forces have been at loggerheads since the October 2021 coup of a joint civilian-military government.

 What is Rapid Support Force?

The Rapid Support Force was formed in 2013. The presence of such a strong security force apart from the army has been considered the reason for the instability of Sudan. It originated as the infamous ‘Janjavid’ rebel organization.

The Rapid Support Force fought brutally against the rebels in Darfur. At that time, he was accused of committing ethnic violence on a large scale.

General Dagalo has since built up a formidable security organization. It also intervened in the conflicts in Yemen and Libya. Controlling many gold mines in Sudan, he has also built a sizeable economic empire.

 What is the role of the army in Sudan?

Mass protests took place in 2019 to oust Omar al-Bashir, who was the President of Sudan. Because of this the army overthrew him. But even after that the citizens continued their campaign for the restoration of democracy.

A joint government of the military and civilians was then established. But it was abolished after another coup in October 2021. But now the army considers the Rapid Support Force as a threat, due to which there is a conflict between the two.