Two Generals, power hunger, and strife: An escalating crisis in Sudan

Introduction

• The conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left over 400 dead and 4,000 wounded, causing a humanitarian crisis.
• India is sending two aircraft and a ship to evacuate its citizens from Sudan.

The Two Generals

• Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the Sudanese Armes Forces (SAF), and de facto leader of Sudan.
• Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, better known as ‘Hemedti’, leading Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Hemedti is challenging the SAF, pushing Sudan into another civil war.
• The battle between the Generals is derailing the promised transition to civilian rule.

The Ceasefire

• A ceasefire was brokered by the U.S., but it didn’t last long as fighting resumed.
• The international airport and military headquarters were both sites of civilian clashes.

Evacuations

• Many countries are looking to evacuate their citizens from Sudan amid the uncertain situation.
• The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have successfully repatriated some citizens.
• India has directed officials to prepare contingency evacuation plans for Indian nationals.

The Political Transition

• The two Generals jointly led a military coup in October 2021, halting the plan to transition to elections.
• Protesters demanded bringing the military under civilian government and integrating the RSF with the army.
• The military finalised a preliminary deal with pro-democracy groups in December 2021 to relaunch the political transition.
• Disagreements emerged over security reform, which proposed to bring the paramilitary under the control of the army.

Conclusion

• The battle between the two Generals has escalated the conflict and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
• The international community is closely monitoring the situation and providing aid.
• The situation highlights the challenges of political transitions in conflict-torn regions.