Washington, DC, 12 March 2025 ——
Sudan has been experiencing intense conflict and political turmoil since April 2023, following a military coup that escalated tensions between two powerful factions in the country. The conflict is primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
The war stems from a power grab between the two generals who had previously worked together in the 2019 coup that ousted Omar al-Bashir. The power struggle became more intense as the two factions sought control over the future of Sudan’s political and military leadership. The collapse of the transition to civilian rule, which had begun after Bashir’s ouster, had made it difficult for Sudan to move towards democratic governance.
The international community has been involved in trying to mediate and provide humanitarian aid, but a lasting resolution remains elusive as fighting continues to spiral. The situation remains fluid, and the dynamics of the conflict change rapidly.
Human Rights Violations
The conflict in Sudan has led to extensive human rights violations, including targeting civilians, sexual violence, and mass graves. Political dissidents, journalists, and activists who speak out against the warring factions or the military leadership are often detained, tortured, killed, or disappeared. Many individuals, especially those suspected of opposing the military factions, have been detained without trial. Reports indicate that prisoners are subjected to torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of inhumane treatment.
Warring parties have been accused of launching indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery attacks on civilian areas, particularly in Khartoum and other urban centers. These attacks have led to massive civilian casualties and the destruction of homes, markets, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure. The use of heavy artillery, tanks, and aircraft in densely populated areas has exacerbated the violence, resulting in large numbers of civilian deaths and injuries. An estimated 150,000 people have been killed in the conflict, but experts agree that number is likely much higher. These abuses have severely affected civilians and contributed to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Both SAF and RSF have reportedly recruited children into their armed ranks, forcing them into combat roles and subjecting them to violence and exploitation. In addition to child soldiers, both factions have been accused of using forced labor in conflict zones, often involving vulnerable populations.
Some reports indicate that violence against certain ethnic groups particularly those perceived as aligning with the opposition, has taken on the characteristics of ethnic cleansing. Certain regions like Darfur have experienced targeted violence based on ethnic identity, reminiscent of the conflicts in the 2000s.
In some instances, the conflict has led to the destruction of cultural and religious sites, which contributes to the erosion of Sudan’s rich history and cultural diversity. This can also have a lasting impact on national identity and heritage.
Both factions have been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings of civilians, political activists, and soldiers who are suspected of supporting the opposing side. These killings are often brutal and carried out without due process, and frequently target ethnic and political groups that are perceived to be sympathetic to the opposing faction. At least fourteen mass graves were discovered in Darfur. The remains of at least eighty-seven ethnic Masalit were discovered in West Darfur. Victims in several of the mass graves were believed to have been executed by the SAF and RSF.
There have been widespread reports of sexual violence, including rape, especially against women and girls. Both sides have been accused of using sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war to terrorize and demoralize civilian populations. Many victims of sexual violence face stigma and are often unable to seek justice due to a lack of proper legal channels or fear of retaliation.
Humanitarian Crisis
Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting. The war has displaced at least 12.5 million people. More than nine million are displaced within Sudan’s boundaries, resulting in one of the largest internally displaced populations in the world. At least 3.5 million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. Refugees often face severe conditions in overcrowded camps with inadequate access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Refugees are also vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, and further abuses.
Both factions have been accused of obstructing humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in need. There have been reports of aid workers being targeted, kidnapped, or killed by armed groups, further hindering efforts to provide basic necessities, to affected populations. In some cases, armed groups have looted food and medical supplies meant for displaced persons, exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
The conflict has led to severe shortages of food medicine, clean water, and other essential services. Blockades and sieges imposed by the warring factions have made it difficult for humanitarian organizations to access conflict zones, leaving civilians in dire conditions.
Hospitals and clinics have been targeted and destroyed, while medical staff have been killed or forced to flee. The collapse of the healthcare system has led to preventable deaths from both injuries sustained in the conflict and disease due to the lack of medical care. Treatable diseases such as cholera have tripled. High rates of malnutrition and low levels of immunizations further put civilians, especially women and children, at risk.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire, accountability for perpetrators, and greater humanitarian assistance. However, the situation remains dire, and lasting peace seems elusive without significant political change and resolution of the power struggle between SAF and RSF. The ongoing conflict highlights the need for a long-term commitment to peace, justice, and support for the people of Sudan.
Photo Credit: “Chad Edtech Solutions Sudanese Refugees” by Global Partnership for Education – GPE. Licensed under CC By NC ND 2.0
Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, an NGO nonprofit in Washington DC. She is the author of Assad’s Syria, and Stories from Yemen: A Diary from the Field, available in e-books, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and independent booksellers worldwide. Distributed by Ingram Publishing. Ms. Kajs frequently speaks about atrocity crimes, forced displacement, state terrorism, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Follow and connect with Lara Kajs on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.