Description: Sudanese military forces have pushed back the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) out of the town El – Gitaina and also made crucial breakthroughs in the strategic city of El – Obeid to the west of Sudan. The army’s operations came as a response to RSF’s announcement of a political charter aimed at forming a secularistic parallel government that would unify its rebel and paramilitary forces under a joint banner. The political charter was scrutinized by Sudanese and Egyptian officials as well as the UN which stated that such initiatives could threaten Sudan’s territorial integrity. RSF forces were also blamed for being supported by the Kenyan and UAE governments with the latter being confirmed by UN and US lawmakers. The conflict has so far caused an unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis which saw more than 12 million people displaced in neighboring countries.
Impact: Presently one of the largest armed conflicts in Africa threatens to become a widened security, humanitarian and political crisis. The armed conflict initially commenced as a power struggle between the Sudanese military and the RSF with its allied paramilitary groups but has widened its scope as foreign actors such as Kenya and the UAE support the rebel movement. Foreign interference only attests to the geopolitical implications the conflict has, and potential regional and global players involved. Decisive international action from the UN hasn’t been undertaken yet, which further endangers regional stability as the migrant, humanitarian and security crisis could spread wider in the region.