What's happened
Fighting between Sudan's army and RSF has intensified since April 2023, causing mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Recent clashes in Kordofan and Darfur have forced tens of thousands to flee, with many risking dangerous journeys amid ongoing violence and resource shortages. The situation remains volatile.
What's behind the headline?
The escalation of violence in Sudan underscores a deepening civil war with regional implications. The conflict's focus on resource-rich areas like Kordofan and Darfur reveals strategic motives beyond mere territorial control. The displacement of nearly 53,000 people in recent weeks highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis, with families risking long, perilous journeys to escape violence. The international community's response remains critical, yet limited, as the conflict continues to fragment the country. The ongoing violence will likely prolong instability, hinder aid delivery, and deepen regional refugee flows, impacting neighboring countries and global efforts for peace.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports on the personal stories of displaced families fleeing violence, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict. Arab News provides a broader overview of the ongoing war, highlighting the strategic and humanitarian dimensions, including recent territorial gains by the RSF and the resulting displacement. Both sources illustrate the severity of the crisis, with The Japan Times focusing on individual experiences and Arab News contextualizing the conflict within the wider regional and political landscape. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of Sudan's ongoing civil war and its profound humanitarian impact.
How we got here
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting has led to widespread atrocities, killing tens of thousands and displacing over 11 million people. Key regions like Kordofan and Darfur have seen intensified clashes, with the conflict splitting the country and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The fighting is driven by control over strategic areas, including oil fields and central corridors, exacerbating regional instability.
Go deeper
- What are the prospects for peace in Sudan?
- How is the international community responding to the crisis?
- What are the long-term implications for regional stability?
More on these topics
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe