Origin of the Sudanese conflict that has forced thousands to flee
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been embroiled in an eight-month-old war over the current state of governance in the North African nation.
The RSF have increasingly gained momentum in the war capturing major territories in Sudan. On December 19 the Sudanese Army withdrew its forces from positions in Wad Madani, the capital of the Al Jazirah state in east-central Sudan after the advancements of the RSF in the region.
What they said?
Following the withdrawal of the Sudanese Armed Forces in Wad Madani the RSF in a statement released on social media said, “Sudan faces a critical juncture due to the war incited by the extremist former regime, supported by factions within the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). We, the RSF, clarify that we were drawn into this war not by choice but necessity, in defense and in line with the Sudanese people's desire for freedom, peace, and democratic governance.”
What is happening?
The conflict between the two forces has resulted in the displacement of many Sudanese citizens after ceasefire agreements failed in November
As of November 2023, an estimated 6.3 million people have been displaced since the conflict began in April 2023. 5.1 million internally displaced people and 1.2 million refugees resulting in the largest internal displacement crisis globally, the International Organization for Migration reported.
Several Sudanese citizens have taken to social media to report on the ongoing humanitarian crises in the country.
Who are the RSF?
The RSF was formed from the Janjaweed militias, which were known for their involvement in the War in Darfur in the 2000s. Administered by the National Intelligence and Security Service and commanded by the Sudanese Armed Forces during military operations. The RSF was used by the military junta under former Sudan Head of State Omar al-Bashir to suppress pro-democracy protests.
A statute recognising the RSF as a separate security force in Sudan was passed in 2017 and the group was given the designation of "regular force." The RSF came under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in June 2019. Notably, during the 2019 political crisis in Sudan.
