The Foreign Affairs Interview

Sudan’s Intractable War

21 snips
May 29, 2025
Ahmed Kodouda, a humanitarian policy expert fresh from Sudan, and Mai Hassan, an MIT Associate Professor specializing in political science, delve into the ongoing war in Sudan. They explore how the conflict, featuring the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, has spiraled into a horrific humanitarian crisis. The duo discusses the historical roots and regional complexities fueling the violence and emphasizes the ramifications for both Sudan and the broader region. Their insights reveal a desperate need for peace amid escalating international interests and suffering.
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INSIGHT

Core Rivalry: RSF vs. SAF

  • The war in Sudan is rooted in a deep split over integrating the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the official Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). - This rivalry spiraled from competing visions over control of the military and Sudan's future political power.
INSIGHT

RSF's Origins and Evolution

  • The RSF originated from the Janjaweed militias armed by Bashir's regime to fight rebels, leading to genocide in Darfur. - This militarized militia evolved into a parallel army that later helped overthrow Bashir, fueling Sudan's chronic instability.
INSIGHT

Complex, Multi-layered Conflict

  • Sudan's conflict involves multiple overlapping cleavages: religious governance, center versus periphery, and ethnic identities. - These layered disputes complicate the war beyond a simple military struggle between RSF and SAF.
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