Jacobin Radio Behind the News: War and Neocolonialism in Sudan w/ Mosaab Baba
Nov 23, 2025
Mosaab Baba, a researcher and activist focused on Sudanese politics, dives into the complexities of Sudan's civil war, its historical roots, and the role of foreign powers. He highlights the impact of the 2019 uprising, the humanitarian catastrophe, and the external actors prolonging the conflict. Joining him is Jake Adelstein, an investigative journalist in Japan, who reveals insights into the Liberal Democratic Party's power dynamics, the rise of Sanae Takaichi, and the implications of Japan's remilitarization efforts amid economic concerns.
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RSF Originated From Janjaweed
- The RSF evolved from the Janjaweed militias used in Darfur and was later legitimized as a separate force.
- After Bashir's removal in 2019, RSF entered Khartoum as a distinct power, sowing the seeds of the current fight.
Two Armies, One State
- Sudan's 2023 war pits the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both heirs of the Bashir regime.
- The conflict stems from having two rival armed organizations vying for control after Bashir's 2019 ouster.
Distinct Social Bases Of The Armies
- The SAF draws support from central and northern Sudan and the ruling party's networks.
- The RSF recruits along tribal lines in western, pastoralist communities, giving it a distinct social base.
