The Documentary Podcast What’s behind the war in Sudan?
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Nov 2, 2025 Moses Rono, a veteran media monitor, discusses the challenges of information-gathering in Sudan's conflict and outlines potential future scenarios. Amal Al-Hassan, a Sudanese journalist, shares the dangers local reporters face and highlights the significant information vacuum in Khartoum. Ahmed Mohamed Abdi, an Africa commentator, provides insight into the military dynamics between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, revealing the historic rivalries and foreign influences that exacerbate the crisis.
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Scale And Origin Of The Conflict
- The 2023–24 Sudan war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, with reports of mass killings like El Fasher visible from satellite imagery.
- The conflict began as a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed “Hemeti” Dagalo after the 2019 transition collapsed.
Personal Rivalry Fueled The Collapse
- Hemeti built a political profile and feared losing his RSF power if forces were to be dissolved after the revolution.
- That rivalry with Burhan over political prominence and impunity helped tip Sudan from revolution into renewed military rule and then war.
Journalist On The Frontline
- Amal al-Hassan described reporting from Khartoum amid gunfire and power outages while keeping her team safe.
- She stressed journalists work under life-threatening conditions and scramble to publish when the internet returns.