Sudan is descending further into chaos as a brutal civil war escalates, with two key figures driving the violence: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese military, and Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict recently reached a critical point with the RSF seizing control of El Fasher, effectively dividing the country. This comes after months of escalating human rights abuses from both sides, with civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Roots of the Conflict
The current crisis is not isolated but stems from decades of violence and instability in Sudan. As Alex DeWaal, an expert on the region, explains, both Burhan and Hemedti are products of this long cycle of conflict. Their rise to power reflects a ruthless political culture where survival depends on brutality. The situation is further complicated by external interests, including Saudi Arabia’s involvement, which has pushed for intervention but without addressing the fundamental causes of the war.
The Commanders: Burhan and Hemedti
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a career military officer, has a mixed record. He previously served in the war in Darfur and was paid by Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the Yemen conflict. While he claims to represent the Sudanese government, his coalition relies on ruthless Islamist brigades to maintain power. His primary goal appears to be restoring the pre-conflict status quo, though this is increasingly untenable given widespread civilian opposition.
Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), leader of the RSF, is a different kind of operator. He rose through the ranks as a ruthless commander in Darfur, known for orchestrating massacres. Over time, he became a wealthy businessman controlling gold mines and building a private army. Unlike Burhan, Hemedti does not seek to rebuild the state but rather to consolidate power for himself and his family, turning Sudan into a personal fiefdom.
The Escalation of Violence
The RSF’s recent takeover of El Fasher marks a turning point. The city had been under siege for 18 months, with civilians living in terror as the RSF conducted drone attacks, targeted hospitals, and prepared for a brutal ground assault. Reports from the region confirm horrific atrocities: men murdered in the streets, women raped in front of their families. Disturbingly, the RSF documents its crimes on video, reveling in the brutality.
Hemedti’s forces have also been accused of committing genocidal campaigns in Darfur, including a systematic looting and terrorizing of Khartoum. These actions demonstrate a complete disregard for civilian lives and international law.
The Cycle of Violence
The conflict in Sudan is not merely a power struggle; it is a symptom of deeper systemic failures. As DeWaal points out, the pressures of poverty, famine, and decades of war have bred a merciless political culture. The cycle continues: one ruthless leader displaces another, with each generation shaped by violence. The underlying issues remain unaddressed, ensuring that future generations will likely face the same fate.
The conflict in Sudan is a stark reminder that unchecked violence breeds more violence, and that without addressing the root causes, the cycle will only perpetuate itself.
