Sudan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has created a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis with the potential to impact the broader region. The violence, particularly in urban areas like Khartoum, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and the collapse of essential services. The humanitarian situation is dire, as millions of Sudanese are facing severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and shelter, exacerbating the challenges of providing aid.

As the conflict intensifies, there are growing concerns that Sudan could become a focal point for external influences, with regional actors potentially shaping the course of the conflict. This could contribute to further instability across the broader region. The international community must prioritize humanitarian efforts, ensuring that the basic needs of civilians are met while addressing the risks of escalating regional tensions and their impact on neighbouring countries.

March 26 2025, Arrest of Riek Machar Sparks Fears of Renewed Civil War in South Sudan

​On March 26, 2025, significant unrest unfolded in South Sudan with the arrest of the country’s First Vice President and leader of the opposition, Riek Machar. The arrest, carried out by heavily armed forces, has raised alarms both within South Sudan and the international community, signaling a potential escalation of tensions and the risk of a renewed civil war.

The arrest followed violent confrontations between government forces and opposition groups, including an attack on a military base and several training centers near the capital, Juba. These clashes are seen as a direct challenge to the fragile peace agreement brokered in 2018, which had ended South Sudan’s previous civil war. The United Nations (UN) has issued urgent warnings, emphasizing the need for all parties to abide by their commitments to the peace deal as they stresses that any further military escalation could unravel years of peacebuilding efforts.

International concern is mounting, with several embassies, including those of Germany and Norway, reducing operations or temporarily closing due to security threats. The UN Security Council has called for immediate de-escalation and has urged both the government and opposition groups to engage in dialogue to prevent a catastrophic return to full-scale conflict.

The WED is actively monitoring the situation with an emphasis on adherence to international law, particularly concerning the protection of peace agreements, sovereignty, and the prohibition of force under the UN Charter. Given the potential for regional instability, the WED will continue to assess the situation and provide updates on the developments.

March 21 2025, Sudanese army recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces

On March 21, 2025, the Sudanese army successfully recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary RSF signaling a significant shift in the ongoing conflict that has raged since April 2023. This development follows months of intense fighting, with both the Sudanese army and RSF vying for control of key positions in the capital and across the country.

The WED continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and respect Sudan’s sovereignty.

March 6 2025, Geopolitical Tensions Escalate as Sudan Files Legal Action Against UAE over Atrocities

Sudan filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by providing support to the paramilitary RSF. Sudan’s legal challenge stems from the RSF’s role in atrocities, including genocide, committed against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur. The case comes amid rising tensions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, where the UAE is accused of providing financial and military assistance to the RSF, despite its official denial of any involvement in these violations.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in widespread devastation which includes over 24,000 deaths and the displacement of millions. Sudan’s filing highlights the UAE’s alleged role in exacerbating the violence and fueling instability in the region. The UAE, for its part, has rejected these claims, calling the case a publicity stunt and maintaining that its involvement in Sudan is primarily humanitarian in nature.

The case brought by Sudan against the UAE at the ICJ is a critical moment in reaffirming the principles of international law, particularly regarding state sovereignty and the prohibition of foreign interference in internal conflicts. As the case progresses, the WED will continue to closely monitor developments, ensuring that international legal standards are upheld and that all parties involved adhere to their obligations under the Genocide Convention.

February, Sudanese Army Reclaims Key Territories Amidst RSF’s Political Maneuvers

In recent developments within Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have achieved significant territorial gains against the paramilitary RSF. In late February 2025, the SAF secured important military victories, including the recapture of al-Gitaina and the breaking of a two-year siege of al-Obeid. These military successes have reinforced the position of Sudan’s central government but have also led to rising concerns about the regional and international implications of a prolonged conflict.

As the SAF advances, the RSF has aligned itself with various allied groups, forming a parallel government that challenges the legitimacy of the existing administration. On February 22, 2025, the RSF signed a charter with these groups to establish a new governance structure, one that presents itself as a counter to the current military leadership.

The involvement of foreign powers in Sudan has become an important element in the conflict’s complexity. Countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have expressed support for the SAF, potentially extending the conflict’s reach across the region. On the other hand, Iran has shown sympathy towards the RSF, with reports suggesting that it is providing military support. This alignment of foreign powers with Sudanese factions signals a potential proxy conflict that could further destabilize Sudan and the wider region.

The WED calls for a renewed commitment to the peaceful resolution of this conflict and the protection of human rights. All actions must be guided by the principles of international law, with an emphasis on civilian protection and the prevention of further regional destabilization. Immediate measures are necessary to ensure that the rights and dignity of Sudan’s population are upheld, and to avert further violations of international law that could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.