Why is Sudan Civil War happening?
SAF vs RSF · Since 2023-04-15
📋What is happening?
Sudan's civil war began April 15, 2023 when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. The conflict has caused the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 10 million people forced from their homes and more than 24 million facing acute food insecurity.
👥Who is fighting?
The SAF (Sudan Armed Forces) represents the formal Sudanese state military, backed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The RSF (Rapid Support Forces) is commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ('Hemeti'), which grew out of the Janjaweed militias. External backers: UAE backs RSF (weapons, funding); Egypt backs SAF; Russia (Africa Corps legacy) has RSF ties.
❓Why did it start?
The conflict was triggered by a dispute over integrating the RSF into the SAF as part of a planned democratic transition. Deeper causes: power struggle between SAF and RSF leaders who jointly led the 2021 coup; economic interests (RSF controls gold mines); ideological division over civilian rule; UAE-Egypt proxy competition.
📰What's the latest?
As of April 2026, RSF controls Darfur, much of Khartoum, and parts of Kordofan. SAF holds Port Sudan and major eastern cities. No credible peace negotiations underway. UN reports ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Famine declared in multiple regions.
📍Where is it happening?
The war spans Sudan's major cities and regions: Khartoum (capital, heavily destroyed), Darfur (ethnic cleansing ongoing), North Kordofan, Gezira state. Port Sudan in the east serves as SAF operational base.