The historical favoritism of Arab and Islamic identity in Sudan has fueled its civil war

Sudan’s long history of conflict and political turmoil has once again come to the forefront as the country grapples with a civil war that goes beyond a simple power struggle between two generals. The roots of this crisis can be traced back to the country’s independence from British rule in 1956.

With 35 coups and attempted coups since independence, Sudan holds the unfortunate record for the most political upheavals in Africa. The creation of South Sudan in 2011 and the ongoing conflict in Darfur are just a few examples of the deep-seated issues that have plagued the country for decades.

The diverse population of Sudan, consisting of 19 major ethnic groups and hundreds of sub-groups, has struggled with unfair distribution of wealth and resources, leading to marginalization and conflict. The centralization of political and economic power in regions like Khartoum has exacerbated these tensions.

The recent events in Sudan, including the military intervention in 2019 and the subsequent power-sharing agreement, have not brought about lasting peace. A failed coup attempt in 2021 and the subsequent coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in 2023 have further destabilized the country.

The emergence of the Rapid Support Forces as a powerful militia group, with ties to Russia and control over key economic sectors like gold mining, has added another layer of complexity to Sudan’s political landscape. The militia’s dominance over the state has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict and instability.

As Sudan faces this latest chapter in its tumultuous history, the international community must come together to support the country in rebuilding and establishing a transparent, civilian-led government that represents all Sudanese people. The road to peace and stability in Sudan will require addressing the root causes of conflict and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.