A Nation in Protest vs. Brutal Elites and Global Economic Powers

Understanding the Escalating Conflict in Sudan

Nisrin Elamin, an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Anthropology and African Studies at the University of Toronto, specializes in Sociocultural Anthropology. Her research focuses on the connections between land, race, belonging, and empire-making in Sudan and the broader Sahel region. In discussions about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, she provides a critical perspective that goes beyond the simplistic label of “proxy war.”

The Nature of the Conflict

Dr. Elamin emphasizes that while there is a proxy element to the conflict, with foreign actors such as the UAE supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Egypt backing the Sudanese Armed Forces, this framing can absolve the internal parties of their responsibility. She argues that the conflict should be understood as an internationalized counter-revolutionary war aimed at protecting the interests of Sudanese elites and their international partners. This war seeks to prevent civilian rule and popular democracy, which explains its brutality.

The term “proxy war” may be used to shift focus away from the internal actors, but Dr. Elamin insists that both General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF are war criminals who must be held accountable for their actions.

Media Blackout and Atrocities

There has been a virtual media blackout regarding the situation in Sudan, with coverage only increasing as genocidal violence and famine spread. This lack of attention has allowed the conflict to escalate without sufficient pressure on the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire or allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

The RSF, supported by the UAE, has taken control of El-Fasher in North Darfur, cutting off supply lines and trapping civilians inside the city. Health care systems have collapsed, with one maternity hospital being attacked, resulting in numerous deaths. This pattern of violence echoes the genocide in Darfur 20 years ago, where the Janjaweed, now part of the RSF, carried out atrocities with the support of the army.

Grassroots Efforts and International Response

Despite the lack of international aid, Sudanese grassroots groups have played a crucial role in helping people survive. Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), which emerged from resistance committees during the revolution, have provided vital humanitarian support. These groups have been recognized for their efforts, including the 2025 Chatham House Prize.

However, the media blackout extends to high-level negotiations, which are not being taken seriously. The role of the UAE in arming the RSF in exchange for Sudanese resources needs greater scrutiny. Dr. Elamin calls for international trade and arms embargoes on the UAE until it stops supporting the RSF.

The Role of the Sudanese Army

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have shown little regard for the well-being of civilians. The army staged a coup in 2021, disrupting the path toward civilian rule. It has also committed war crimes, including using hunger as a weapon of war and bombing internally displaced persons (IDP) camps after famine was declared.

The RSF, on the other hand, has committed genocidal war crimes, prompting mobilization from the Sudanese diaspora against the RSF and the UAE. Dr. Elamin stresses that the UAE’s support is critical to the RSF’s military advances, and stopping this support could halt the conflict.

International Intervention and Pressure

Dr. Elamin believes that more pressure is needed on all parties to achieve a ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors. High-level negotiations have failed to produce meaningful results, with warring parties often receiving lavish treatment while civilians suffer. She suggests rethinking the model of these negotiations, as they have not worked.

The international community, including Canada, has a role to play. Canadian companies have been implicated in the conflict, and the UN’s aid appeal has not received enough funding. Dr. Elamin advocates for centering the voices of civilians most affected by the war in negotiations, rather than relying on civilian elites.

Conclusion

The conflict in Sudan is a complex interplay of internal and external factors, with both Sudanese military elites and foreign actors playing significant roles. Addressing the crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including holding all parties accountable, pressuring foreign supporters of the RSF, and ensuring that the voices of civilians are heard in negotiations. Without these steps, the suffering of the Sudanese people will continue unabated.