Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

Quick Facts: Who was Sudanese civil war (2023–present)?

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Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

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A devastating civil war erupting in Sudan between the SAF and RSF factions since April 2023.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Since April 2023, there has been a civil war in Sudan between the two main factions of the country's military government. The conflict involves the internationally recognized government of Sudan led by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan; against the rival Government of Peace and Unity led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, commanded by General Hemedti (Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo Musa). Smaller armed groups have also taken part on both sides, most notably Sudan Liberation Movement splinter groups, the Tamazuj militia, and the Darfur Joint Protection Force. Fighting began on 15 April 2023 following a power struggle within the transitional administration established after the 2021 coup. As of 6 July 2026, the conflict has forcibly displaced over 14 million people, with 4.5 million fleeing the country as refugees, making it one of the largest displacement crises in recent history.

Career & Major Achievements

The conflict has also seen heavy influence from foreign powers, especially Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, while also experiencing effects from the spillover of neighboring conflicts in the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad and Libya. The current war erupted amid tensions regarding the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Army following the 2021 coup. Initial RSF attacks targeted government sites in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities. The conflict began with the Battle of Khartoum, and fighting then spread to the Darfur region. The capital region was divided between the two factions, and al-Burhan relocated his government to Port Sudan.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

International efforts, including the 2023 Jeddah Declaration, failed to stop the fighting, while various rebel groups entered the war: the SPLM–North attacked the SAF in the south; the Tamazuj movement joined the RSF; and the SAF gained support from factions of the Sudan Liberation Movement and Justice and Equality Movement. By late 2023, the RSF controlled most of Darfur and advanced on Khartoum, taking over most of the capital, Kordofan and Gezira. The SAF regained momentum in 2024, making gains in Omdurman and retaking Khartoum by March 2025. Despite negotiations, no lasting ceasefire has been reached, and the war continues with severe humanitarian consequences and regional implications. The city of El Fasher, the SAF's last stronghold in Darfur, was besieged by the RSF from April 2024.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2021: 2021 Milestone — The current war erupted amid tensions regarding the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Army following the 2021 coup.
2. 2023: 2023 Milestone — Since April 2023, there has been a civil war in Sudan between the two main factions of the country's military government.
3. 2024: 2024 Milestone — The SAF regained momentum in 2024, making gains in Omdurman and retaking Khartoum by March 2025.
4. 2026: 2026 Milestone — As of 6 July 2026, the conflict has forcibly displaced over 14 million people, with 4.

Notable Quotes by Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

“Darfur as the "epicenter of human suffering in the world."”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

True or False: “The initial conflict leading to the RSF's formation was solely due to ethnic tensions over land and water.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While ethnic tensions were a factor, the RSF's formalization in 2013 involved reorganizing the Janjaweed militias under Omar al-Bashir.

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