Sudan and South Sudan Conflict, Origins, Reasons for Crisis

Learn about the Sudan–South Sudan conflict, including historical background, political tensions, and ongoing challenges in the region.

Table of Contents

Context: Ongoing wars in Sudan and South Sudan have created one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with over 12 million people displaced since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023.

Sudan: From Independence to the Current Crisis

Period	Event / Phase	Key Details and Outcomes
1956	Independence	Sudan gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule on January 1, 1956, and became one of Africa’s earliest independent nations.
1955–1972	First Civil War	Conflict between the northern government and southern rebels (Anya Nya) over autonomy and resource control. Ended with the Addis Ababa Agreement (1972), which granted limited self-rule to the South.
1983–2005	Second Civil War	It resumed after President Jaafar Nimeiry imposed Islamic law (Sharia) across Sudan. Ended with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, paving the way for South Sudan’s independence.
2003–2005	Darfur Conflict	Government-backed Janjaweed militias carried out atrocities against non-Arab groups in Darfur; over 3 lakh were killed and millions were displaced. President Omar al-Bashir indicted by ICC for war crimes.
2011	Partition of Sudan	South Sudan separated, becoming the world’s newest nation. Sudan lost major oil revenues, deepening economic and political instability.
2019	Ouster of Omar al-Bashir	After 30 years of authoritarian rule, Bashir was ousted by mass protests. A civilian–military transitional government was established.
2021	Military Coup	Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power, dissolving the transitional government and halting the democratic process.
April 2023 – Present	Civil War between SAF and RSF	Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Hemedti. UN estimates around 15–20k confirmed deaths, 13 million displaced, and famine confirmed in parts of Darfur. Food insecurity, collapse of health systems, and cholera, malaria, and measles outbreaks are rampant. Civilians face systematic attacks and aid blockades by both sides.

Main Parties in Conflict

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)

Origins of the Conflict

The conflict began after a power struggle following the 2021 military coup that ended Sudan’s civilian transitional government.

Territorial Division

SAF controls northern and eastern Sudan, including Port Sudan.
RSF controls western regions, especially Darfur.

Crisis due to Intensifying Conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan

Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with millions fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Ethnic Violence: RSF-led attacks in Darfur against non-Arab communities have triggered genocide allegations and mass killings.
Food and Health Emergency: War has caused famine risks, disease outbreaks, and collapse of healthcare services.
Territorial Fragmentation: Sudan is divided between SAF and RSF control, raising fears of long-term political fragmentation.
Regional Instability: Renewed conflict in South Sudan and tightened borders in neighbouring states have worsened the refugee crisis.