905: A New Civil War in Sudan | Out of the Loop

SAF vs. RSF

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a dire humanitarian crisis. Dr. Gasim Mohammed explains that the RSF has blockaded the SAF, leading to intense and destructive confrontations 1. The SAF, a disciplined military force, struggles against the RSF, which operates as an undisciplined paramilitary unit trained by the Wagner group 1. This has resulted in severe disruptions to civilian life, with people constantly navigating the dangers of gunfire and shelling 2.

The scenarios that you were told are correct. This is exactly what I saw and what I hear. Also. There's another element here that's very important. The regular Sudanese military is a real military. It's a military that's disciplined. They have training in humanitarian law. They understand the rules of war.

--- Dr. Gasim Mohammed

The RSF's lack of formal military training and their brutal tactics have exacerbated the conflict, making it difficult for the SAF to engage them effectively 1.

   

External Influences

External entities like the Wagner group, Emiratis, and neighboring countries have significantly influenced Sudan's military dynamics. Dr. Gasim Mohammed highlights how the Wagner group trains the RSF in exchange for gold, while the UAE buys gold from Hemeti and uses his soldiers in Yemen 3. This complex web of international interests complicates the conflict further, with various countries having stakes in Sudan's resources and strategic position 4.

The bottom line is money. So what does Emirates have to do with Ethiopia? For example, Emirates went ahead and invested billions of dollars in ports on the Red Sea.

--- Dr. Gasim Mohammed

This involvement of multiple external players makes the situation in Sudan not just a local conflict but a point of international contention 3.

   

Militia Economics

The economic aspects of militia operations in Sudan are deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict. Dr. Gasim Mohammed explains that the RSF has grown from a small group into a powerful force by securing resources like gold and leveraging these for financial and political gain 5. This economic power has allowed them to sustain their operations and influence within the country.

With every victory and with every plot of land that they were able to secure, they were given something in return. So it started off with vehicles, buildings, even simple things like citizenship and passports and government documents and the scholarships to universities.

--- Dr. Gasim Mohammed

The conflict has also led to a war economy, where criminality and lawlessness thrive, further complicating the humanitarian situation 6.