The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, is marked by the involvement of Middle Eastern monarchies, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, providing military and financial support to rival factions. Domestic factors sparked the conflict, but external support has exacerbated divisions. Sudan’s strategic importance and internal dynamics complicate potential resolutions to the humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has become a hub of international involvement, particularly by Middle Eastern monarchies. The conflict primarily involves the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces vying for dominance, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Countries such as Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have chosen sides in the conflict, each pursuing their interests in the region.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been notably active, discreetly providing military and financial support to competing factions, despite their public denials. Political scientist Federico Donelli highlights the complexities of their involvement, suggesting that domestic factors in Sudan initiated the conflict, and that framing it solely as a proxy war misrepresents the situation.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has maintained diplomatic relations with Sudan since its independence in 1956. Their geographical proximity, along with shared religious connections, has fostered strong people-to-people bonds over time. Conversely, the UAE’s interest in Sudan surged in the 2000s, focusing on economic investments, especially in logistics sectors that have gained importance since the late 2010s.
The influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE grew significantly during the presidency of Omar al-Bashir, particularly from 2014 to 2015, when both monarchies sought to counter Iranian influence in the region. Following Sudan’s involvement in a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen against Houthi rebels, ties were solidified between the Sudanese military and these Gulf states, which continued to grow post-Bashir in 2019.
The dynamics shifted after 2019, with Saudi Arabia aligning with Sudan’s army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the UAE supporting Mohamed Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces. Despite initial collaboration during Sudan’s transition after al-Bashir, diverging interests regarding political Islam have strained relations between the two monarchies.
The strategic importance of Sudan to both nations arises from its geographical positioning between the unstable Sahel and the Red Sea regions. This area faces various challenges, including political upheaval and food insecurity. Furthermore, Sudan’s wealth of water resources and fertile land makes it a prime target for investments aimed at enhancing food security for Gulf states.
Experts predict persistent hostilities in Sudan, characterized by an inability for either side to consider compromise, as victory is perceived as a zero-sum game. The international context further complicates peace negotiations, as shifting global dynamics provide encouragement and resources for continued conflict, solidifying the emerging governance split within Sudan.
The involvement of Middle Eastern monarchies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Sudanese civil war reflects their strategic interests and historical ties to the region. As both countries deepen their engagement amid a complicated geopolitical landscape, prospects for a peaceful resolution appear bleak. Sudan’s geographical significance and the intertwined interests of external actors contribute to a protracted crisis, highlighting the challenges of establishing stability in a conflict-ridden environment.
Original Source: theconversation.com
