Sudan Crisis: Regions and Actors

A military coup brought Omar al-Bashir to power. His rule lasted until 2019 and shaped the political and security institutions inherited by the subsequent transition.

Rebellion and a government counterinsurgency plunged Darfur into war. The conflict became a major source of displacement, atrocities, and lasting regional instability.

South Sudan’s independence followed the peace process ending the north–south civil war. Sudan lost substantial oil revenues, intensifying economic pressures that contributed to later unrest.

Demonstrations over bread prices began in Atbara and spread nationwide, developing into demands for Bashir’s removal.

The military removed and detained Bashir. Protesters continued demanding civilian rule rather than military-led succession.

Security forces attacked the protest sit-in near military headquarters, killing demonstrators and deepening distrust between civilian groups and military leaders.

A power-sharing agreement created transitional institutions. Abdalla Hamdok became prime minister, while Abdel Fattah al-Burhan headed the Sovereignty Council.

The transitional government signed a peace agreement with several armed movements. Important groups remained outside the agreement.

The United States removed Sudan from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, supporting efforts to restore international economic ties.

Military leaders detained Hamdok and other civilian officials. Burhan dissolved transitional bodies, triggering renewed protests and international condemnation.

A deal restored Hamdok as prime minister, but many protesters rejected continued military influence over the transition.

Hamdok resigned amid continuing protests and political deadlock, leaving the return to civilian government unresolved.

Military leaders and civilian groups signed an initial political agreement. Security-sector reform and implementation remained unresolved.

Disputes over integrating the Rapid Support Forces into the regular military sharpened the rivalry between Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

Fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and elsewhere. The conflict expanded across the country, devastating civilian infrastructure and forcing people to flee.

Representatives of the two forces signed a declaration committing to civilian protection. Subsequent ceasefire efforts failed to produce a lasting end to fighting.

Violence extended beyond the capital, including into Darfur. Communities faced displacement, attacks, and the collapse of essential services as the conflict became a nationwide humanitarian emergency.

Continuing fighting, restricted access, and damage to health services worsened civilian conditions. Humanitarian organizations struggled to meet needs as displacement and hunger intensified.

The army recaptured the presidential palace, marking a significant shift in the struggle for the capital. The advance did not end the wider war.

Burhan appointed Kamil Idris as prime minister. After taking office, Idris dissolved the caretaker government and pledged to pursue stability and reconstruction, while the RSF and its allies pursued a parallel political project.

The United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates proposed a humanitarian truce leading to a permanent ceasefire and a transition toward civilian-led government.

The RSF captured El Fasher after a prolonged siege, strengthening its position in Darfur. Reports of grave atrocities and renewed displacement heightened fears of deeper territorial fragmentation.

The African Union, IGAD, League of Arab States, European Union, and United Nations held consultations with Sudanese political and civilian stakeholders to support an inclusive political process.

The Quintet pursued consultations with Sudanese stakeholders. Its diplomatic efforts emphasized civilian participation, protection of civilians, and an end to hostilities.

US envoy Massad Boulos met Burhan during an event hosted in Egypt. The engagement formed part of renewed efforts to end the war and support a Sudanese-led political dialogue.

The conflict remained unresolved, with continuing attacks and severe civilian suffering. Diplomatic initiatives had not produced a comprehensive settlement or restored a nationwide civilian-led transition.