Sudan Suspends Ties with Regional Bloc amidst Internal Power Struggle
Photo: AFP
Sudan’s political landscape has been marred by escalating tensions as the government announced the suspension of its relations with the East African regional bloc that has been attempting to mediate the conflict between the country’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese government has accused the bloc of undermining its sovereignty by extending an invitation to the RSF leader for a summit aimed at resolving the internal power dispute. The rivalry between the Sudanese army, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, under the command of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, has been growing since April. The friction between these two powerful factions has spilled into violence, with street battles in the capital city and unrest spreading to other regions, notably the western area of Darfur. The government’s decision to cut ties with the regional bloc marks a significant setback in the efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the internal conflict. The bloc, which comprises several East African states, has been actively involved in trying to bring the two sides to the negotiating table. The invitation to Gen. Dagalo was perceived by the Sudanese government as a direct affront to its authority and an infringement of national sovereignty.
The clashes between the army and the RSF have raised concerns about the stability of Sudan, which is still reeling from the aftermath of the ousting of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The power struggle also poses a risk of exacerbating humanitarian crises in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Darfur, where a history of strife and displacement complicates the current situation. As the situation develops, regional and international observers are calling for restraint and a return to dialogue. The United Nations, African Union, and other international stakeholders have emphasized the importance of unity within the country’s leadership structures to ensure a peaceful transition towards democracy and stability. The suspension of ties with the regional bloc underscores the complexities of Sudan’s transitional period, as competing interests and longstanding grievances come to the forefront of the political arena. The international community remains watchful, hoping that Sudan can navigate these challenges without further escalation of violence and with respect for the principles of sovereignty and democratic governance.
By Cora Sulleyman
