Faith Nyasuguta
In a week marked by both hope and despair, Sudan experienced two contrasting developments that emphasize the complex nature of its ongoing conflict.
On one hand, the military government announced the opening of a new humanitarian inlet, a move aimed at doubling the flow of supplies to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and alleviating some of the blockages that have plagued aid efforts. On the other hand, Sudan received a significant shipment of new weaponry from Russia and Iran, raising concerns about the intensification of the war.
These two opposing events paint a vivid picture of the war in Sudan, where fleeting hopes for civilians are often dashed by the actions of the warring factions- ”the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation remains dire, with both sides locked in a brutal struggle for power that has left millions of Sudanese citizens caught in the crossfire.
A Fragile Lifeline: New Humanitarian Inlet
The announcement of the new humanitarian inlet came as a glimmer of hope for Sudan’s beleaguered civilians. The government revealed that it had opened a new border crossing with Chad, allowing for a greater flow of humanitarian aid into the war-torn Darfur region. This development was welcomed by international observers and aid organizations, who have long called for increased access to the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The timing of this announcement was significant, coinciding with high-level talks in Geneva where the United States and other international actors have been pushing for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring factions. The SAF, however, has so far refused to engage in these talks, raising doubts about the prospects for a lasting peace.
A Dark Turn: New Weapons Arrive
In stark contrast to the humanitarian efforts, news emerged that Sudan had received a new shipment of advanced weaponry from Russia and Iran, two of its key international allies.
According to sources within the military, the SAF took delivery of seven Russian fighter jets last week, which have already been deployed to the front lines in North Darfur. These jets are expected to give the SAF a significant advantage as it seeks to regain control of strategic regions currently held by the RSF.
Image by picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS
In addition to the fighter jets, Sudan also received Iranian “Mohajer” reconnaissance drones earlier this month. These drones are likely to enhance the SAF’s aerial capabilities, further escalating the conflict.
The arrival of these weapons highlights the deepening involvement of foreign powers in Sudan’s civil war, with Russia and Iran now openly supporting the SAF in its fight against the RSF.
The International Power Play
The supply of weapons to Sudan marks a significant shift in Moscow’s stance towards the conflict. Initially, Russia had supported the RSF, largely due to its agreements with the Russian private military company Wagner Group, which secured lucrative gold mining rights in Sudan.
However, it now appears that Russia is broadening its support to include the SAF, likely in exchange for a strategic foothold on the Red Sea.
Discussions about establishing a Russian naval base on the Red Sea have been ongoing for years. In 2017, an agreement was signed between Sudan’s former leader Omar al-Bashir and Russian President Vladimir Putin to build a base capable of accommodating several hundred soldiers and four warships. However, Sudan’s volatile political situation prevented the deal from being ratified by the Sudanese parliament.
Now, with the conflict raging and Sudan’s strategic importance growing, Russia seems eager to revive this agreement. The recent pledge of extensive military support from Russia to the SAF suggests that Moscow is determined to secure its interests in the region, even if it means prolonging the war.
The Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
While the international power play unfolds, the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate. Famine has been reported in the Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur, where fighting has blocked the delivery of aid. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) warned last week that the famine could persist until October, with some 755,000 people already in critical need.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also raised alarms about the situation, reporting that key supply routes around Al Fasher remain inaccessible. Without safe passage for humanitarian and commercial trucks, essential supplies such as food and medicine cannot reach those who need them most.
In response, the SAF announced the reopening of the Adrè crossing between Chad and Sudan for three months, a move intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Darfur region. The RSF has also pledged not to obstruct aid workers in areas under its control, a commitment that, if honored, could provide much-needed relief to millions of Sudanese.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are ongoing. In Geneva, participants including the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the United Nations, and the African Union have called for the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. The RSF’s willingness to participate in these talks has been noted, though the SAF’s refusal to engage remains a significant obstacle to progress.
Despite this setback, there is still hope for dialogue. The SAF has agreed to send representatives to new talks scheduled for Cairo next week, where the focus will be on setting an agenda for direct negotiations between the warring factions. These talks may represent the last chance to rescue Sudan from the brink of collapse.
Sudan’s current trajectory is deeply troubling, with the war showing no signs of abating. The country is caught between the faint hope offered by new humanitarian initiatives and the dark reality of escalating military conflict fueled by foreign powers. As the international community watches closely, the stakes could not be higher for Sudan, the region, and the world.
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