Sudan Conflict Displacement

Why in News ?

• As per UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), intense clashes between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Kordofan displaced ~2,000 people in 3 days (Nov 8–10, 2025).
• Marks a worsening of the Sudan Civil War (2023–present), one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Relevance:

GS 2 – International Relations
• Civil war between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
• Role of regional organisations – African Union, IGAD, UN
• Humanitarian crisis – displacement (12 million), food insecurity, rights violations
• Impact on Red Sea geopolitics and Horn of Africa stability
• India’s diplomatic role and evacuation efforts (Operation Kaveri)

GS 3 – Disaster Management & Security
• Protection of civilians in conflict zones
• Global refugee management and humanitarian intervention ethics

Background of the Conflict

• Historical Roots:
  • Sudan has faced decades of internal conflict—from Darfur genocide (2003–04) to South Sudan’s secession (2011).
  • The 2023 civil war arose from a power struggle between:
    • Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and
    • Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
• Trigger:
  • Disagreement over integrating RSF into the regular army during the planned civilian transition after the 2019 revolution that ousted Omar al-Bashir.

Current Situation

• Flashpoint Region: North Kordofan (Bara town).
• Casualties: 47 killed (including women and children).
• Newly Displaced: 2,000 (Nov 8–10).
• Total Impact:
  • 40,000+ killed (WHO).
  • 12 million displaced, 25 million in need of aid (UN).
  • RSF captured el-Fasher in Darfur recently—mass killings and refugee surge reported.

Humanitarian Crisis

• Mass Displacement: Largest since the Syrian war, with internal displacement exceeding Ukraine’s.
• Famine Threat: UN warns of food insecurity across Darfur and Kordofan.
• Collapse of Governance:
  • 80% of hospitals non-functional.
  • Human rights abuses: killings, sexual violence, child soldier recruitment.
• Regional Spillover: Refugee influx into Chad, South Sudan, Egypt.

International Response

• Diplomatic Efforts:
  • Jeddah Peace Talks (Saudi Arabia–U.S. mediated) collapsed due to non-compliance.
  • African Union and IGAD pushing for regional ceasefire.
  • UN Mission (UNITAMS) withdrew in 2023 after attacks on peacekeepers.
• International Fracture:
  • Competing influence of UAE, Egypt, Russia (via Wagner Group) complicates mediation.
  • Sanctions and arms embargo discussions ongoing in UN Security Council.

Geopolitical & Strategic Significance

• Location:
  • Sudan lies on the Red Sea–Horn of Africa corridor, critical for global trade and India’s maritime security.
• Natural Resources:
  • Rich in gold and agricultural land — a driver of foreign interference.
• Regional Stability:
  • Prolonged war threatens Horn of Africa, already volatile due to Ethiopia–Tigray conflict and Somalia instability.

India’s Stakes

• Diaspora & Evacuation:
  • India conducted Operation Kaveri (April 2023) — evacuated ~3,800 nationals.
• Strategic Concerns:
  • Disruption near Red Sea trade routes, key to India’s energy security.
  • Implications for India’s maritime outreach (Project SAGAR, Indo-Pacific vision).