INTRO

 Sudan's history since independence in 1956 marked by a cycle of coups and

countercoups, leading to political, social, and economic turmoil.
 General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
(Hemedti) currently vie for control, having once collaborated to overthrow
former president Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
 Since 2021, Sudan lacks a civilian-led administration, with military
dominance persisting.
 An agreement in December 2022 aimed to restore civilian rule but stalled
over disagreements on integrating RSF into the military.
 Conflict erupted between RSF and SAF in April 2023, resulting in casualties,
displaced persons, and damaged infrastructure.
 Economic struggles and armed conflicts exacerbate the situation,
particularly in Darfur, South Kordofan, and the Blue Nile states.
 Political instability, unresolved land disputes, and marginalization contribute
to ongoing violence and insecurity.
 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes support for Sudanese
aspirations for peace, civilian rule restoration, and democratic transition.
 The power struggle among Sudan's senior generals threatens not only
Sudan's future but also regional stability and global peace and security.

BACKGR
 Sudan gained independence in 1956, covering an area of 1,886,068 sq
km with a population of 47.9 million people.
 Arabic and English are the main languages spoken in Sudan.
 The history of Sudan dates back to the pharaonic era, with rich natural
resources and geopolitical importance.
 South Sudan's referendum for independence in 2011 resulted in
economic shocks, including the loss of oil capital, leading to economic
slowdown and inflation.
 Conflict between the predominantly Christian and Animist south and the
Arab Muslim north culminated in South Sudan's separation.
 Sudan has faced violence and instability, including two civil wars
between the north and south and conflict in Darfur.
 A power struggle among the military elite erupted in Khartoum in 2023,
leading to the brink of collapse.
 The conflict in Sudan has a long history with 35 coups d'état, including six
successful ones, according to research from the Center for Systemic
Peace and Statista.
 ORIGINS
 Sudan's convoluted history of colonialism by Egypt and Britain contributed
to the concentration of wealth and power in the capital, Khartoum,
exacerbating unrest.
 Independence in 1956 was followed by difficulty establishing a reliable
government, leading to numerous coups and civil wars.
 The Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005) between the Sudan People's
Liberation Army SPLA rebels in the South and the central government in
Khartoum was primarily over self-determination and control of resources,
particularly oil.
 The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 paved the way for a
referendum on South Sudan's independence, leading to its separation in
2011.
 During 1993-2019, Omar al-Bashir dominated Sudanese politics, rising from
the military to become president through a coup in 1989.
 Bashir's presidency was marked by repression, including dissolution of
parliament, outlawing political parties, and stifling the press, as well as
involvement in conflicts such as the Darfur War, South Sudan's secession,
and a civil war.
 The Darfur war was characterized as genocide by the International Criminal
Court (ICC) and the US State Department against non-Arab groups.
 Bashir's government implemented hardline policies against religious
minorities and utilized private militias and morality police to enforce his rule.
 Bashir's presidency ended in 2019 after thirty years in power.
THE ROLE OF SAF
 The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have achieved dominance through a
complex interplay of internal disputes, historical background, and strategic
concerns.
 SAF's roots trace back to colonial authority and post-independence
conflicts, evolving and modernizing in response to domestic and
international challenges, notably the Sudanese Civil War.
 Engagement in politics, including military coups, enabled SAF to intertwine
closely with the government, consolidating its authority.
 Resource allocation, both internally and through external assistance,
facilitated the acquisition of advanced equipment and weapons, enhancing
SAF's capabilities.
 SAF's role in preserving national security has bolstered its power within the
nation, solidifying its dominance.

THE RISE OF THE RSF

 The conflict in Darfur erupted in 2003 alongside the Second Sudanese Civil
War, involving up to 80 ethnic groups resisting control from various
factions.
 Instead of dispatching the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to quell the Darfur
uprising, President Bashir funded the Janjaweed, a brutal armed militia, as
another measure of coup-proofing.
 In 2013, Bashir converted the Janjaweed into a semi-organized paramilitary
force named the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), granting them military ranks
and responsibilities.
 The RSF carried out vicious attacks, mass displacement, and other crimes
against humanity in Darfur and later participated in conflicts in Yemen and
Libya.
 A law passed in 2017 legitimized the RSF as an autonomous security force.
 Despite SAF's greater resources, including air support and a larger number
of soldiers, the RSF developed into a fully equipped force of about 100,000
under Bashir's government.
 RSF leader Hemedti gained control of gold mines and became one of
Sudan's richest individuals with the backing of the Bashir government.
 Bashir strategically created two powerful factions, SAF and RSF, to protect
himself, setting them against each other to prevent a coup.

THE OVERTHROW OF OMAR AL-BASHIR

 Civil unrest against President Omar al-Bashir's 30-year-old government
erupted in December 2018, driven by economic hardship, corruption, and
political repression.
 The Sudanese military, led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), partnered
with the Sudanese Alliance of Freedom and Change (SAF) in April 2019 to
depose al-Bashir, who eventually resigned.
 Despite al-Bashir's resignation, public mistrust of the RSF and the military
persisted due to their violent past and human rights violations, leading to
continued protests for civilian rule.
 International pressure was applied to both the military, including the RSF,
and civilian protestors to reach a power-sharing agreement, resulting in the
formation of a transitional government in August 2019.
 The transitional government aimed to balance leadership between the
military and civilian sides, signaling progress towards stability and
democracy.
 Sudan's journey towards stability and democracy continued to face
challenges, but the cooperation between the RSF and the SAF, along with
international intervention, marked significant turning points in the
country's transition to a more peaceful and democratic future.

THE FALLOUT OF THE RSF AND THE SAF

 The integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the regular army, as
outlined in the December 2022 framework agreement, is the main point of
contention between General Burhan and General Hemedti.
 General Hemedti advocates for a slow ten-year integration process to
maintain equilibrium within the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and
safeguard his own authority.
 General Burhan's army staff insists on a quicker two-year integration,
leading to disagreements over the integration timeline and command
structure.
 Hemedti prefers RSF to report to civilian leadership rather than Burhan,
further exacerbating tensions.
 The disagreement between Burhan and Hemedti had been building over an
extended period, with both sides preparing for confrontation by gathering
forces and making hostile statements.
 Despite presenting themselves as advocates for Sudan's transition to
civilian rule, neither the civilian nor the military government addressed
pervasive political and economic inequality, leading to the inevitable
escalation of conflict.
 Authoritarian leaders commanding large armies and controlling significant
portions of the state's economy contribute to conflicts in Khartoum and
other parts of Sudan.
 Tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) escalated steadily in the months leading up to the violence
that erupted in April 2023.
HE IMPACT OF HOSTILITIES IN SUDAN ON INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND
SECURITY
 The current violence in Sudan jeopardizes hopes for ending decades of
despotism, internal strife, and economic isolation under Bashir, potentially
destabilizing the Sahel, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa.
  Sudan's strategic location and abundant resources attract regional power
struggles, hindering a smooth transition to civilian-led administration.
 Political turmoil and violence in Sudan affect neighboring countries like
Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan, leading to strained relations and refugee
influxes.
 Sudan's transformation offers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
an opportunity to counteract Islamist influence, supported by the "Quad"
comprised of the United States and the United Kingdom, funding
mediation efforts by the UN and African Union.
 Sudanese military commanders have shown openness to foreign
intervention, but Western countries fear the possibility of Russian
involvement in the region, particularly regarding the establishment of a
facility on the Red Sea.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
 Sudan's political landscape is marked by a fragile democratic transition
following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.
 The armed forces, primarily represented by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF),
and the civilian-led transitional government hold sway in Sudan's politics.
 Persistent tensions and conflicts between military and civilian groups hinder
progress towards democratic elections, leading to the establishment of a
transitional administration.
 Serious security concerns exist for both the international community and
the wider region due to ongoing conflicts between armed organizations such
as rebels in South Kordofan, Darfur, and the Blue Nile area.
 Wars in Sudan are often rooted in disagreements over territory, resources,
and historical grievances, with control over natural resources and regional
influence being international objectives.
 Sudan's instability has the potential to escalate regional tensions and impact
counterterrorism efforts, irregular migration, and human trafficking,
prompting the international community's eagerness to support Sudan's
democratic transition and mediate conflicts.
 Both the international world and the larger region highly value Sudan's
political stability, recognizing its importance in maintaining peace and
security.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND HUMANITARIAN CRISES DUE TO THE
CONFLICT

Sudan is experiencing a human rights and humanitarian catastrophe of
unprecedented magnitude.
 Over a million people are stranded in Bahri, Omdurman, and Khartoum,
facing dire conditions.
 Residential areas with high population density are under attack, leading
to forced evictions and pillaging of belongings by the Rapid Support
Forces (RSF).
 Medical personnel and hospitals are targeted, exacerbating the collapse
of healthcare infrastructure.
 Dramatic shortages of food, water, money, and energy are adding to the
anguish, pushing many people to the brink of extinction.
 Multiple occurrences of sexual assault against women and girls have
been reported, contributing to the severity of the crisis.

 Chad:
 Over 116,000 Sudanese refugees have entered eastern
Chad since the conflict began.
 An additional 25,300 migrant returnees have landed in Chad
as of June 8, 2023.
 Fighting has persisted in the Chadian border area of Darfur
despite ceasefires.
 Chad has continued to accept Sudanese refugees despite
the formal closure of the border.
 Up to 250,000 refugees, 60,000 Chadian migrant returnees,
and third-country nationals may arrive in Chad by the end of
2023 due to ongoing instability in Sudan.

 Saudi Arabia:
 Played a vital role in mediating talks between opposing sides
in Sudan.
 Talks resulted in a "declaration of principles" committing to
various measures for civilian protection and humanitarian
relief.
 Despite mediation efforts, airstrikes and artillery
bombardment continued in Khartoum.
 Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts aim to mitigate the conflict's
impact on regional stability and safeguard its own interests.

 South Sudan:
  Significant increase in people leaving Sudan for South Sudan
since the violence in Khartoum began.
 Humanitarian organizations erecting transit facilities at crucial
entry points along the Sudan-South Sudan border.
 Economic prospects for South Sudan negatively impacted by
the conflict in Sudan, leading to price increases for basic
goods.

 Russian Federation:
 Wagner, a Russian paramilitary group, involved in Sudan's
domestic politics to further Russian objectives.
 Dispatched to Sudan in 2017 to support Omar al-Bashir
politically and militarily.
 Continued involvement even after al-Bashir's overthrow in
April 2019.
 Russian objectives in Sudan include gold mining and
establishing a Red Sea naval base.

 United Kingdom (UK):

 Provided £5 million in life-saving aid to Sudan.
 Contributed over £250 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan in
the past five years.
 Advocates for secure access for aid workers to deliver
assistance to those affected by violence.
 UK's strategic interests in Sudan include promoting peace
and stability, fostering trade and investment, and addressing
security threats.

 United States (US):

 Actively involved in diplomatic initiatives to facilitate a
peaceful transition to democracy in Sudan.
 Imposition of sanctions aimed at pressuring major
participants in the violence.
 Concerned about the impact of unrest and violence on
regional economic dynamics, particularly the availability of
essential minerals.

 African Union (AU):

 Condemned the dispute between the Sudanese Armed
Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
  Emphasized the need for a political transition process
towards a democratic, civilian-led administration.
 Opposed any outside meddling in Sudan.

 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

 Hailed Saudi Arabia's assistance in evacuating foreign
nationals from Sudan.
 Coordinated reaction to the violence underscores the region's
shared interest in Sudan's stability.
 Likely to leverage business and personal connections to the
combatants to broker a peace deal.

 World Food Program (WFP):

 Resumed operations to meet the immediate needs of
refugees, host communities, and internally displaced
persons.
 Providing emergency food assistance to recently arriving
refugees.
 Concerned about food security in neighboring nations coping
with several crises.

Juba Peace Agreement:

 Signed on October 3, 2020, between the Government of Sudan
and the Sudan Revolutionary Front coalition.
 Aimed to establish democracy and foster peace during Sudan's
transitional era.
 Emphasized democratic ideals such as non-discrimination, equality,
and transitional justice.
 Challenges to complete implementation include lack of trust
among main players, existence of multiple armed organizations,
and unresolved issues regarding power-sharing and resource
distribution.

UN-AU Hybrid Peacekeeping Operation (UNAMID):

 Established by Resolution 1769 on July 31, 2007, to protect
civilians in Darfur.
 Mandate extended until December 31, 2020, with gradual
reduction in military and police numbers.
  Achieved improved security, reduced armed clashes, and
strengthened community-based mechanisms in internally
displaced persons camps.

UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS):

 Created by Resolution 2524 on June 3, 2020, to support Sudan's political
transition to democracy.
 Mandate extended until June 3, 2023, to assist in establishing a transitional
government, mediating peace deals, and addressing economic challenges.
 Faces obstacles including political and economic divisions, security concerns,
and the need for continual reconciliation efforts.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Launching a Community Violence Reduction program:
- UN adopts "Second Generation Disarmament, Demobilization, and
Reintegration" strategy.
- Focuses on community safety, social cohesion, and addressing underlying
causes of violence.
- Conducts in-depth assessments to identify specific causes of violence.
- Provides specialized interventions like access to social services, vocational
training, and conflict resolution training.
- Capacity development for local leaders and conflict-sensitive strategy
implementation.

Engaging in negotiations:
- Requires concerted diplomatic efforts and cohesive international support.
- Foster conversations and offer unbiased forums for discussion.
- Coordination with AU and IGAD mediation efforts.
- Emphasize no compromise or support without an end to hostilities.
- Encourage negotiations for a peace deal, reconciliation, and addressing
grievances.
Imposing armed embargoes:
- Restricts access to weapons and military equipment for armed forces.
- Implement armed embargoes to prevent arms influx.
- States impede importation of weapons and provide technical support.
- Ensure end-user documentation for any weapons supply or sale.

Providing technical and financial support:

- Reevaluate Sudan's civilian-led government with a gradual approach.
- Support reconstruction of Sudan's democratic system.
- Improve security sector, establish unbiased judiciary, advance democratic
principles, and uphold human rights.
- Provide technical and financial support to transitional administration.
- Coordinate funds for humanitarian organizations to prioritize civilian welfare.
- Ensure careful planning for Sudan's recovery and transition to a stable civilian-
led government.
- Offer advice, resources, and tailored support adapted to Sudan's
requirements.

The Community Violence Reduction (CVR) program is a community-focused

approach aimed at reducing violence and promoting peace and stability in
conflict-affected areas. Here's an overview:

- **Focus on Communities:** The CVR program places a strong emphasis on

engaging with local communities to address the underlying causes of violence
and conflict. It recognizes that sustainable peace requires the active
participation and ownership of the communities affected by violence.

- **Identification of Causes:** The program conducts in-depth assessments to

identify the specific drivers of violence within communities. This may include
factors such as socio-economic inequality, competition over resources,
historical grievances, or ethnic tensions.

- **Specialized Interventions:** Based on the assessment of community needs,

the CVR program implements specialized interventions to address the root
causes of violence. These interventions may include providing access to social
services, vocational training, conflict resolution training, and other forms of
support.

- **Partnerships:** The CVR program works in partnership with regional and

global organizations, as well as local stakeholders, to implement interventions
effectively. Collaboration with a range of actors ensures that interventions are
tailored to local contexts and responsive to the needs of communities.

- **Capacity Development:** The program focuses on building the capacity of

local leaders and organizations to address violence and conflict within their
communities. This may involve training in conflict resolution, leadership skills,
and community organizing.

- **Conflict-Sensitive Approach:** The CVR program adopts a conflict-sensitive

approach to ensure that interventions do not inadvertently exacerbate existing
tensions or conflicts within communities. It seeks to promote peace and
stability while minimizing the risk of unintended consequences.

Overall, the Community Violence Reduction program aims to strengthen

community safety, promote social cohesion, and contribute to long-term peace
and stability in conflict-affected areas by addressing the root causes of violence
and conflict at the local level.
UN DDR stands for "Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration," which is
a set of strategies and programs aimed at managing and transitioning ex-
combatants from armed groups back into civilian life during post-conflict
periods. Here's an overview:
- **Disarmament:** This involves the collection, control, and disposal of
weapons, ammunition, and explosives from combatants, militias, and
sometimes civilian populations. The goal is to reduce the availability of
weapons to prevent further violence.

- **Demobilization:** Demobilization refers to the formal and controlled

discharge of active combatants from armed forces or armed groups. It involves
providing ex-combatants with support services, including temporary shelter,
food, medical care, and transportation to return to civilian life.

- **Reintegration:** Reintegration focuses on supporting ex-combatants in

their transition to civilian life by providing opportunities for education,
vocational training, employment, and psychosocial support. The aim is to
facilitate their social and economic integration into society and prevent them
from returning to violence.

UN DDR programs are typically implemented in collaboration with national

governments, international organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders. They
play a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and development in post-
conflict societies by addressing the root causes of violence and promoting
reconciliation and social cohesion.