1.

INDIVIDUAL LEVEL OF ANALYSIS

At the individual level, the conflict in Sudan can be attributed to the actions and
decisions of political leaders, military commanders, rebel leaders, and other
influential figures. One key individual in this conflict is President Omar al-
Bashir, who ruled Sudan for over three decades before being ousted in 2019. During
his tenure, al-Bashir's authoritarian rule and repressive policies contributed to
the marginalization and disenfranchisement of various ethnic and religious groups,
leading to widespread discontent and resistance.

Furthermore, the actions of rebel leaders and militia commanders have also played a
significant role in perpetuating the conflict. These individuals have often pursued
their own agendas, leading to further fragmentation and violence within the
country. The lack of accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes
committed by these individuals has further exacerbated the conflict, creating a
cycle of violence and impunity.

Additionally, the role of external actors, such as neighboring countries and

international organizations, must also be considered at the individual level. These
actors have often supported or influenced key individuals within Sudan, either
exacerbating or mitigating the conflict. For example, neighboring countries like
Egypt and Chad have historically supported different factions within Sudan, further
complicating the conflict.

At the same time, there have been individuals who have worked towards peace and
reconciliation in Sudan. This includes civil society activists, religious leaders,
and diplomats who have engaged in dialogue and mediation efforts to address the
root causes of the conflict and promote sustainable peace.

In conclusion, when analyzing the ongoing conflict in Sudan from an individual

level of analysis, it is crucial to consider the actions and decisions of key
individuals who have shaped the trajectory of the conflict. By examining the role
of political leaders, rebel commanders, and external actors, we can better
understand the dynamics of the conflict and identify potential avenues for
resolution. Additionally, it is important to recognize the efforts of individuals
working towards peace and reconciliation in Sudan, as they offer hope for a more
stable and prosperous future for the country.
2.GROUP LEVEL OF ANALYSIS
At the group level of analysis, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be understood as
a result of the dynamics between various ethnic, religious, and political groups
within the country. The conflict is characterized by deep-seated historical
grievances, competition for resources, and power struggles between different
groups, which have contributed to the perpetuation of violence and instability.

One of the key factors at the group level is the ethnic and religious diversity of
Sudan. The country is home to a wide range of ethnic groups, including Arab,
Nubian, Beja, and Fur, among others. Additionally, Sudan is divided along religious
lines, with a predominantly Muslim population and significant Christian and animist
minorities. These divisions have been exploited by political leaders and other
influential figures to mobilize support and perpetuate the conflict. For example,
the government under President al-Bashir promoted an Arab-Islamic identity, leading
to marginalization and discrimination against non-Arab and non-Muslim communities.

Furthermore, the competition for resources, particularly land and water, has fueled
inter-group tensions and conflict. In regions such as Darfur and South Kordofan,
competition over natural resources has led to violent clashes between pastoralist
and agrarian communities, exacerbating existing ethnic and tribal divisions. The
lack of equitable resource distribution and access has further deepened these
grievances and fueled conflict at the group level.
Political dynamics also play a significant role in perpetuating the conflict at the
group level. The central government in Khartoum has historically marginalized and
oppressed certain regions and ethnic groups, leading to widespread resentment and
resistance. This has fueled the emergence of rebel movements and armed groups
representing marginalized communities, who have sought to challenge the authority
of the central government and demand greater autonomy or independence.
Moreover, external
actors have also influenced group dynamics within Sudan. Neighboring countries and
international organizations have often supported different factions within Sudan,
further exacerbating inter-group tensions and conflict. This has contributed to the
fragmentation of the country along ethnic and regional lines, making it difficult
to achieve a sustainable peace agreement.

At the same time, there have been efforts at the group level to promote
reconciliation and peace. Civil society organizations, community leaders, and
traditional authorities have worked to bridge inter-group divides and promote
dialogue and understanding. These efforts have been crucial in addressing the root
causes of the conflict and building social cohesion at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be understood through a group

level of analysis that considers the dynamics between different ethnic, religious,
and political groups within the country. By examining the historical grievances,
competition for resources, and power struggles at the group level, we can better
understand the complexities of the conflict and identify potential avenues for
resolution. Additionally, it is important to recognize the efforts of individuals
and groups working towards peace and reconciliation in Sudan, as they offer hope
for a more inclusive and harmonious future for the country.
3.STATE LEVEL OF ANALYSIS
At the state level of analysis, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be understood as
a result of the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped the
country's governance, institutions, and policies. The state-level dynamics in Sudan
have played a significant role in perpetuating the conflict, contributing to the
marginalization of certain groups, the unequal distribution of resources, and the
centralization of power, all of which have fueled violence and instability.

One of the key factors at the state level is the historical legacy of colonialism
and the subsequent struggle for independence. Sudan's borders were drawn by
colonial powers without consideration for the ethnic and religious diversity of the
population, leading to tensions and conflicts between different groups.
Additionally, the post-independence period was marked by political instability,
military coups, and authoritarian rule, which further exacerbated existing
divisions and grievances.

Furthermore, the centralization of power in Khartoum has led to the marginalization

of peripheral regions and ethnic groups. The government's policies and resource
allocation have favored certain regions and communities, while neglecting others.
This has led to widespread resentment and resistance among marginalized groups, who
have sought greater autonomy and representation in the political process.

Economic factors also play a significant role at the state level. Sudan's economy
has been characterized by inequality, corruption, and mismanagement, which have
contributed to social and economic disparities between different regions and
communities. The unequal distribution of wealth and resources has exacerbated
inter-group tensions and contributed to the perpetuation of conflict.

Moreover, the state's response to dissent and opposition has been characterized by
repression and violence. The government under President al-Bashir employed brutal
tactics to suppress dissent, including the use of military force and human rights
abuses. This has further alienated marginalized communities and fueled armed
resistance against the central government.

At the same time, external actors have also influenced state-level dynamics in
Sudan. Neighboring countries, international organizations, and global powers have
often supported different factions within Sudan, further complicating the internal
dynamics of the conflict. This has led to a fragmentation of the country along
regional and ethnic lines, making it difficult to achieve a sustainable peace
agreement.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be critically analyzed at the

state level to understand the historical, political, and economic factors that have
shaped the governance, institutions, and policies of the country. By examining the
legacy of colonialism, centralization of power, economic inequality, and state
repression, we can better understand the complexities of the conflict and identify
potential avenues for resolution. Additionally, it is important to recognize the
role of external actors in influencing state-level dynamics in Sudan and consider
their impact on the prospects for peace and stability in the country.
4.SYSTEM LEVEL OF ANALYSIS
At the system level of analysis, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be understood as
a result of regional and global dynamics that have shaped the country's internal
and external relations, as well as the broader geopolitical context in which the
conflict is situated. System-level factors have played a significant role in
perpetuating the conflict, including regional power struggles, external
interventions, and the impact of global geopolitics.

One of the key system-level factors contributing to the conflict in Sudan is

regional power struggles and competition. Sudan is located in a volatile region
with complex regional dynamics, including competition for influence and resources
among neighboring countries. The involvement of regional actors, such as Egypt,
Ethiopia, and South Sudan, has further complicated the internal dynamics of the
conflict, as these countries have supported different factions within Sudan and
pursued their own strategic interests in the region. This has contributed to the
fragmentation of the country along regional and ethnic lines, making it difficult
to achieve a sustainable peace agreement.

Furthermore, external interventions by global powers and international

organizations have also influenced the conflict in Sudan. The involvement of
external actors, including the United States, China, and the European Union, has
had a significant impact on the internal dynamics of the conflict, as these actors
have provided support to different factions and pursued their own geopolitical
interests in the region. Additionally, international organizations, such as the
United Nations and the African Union, have been involved in peacekeeping efforts
and humanitarian assistance in Sudan, but their interventions have been limited by
political constraints and competing agendas.

The broader global geopolitical context has also played a role in shaping the
conflict in Sudan. The country's strategic location in East Africa and its natural
resources have made it a focus of global competition and interest. The global
demand for Sudan's natural resources, such as oil, has contributed to international
involvement in the conflict, as global powers seek to secure access to these
resources and advance their own economic and strategic interests in the region.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Sudan can be critically analyzed at the

system level to understand the regional and global dynamics that have shaped the
country's internal and external relations, as well as the broader geopolitical
context in which the conflict is situated. By examining regional power struggles,
external interventions, and the impact of global geopolitics, we can better
understand the complexities of the conflict and identify potential avenues for
resolution. Additionally, it is important to recognize the role of regional and
global actors in influencing system-level dynamics in Sudan and consider their
impact on the prospects for peace and stability in the country.

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