On April 15^th, what initially began as an armed conflict between two generals sharing power in Sudan escalated into a full-fledged civil war, engulfing the entire country. The clashes pit Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al – Burhan, head of the regular army, known as SAF, against Mohamad Hamdan Dagalo or Hemedti, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Official estimates, likely underestimated, suggest a death toll of 10’000, with nearly 7 million people displaced from their homes. The capital, Khartoum, has suffered extensive damage, and reports of ethnic massacres are starting to emerge.  The RSF entered Darfur few weeks ago, a region historically marred by ethnic conflicts that now is facing renewed violence. Adding to this, with multiple armed factions and militias that once aligned with the central government, the risk of the conflict spreading further to involve additional military actors looms large.

“The Rapid Support Forces and allied militias appear responsible for a staggering number of rapes and other war crimes during their attack on El Geneina”, said Belkis Willie, associate crisis and conflict director at Human Rights Watch. “The UN Security Council should show those responsible for abuses that the world is watching by taking urgent steps to bring an end to those atrocities”. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, but efforts to mediate and establish ceasefires have faced challenges. Countless rounds of US – and – Saudi led peace talks have failed during the last months and the ongoing chaos pervading the country has hindered humanitarian efforts, making it difficult to aid the millions affected by the conflict.

The RSF’s foundation on Arab ethnic lines is a recurring theme in Sudanese conflicts since the 1980s. The government’s historical collaboration with Arab militias involved arming these groups residing in the southern Darfur, allowing them freedom to raid southern Sudan while fighting for the central government. This collaboration between the regular army and ethnic militias, termed “janjaweed” or “devils on horseback”, paved the way for the RSF’s formation. With the militia gaining ground in Darfur, the potential for a larger ethnic dimension to the conflict becomes apparent.

The RSF fighters emerged victorious against Sudan’s army in four out of Darfur’s five states. Throughout their advance, the ethnic undertones of the conflict have been most pronounced in Western Darfur, as attacks have mainly targeted areas inhabited by the Masalit, one of the main non – Arab communities. Evidence of targeted ethnic massacres has prompted international bodies to express grave concern, particularly regarding the widespread use of gender – based violence as a tool of war through which terrorize and punish women and girls. The scale and seriousness of the sexual violence committed against women are also grossly underreported: many survivors fear reprisals and stigma, and are unable to receive the cares and treatments that they need, due to insecurity and lack of access of humanitarian aids.

As Darfur faces an enormous humanitarian tragedy, the global community must confront the pressing necessity for intervention and diplomatic resolution. The specter of ethnic violence and potential genocide looms large, demanding coordinated efforts from the international community to mitigate the crisis’ impact and protect the vulnerable population caught in the crossfire. The unfolding events in Sudan show the critical need for sustainable solutions to ensure lasting peace and stability.