For over a year, the world’s attention has been focused on the genocide in Gaza, the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, and the brutal assault on Lebanon.
This catastrophe has persisted for 76 years, in a land occupied since 1917 — the land of ’Isrā’ wal-Miʿrāj.
But another crisis demands our concern: the one in Sudan. This Ummah is one, and the suffering of any part should be felt by all.
Western media often reduces the Sudanese conflict to a local power struggle, but the reality is far more complex.
BACKGROUND
- After three decades in power, Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir was deposed in 2019; he was then charged, convicted, and imprisoned for corruption
- A transitional government was meant to usher in civilian rule, but a power struggle caused severe unrest in Ramadan last year
- The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti
- Saudi Arabia is supporting the SAF, with the UAE funding the RSF — thereby causing a proxy war between the Gulf states
- The violence has resulted in over 15,000 deaths, with more than five million displaced, both internally and across borders
- Both the SAF and RSF have engaged in reprehensible acts including mass rape, murder, looting, and numerous crimes against humanity
Severity of the crisis
Unclear reporting
For 18 months, Sudan has been mired in violent conflict, though we don’t see it “livestreamed” on our phones. [1]
While estimates say 15,000 have been killed, this is likely a gross underestimate.
Over 10 million have been displaced, and more than 25 million — over half the population — face acute food insecurity, lacking food, water, medicine, and fuel.
Hunger and rape as weapons of war
What is especially disgusting is that both warring factions hinder aid access, weaponising starvation. [2]
According to the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 755,000 people in ten states are facing extreme hunger, and 18 million experience food insecurity in some form.
Rape has also been used as a weapon of war, though reliable statistics are scarce. [3]
The conflict risks destabilising the region, with over 600,000 refugees in Chad and 500,000 in Egypt, adding to the strain from the war on Gaza.
Ethiopia, too, has seen 37,000 Sudanese refugees, amid regional tensions.
Local power struggle
SAF and RSF
At the local level, the conflict is between two military factions: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti) leading the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Though other factions exist, most have aligned with one side or the other.
The SAF and RSF both brutalise civilians in their attempts to seize territory. They loot from the people and use starvation as a weapon, blocking essential supplies from areas controlled by their opponents.
Various political factions supporting the armed forces incite and exploit tribal divisions, “othering” huge portions of the population as not being “properly” Sudanese, or affiliating them to neighbouring Chad.
Tribal divisions were an ugly feature of the Bashir regime, particularly in Darfur.
2019 Ouster of Omar al-Bashir
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2019, when long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir was ousted in a coup.
Burhan and Hemeti, both Bashir’s former allies, helped depose him and oversaw a transitional civilian-led military government intended to lead to full civilian and “democratic” rule.
A power-sharing agreement was struck in 2020, with Burhan heading the new Sovereignty Council — as de facto head of state — and Hemeti as deputy. [4]
However, disagreements in 2023 over integrating the RSF into the SAF escalated into armed conflict.
Whilst the power struggle and hostility between Burhan and Dagalo may be real, they also use their conflict to exploit the people: increasing arms, recruiting troops, and winning concessions from political actors like the FFC. [5]
Both leaders are ruthlessly vying for control, using the war to strengthen their positions, with each fearful of the other gaining the upper hand.
RSF was formed by al-Bashir
The RSF, initially known as Janjaweed, was created by al-Bashir to crush dissent in Darfur.
It committed many atrocities during the 20-year conflict, including summary executions, rapes, and tribal massacres. [6]
Though Burhan does not directly incite tribal divisions, some of his supporters do, framing certain tribes as not “truly” Sudanese.
This tribalism echoes the divisive policies of the Bashir regime.
The tribes in question have lived in the region for centuries, predating the modern nation-state borders that now separate them. The failure to recognise this is fuelling the ongoing conflict, displacing people across borders that once held no meaning for them.
The Messenger ﷺ said,
“When two Muslims face each other with swords, both the killer and the killed are doomed to Hell.” [7]
When asked why the slain one is condemned, he (ﷺ) replied,
“He was eager to kill his opponent.” [7]
Regional game of thrones
Saudi Arabia vs. UAE
Two regional powers are backing opposing sides.
Saudi Arabia, via Egypt, supports the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The UAE, supplying through Libya and Chad, backs the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Both countries have longstanding investments in Sudan and previously co-operated with one another. Both originated as artificial constructs fashioned by British colonialism decades ago. And both profit from Sudanese blood and resources.
The UAE is already Sudan’s primary gold importer and has multibillion-dollar plans to develop ports along the Red Sea. [8]
American influence weakening over time
While US influence superseded Britain’s in the middle of the last century, its unchallenged global dominance is now waning. This is giving rise to more assertive regional powers like Russia and China.
It is still overwhelmingly superior to other nations in terms of military, political, and economic influence, but a more powerful Russia, China, and others in the G20 has seen Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states have a desire for increased local political influence.
This situation is exemplified by Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen and Syria, the UAE’s involvement in Libya, and Turkish involvement in Syria.
The US, now managing a balancing act, allows these “middle powers” to take key roles while ensuring their actions align with American interests.
America keeps them close by promising a share of the spoils in various regional issues, hoping this symbiotic relationship will serve all involved.
The scramble for Africa
Wealth causing poverty
Africa is rich in resources and everyone wants a stake in it — it holds nearly half of the world’s gold and a third of its minerals — but these riches rarely benefit its people.
The contrast with the levels of poverty and insecurity for the people of the continent are a disgrace for the modern world.
In addition to the gold, minerals, and fossil fuels on the continent, the Nile Basin is an area subject to disputes over the control of that most precious commodity: water. [9]
Instead, as noted by the Financial Times, the continent’s leaders maintain exploitative, “colonial-style trading relationships, in which they export raw materials and import finished goods”. [10]
Relatively new foreign influence rife
India now trails China and the EU as Africa’s third-biggest trading partner, with the UAE increasing its investments…
“…nearly fivefold in the past 20 years — much of it gold and diamonds — to make the nation the continent’s fourth-biggest investor, with cumulated investments of nearly $60bn in the past decade.” [10]
Sudan, awash with natural resources, is highly sought after, both for its wealth and its strategic location in the African Transition Zone/Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa. [11]
The Sahel, in particular, has become a battleground for global influence.
France, struggling to maintain its grip on the region, has tried to deal with coups and counter-coups, driven by both local dynamics and the interests of global powers like the US and Russia. [12] [13]
European dominance being targeted by America
European powers still dominate trade in sub-Saharan Africa, due to their colonial legacies.
The US has been steadily edging out these former colonial powers over many decades, extending its political reach since the 1990s.
Its bloody intervention in Somalia in 1992-3, support for Ethiopian troops to do its dirty work in the Horn of Africa, and the reorganisation of its military presence via the creation of USAFRICOM (United States Africa Command) reflect its strategic interests.
With Congress approving $500 million for “counter-terrorism” programmes, America’s hand has been detected in some of the coups in the Sahel, and it has a dirty record in its relationship with Khalifa Haftar of Libya.
Twenty years ago, it had an almost 20 per cent share of trade from sub-Saharan Africa. That has declined, almost mirroring China’s increased trading over two decades.
Chinese economic influence; Russian military influence
China’s influence, particularly through its $1tn “Belt and Road Initiative”, has outpaced the US, which counters through the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
Russia, meanwhile, exerts influence through the Wagner Group, offering African governments “regime survival packages” in exchange for resource access.
Britain, with its deep colonial roots, retains influence despite its global decline.
Its stance on the Sudanese conflict reflects its interests, as seen when it shamelessly pressured African diplomats not to criticise the UAE’s support for the RSF. [14]
Why the solution lies in Islam
So many of Sudan’s current problems can be seen as an absence of Islamic civilisation in the world and the region. There is a direct correlation with human suffering.
However, the future can be positive.
Before the Messenger ﷺ entered Madinah, the tribes of Yathrib — Banu Aws and Banu Khazraj — were at war for years.
Other tribes like Banu Nadīr and Banu Qurayzah used to play them off against each other to benefit themselves.
But the arrival of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ changed that. Islam was established as a system. The mercy spread from there.
As Allah ﷻ reminds us,
“And hold firmly, together, to the rope of Allah and do not be divided.
“Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you — by His grace — became brothers. And you were at the brink of a fiery pit and He saved you from it.
“This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so that you may be [rightly] guided.” [15]
Tribalism is a disease that Islam is opposed to
Sudan, like many places across the world, is structured along tribal lines.
The territory comprises 19 major ethnic groups and about 597 ethnic subgroups that speak hundreds of languages and dialects. People travelled and settled across regions that are divided by today’s nation-state borders. Some tribes were nomadic.
To repeat what was said earlier, political factions supporting the armed forces incite and exploit tribal divisions, “othering” huge portions of the population as not being “properly” Sudanese, or ascribing them to neighbouring Chad.
And bear in mind that this was an ugly feature of the Bashir regime in the past, particularly in Darfur — despite it being a so-called “Islamist” regime!
So in this context, it is necessary for Muslims to see the disease of tribalism and nationalism for what it is.
There is no place for “othering”
I do not mean that Islam does away with people having tribal affiliations or regional affiliation.
Rather, Islam is opposed to making these a basis of one’s identity and loyalty, such that you fight for it, support it, and even defend injustices based upon it.
Abu Hurayrah (radiy Allahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said,
“Whoever fights for a cause that is not clear, advocating tribalism, getting angry for the sake of tribalism, then he has died a death of Jāhiliyyah.” [16]
There are many more ahadīth that condemn this filthy practice of “othering” people due to their tribe, supporting the superiority of one’s tribe, or fighting and getting angry for the sake of one’s tribe.
It is a practice that should be collectively shunned by Muslims in whichever society they live.
By contrast, the values that must be nurtured in society should be based on what Allah ﷻ says:
“O people! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may [get to] know one another.
“Surely, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [17]
And what the Messenger ﷺ said:
“O people, your Lord is one and your father Ādam is one.
“There is no virtue of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness.” [18]
Natural resources are public goods
The biggest issue in Africa is its abundance in natural resources.
In today’s capitalist world, the US and other powers are seeking to control these resources for the profit of multinational corporations.
The elites and powerful factions in Muslim countries compete to get some of the spoils. All of them at the expense of the African people.
This is in spite of the Messenger ﷺ having said, in a narration by Abu Hurayrah (radiy Allahu ‘anhu),
“Three things cannot be denied to anyone: water, pasture, and fire.” [19]
The Sharī’ah of Islam is such that public resources — whether they be the supply of water, green pastures, energy/fuel (i.e. “fire”), minerals, or other natural resources — cannot be monopolised by a few people.
This understanding is reinforced by the actions of the Messenger ﷺ in his rulings.
Ibn Mājah and others narrated from Abyad ibn Hammal, that Abyad asked for a salt flat called the Ma’rib Dam, and it was given to him.
Then, Aqra’ ibn Habis al-Tamimi came to the Messenger ﷺ and said,
“O Messenger ﷺ, I used to come to the salt flat during the Ignorance period and it was in a land in which there was no water, and whoever came to it took from it. It was [plentiful] like flowing water.” [20]
So the Messenger ﷺ asked Abyad to give back his share of the salt flat.
He replied,
“I give it to you on the basis that you make it a charity given by me.” [20]
The Messenger ﷺ said,
“It is a charity from you, and it is like flowing water, whoever comes to it may take from it.” [20]
Faraj — one of the narrators — said,
“That is how it is today, whoever comes to it takes from it. The Prophet ﷺ gave him land and palm trees in Jurf Murad instead, when he took back the salt flat from him.” [20]
As is now clear, lands that contain uncountable natural resources — water, oil, gas, coal, or minerals — cannot be monopolised for the few. Rather they are for all the people to benefit from.
They should not be used to make profit for the rich and misery for those who live in the regions where they are plentiful.
Islam provides security for all
Security is arguably the first thing that all people deserve.
Indeed, the food insecurity and famine that millions face in Sudan is solely due to the security situation.
The merciless and indiscriminate killing, which has caused over a million people to seek refuge in other countries, is unimaginable.
Allah ﷻ says,
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right.” [21]
Moreover, in a narration about tribalism by Abu Hurayrah (radiy Allahu ‘anhu), the Prophet ﷺ said,
“Whoever attacks my Ummah [indiscriminately] (i.e. khurūj or fighting for separatism), killing the righteous and the wicked of them, sparing not [even] those staunch in faith and fulfilling not his promise made with those who have been given a pledge of security — he has nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with him.” [22]
So the fighters currently engaged in this conflict face being expelled from the companionship of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)! This is a terrifying and tragic prospect.
The believers are brothers to one another
The Qur’ān tells us,
“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.” [23]
And the Messenger ﷺ said,
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.” [24]
Return of Islam and Khilafah is not a false dream
Allah ﷻ says,
“Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good, that He will certainly make them successors (istikhlāf, from which the word Khilafah comes) in the land, as He did with those before them.
“And He will surely establish for them their faith which He has chosen for them; and will indeed change their fear into security — [provided that] they worship Me, associating nothing with Me. But whoever disbelieves after this [promise], it is they who will be the rebellious.” [25]
Africa has suffered under capitalism, more than most regions in the world.
Prior to this, it prospered in every sense under Islam, and certainly can do again.
So it is not a false dream to think of Islam and the Khilafah as a solution. Rather, it should be a real aspiration.
Allah ﷻ says,
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.
“And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.” [26]
Source: Islam21c
This article was originally published as a three-part series by Dr. Abdul Wahid on his Substack.
Notes
[1] https://www.unrefugees.org/news/sudan-crisis-explained/
[3] https://www.dw.com/en/crisis-in-sudan-sexual-violence-rape-and-ethnic-attacks/a-69538323
[5] https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudan-burhan-hemeti-tensions-escalate-framework-deal
[6] https://www.theguardian.com/world/darfur
[7] Sahīh Muslim, 54; https://sunnah.com/muslim/54
[9] https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2023/01/the-nile-dispute-beyond-water-security?lang=en
[10] https://www.ft.com/content/a811400c-6c1f-4970-b1a9-4e9d28efa62e
[11] https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-major-natural-resources-of-sudan.html
[13] https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/a-coup-after-coup-in-the-sahel-6976/
[15] al-Qur’ān, 3:103
[16] al-Nasā’i, 4,115
[17] al-Qur’ān, 49:13
[18] Musnad Ahmad, 22,978
[19] Sunan Ibn Mājah, 2,473; https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:2473
[20] Sunan Ibn Mājah, 2,475; https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:2475
[21] al-Qur’ān, 17:33
[22] Sahīh Muslim, 1,848a; https://sunnah.com/muslim:1848a
[23] al-Qur’ān, 49:10
[24] Sahīh Bukhārī; https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2442
[25] al-Qur’ān, 24:55
[26] al-Qur’ān, 28:77
Much needed article indeed. Jazakum Allah kheyran. We should not forget to donate to the charities which have access to the civilians onsite
This insightful overview of Omar al-Bashir’s ousting in 2019 sheds light on the ongoing power struggle in Sudan. It’s alarming how Burhan and Hemeti exploit the conflict for control, impacting the people they represent. Peaceful resolution is needed.