Introduction

The Sudan conflict timeline traces the key political and military events that have shaped Sudan from the fall of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 to the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This guide provides a chronological overview of major developments, including political transitions, peace initiatives, military confrontations and humanitarian milestones. It is regularly updated to reflect significant events while serving as a long-term reference for readers seeking to understand the evolution of the conflict.

 2019: The Fall of Omar al-Bashir

In April 2019, President Omar al-Bashir was removed from power after months of nationwide protests against his three-decade rule. The military established the Transitional Military Council (TMC), with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan later becoming its chairman.

Following negotiations between military leaders and civilian representatives, the Constitutional Declaration was signed in August 2019. The agreement created the Transitional Sovereignty Council, a joint civilian-military body tasked with overseeing Sudan’s transition toward democratic rule. Abdalla Hamdok was appointed Prime Minister to lead the transitional government.

Despite the agreement, tensions remained between civilian leaders and the military over governance, economic reforms and the future of Sudan’s security institutions. These unresolved issues continued to shape Sudan’s political landscape in the years that followed.

2020–2021: Political Transition and Military Takeover

In 2020, Sudan’s transitional government continued implementing political and economic reforms while seeking to stabilize the country after decades of authoritarian rule. In October 2020, the government signed the Juba Peace Agreement with several armed groups in an effort to end long-running conflicts in different regions of Sudan.

Despite these developments, political tensions between civilian leaders and the military continued to grow. Disagreements over the pace of democratic reforms, economic challenges and the future of Sudan’s security institutions created increasing uncertainty during the transitional period.

On 25 October 2021, the Sudanese military dissolved the transitional government, declared a state of emergency and detained several civilian leaders. The military stated that the move was intended to preserve stability and complete the transition, while civilian groups and many international partners described it as a military takeover that interrupted Sudan’s democratic transition.

The events of October 2021 deepened Sudan’s political crisis and further strained relations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), setting the stage for future disagreements over security sector reform and the country’s political future.

 2022–Early 2023: Rising Tensions Before the War

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, Sudan’s political transition faced mounting challenges as negotiations continued over the country’s future governance and security arrangements. One of the most contentious issues was the proposed integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) as part of broader security sector reforms.

Although military and civilian representatives signed the Framework Agreement in December 2022, disagreements persisted over the timeline, command structure and implementation of military reforms. The SAF and the RSF publicly expressed different positions on how and when the integration process should take place.

As negotiations stalled, tensions between the two forces increased. Military deployments around Khartoum and other strategic locations heightened concerns that the political dispute could escalate into armed confrontation. Regional and international partners urged all parties to continue dialogue and avoid violence.

On 15 April 2023, fighting erupted in Khartoum between the SAF and the RSF, marking the beginning of Sudan’s largest armed conflict in decades and bringing the country’s political transition to an abrupt halt.

 2023–Present: The Sudan War

The Sudan war began on 15 April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum. The conflict rapidly spread to other parts of the country, including Darfur, Kordofan, Gezira State and the Blue Nile region, triggering one of the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crises.

Throughout 2023 and the following years, the conflict was marked by changing frontlines, major military offensives and repeated efforts to secure ceasefires. Despite several regional and international mediation initiatives, no lasting political settlement has been reached.

The war has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, disrupted healthcare and education, damaged economic activity and displaced millions of people within Sudan and across neighboring countries. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of severe food insecurity, disease outbreaks and restricted access to communities affected by the fighting.

As the conflict continues, political and military developments remain fluid. Control of territory has shifted over time, while diplomatic efforts by the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN) and other international partners continue in pursuit of a ceasefire and a sustainable political solution.

 Humanitarian Impact

The conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences, making Sudan one of the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian emergencies. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries while others remain displaced within Sudan.

The war has severely disrupted access to healthcare, education, food, clean water and other essential services. Damage to civilian infrastructure, combined with insecurity and logistical challenges, has complicated humanitarian operations and limited access to vulnerable communities.

International organizations have repeatedly warned of worsening food insecurity, disease outbreaks and the growing needs of women, children and other vulnerable groups. Humanitarian agencies continue to provide emergency assistance where conditions permit, although ongoing fighting has made relief efforts difficult in many areas.

The humanitarian situation remains closely linked to developments on the ground, with continued conflict affecting civilian protection, access to aid and prospects for recovery across Sudan.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Sudan conflict begin?

Sudan has experienced multiple conflicts over several decades. The current war began on 15 April 2023 when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Why did the Sudan war start?

The conflict followed months of political tensions over Sudan’s transition to civilian rule, security sector reform and the proposed integration of the RSF into the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Who are the main parties in the conflict?

The two principal parties are the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).

Why is the timeline important?

The timeline helps explain how political events, military developments and peace initiatives have shaped Sudan’s transition and the evolution of the current conflict.

Is the Sudan conflict still ongoing?

Yes. The conflict remains ongoing, with military, political and humanitarian developments continuing to evolve. This timeline is updated periodically to reflect major events.

Where can I learn more?

For additional information, explore our reference guides on the Sudan War, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the Sudan humanitarian crisis and Sudan’s modern history.

Explore these related reference guides for a deeper understanding of Sudan’s recent history and the ongoing conflict:

– Sudan War Explained
– Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
– Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
– Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?
– Sudan Conflict Timeline
– Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
– History of Sudan
– Sudan Economy

Sources

This timeline is based on information published by official institutions, international organizations and established news organizations, including:

– United Nations (UN)
– Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
– African Union (AU)
– Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
– Reuters
– The Associated Press (AP)
– International Crisis Group (ICG)
– Human Rights Watch (HRW)
– Sudan Now reporting

 Last Updated

Last updated: July 2026

This timeline is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect major political, military and humanitarian developments in Sudan. It is intended as a long-term reference rather than a record of every daily event.