Introduction
The Sudan war is an ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted on 15 April 2023 after months of escalating tensions over the country’s political transition and plans to integrate the RSF into the national military.
The conflict has spread across multiple regions, including Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan and other parts of Sudan, resulting in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Millions of people have been displaced, thousands have been killed or injured, and essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and public services, has been severely affected.
Since the fighting began, regional and international organizations have repeatedly called for ceasefires, humanitarian access and renewed political dialogue. Despite several mediation efforts, hostilities have continued in many areas, with shifting frontlines and evolving military and political dynamics.
This guide provides an overview of the Sudan war, including its origins, the main parties involved, major developments, humanitarian consequences and international response. It is regularly updated to reflect significant changes.
Overview
The Sudan war began on 15 April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.
The conflict emerged after disagreements over the implementation of a political framework intended to restore civilian rule following the military takeover of October 2021. A key point of dispute concerned the integration of the RSF into the regular armed forces, the timeline for that process and the future command structure of Sudan’s security institutions.
Fighting quickly expanded beyond the capital, Khartoum, affecting Darfur, Kordofan, Gezira, Sennar and other regions. The conflict has had profound political, economic and humanitarian consequences, drawing sustained international attention.
Background
The roots of the Sudan war extend back several years and are closely linked to Sudan’s political transition following the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. After months of nationwide protests, the military and civilian groups agreed to establish a transitional government intended to guide the country toward democratic elections.
However, tensions between military and civilian leaders persisted. In October 2021, the military seized power, disrupting the transition and increasing political uncertainty. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had previously cooperated under military leadership, gradually developed competing visions over the country’s future security and political arrangements.
Negotiations aimed at restoring civilian rule placed particular focus on security sector reform, including plans to integrate the RSF into the regular armed forces. Disagreements over the timeline, command structure and implementation of these reforms intensified political divisions. As negotiations stalled and military deployments increased around Khartoum, tensions escalated into open fighting on 15 April 2023.
Causes of the War
The Sudan war was triggered by a combination of political, military and institutional disputes that intensified during the country’s fragile transition. Analysts generally identify several key factors that contributed to the outbreak of fighting.
Power Struggle
A central factor was the growing rivalry between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Although the two forces had cooperated after the 2021 military takeover, disagreements emerged over political authority, military leadership and the future balance of power.
Security Sector Reform
The integration of the RSF into the national military became one of the most contentious issues during negotiations to restore civilian rule. Differences over the timetable, command structure and implementation of the integration process remained unresolved, contributing to rising tensions between the two sides.
Political Transition
Following the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan entered a transitional period marked by repeated political crises. The military takeover in October 2021 interrupted the transition, while subsequent negotiations over a return to civilian government failed to resolve competing interests among political and military actors.
Regional and Local Dynamics
The conflict has also been shaped by long-standing regional grievances, competition over resources, and local security challenges in several parts of Sudan. As fighting expanded beyond Khartoum, these dynamics further complicated efforts to contain the conflict and reach a political settlement.
Main Parties
The Sudan war is primarily being fought between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both organizations have played major roles in Sudan’s recent political and military history, although they differ in structure, leadership and operational command.
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
The Sudanese Armed Forces are Sudan’s regular national military. Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the SAF is responsible for defending the country’s sovereignty and operates through the army, air force and other military branches. Since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, the SAF has conducted military operations across several regions, including Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan.
Read more: Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)
Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The Rapid Support Forces are a paramilitary organization led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti. Originally formed from militias that operated in Darfur, the RSF later became an independent security force under Sudanese law. Following disagreements over security sector reforms and the integration of the RSF into the national military, fighting erupted between the RSF and the SAF in April 2023.
Read more: Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
Other Actors
Although the conflict is centered on the SAF and the RSF, a range of political parties, armed movements, regional organizations and international actors have been involved in mediation efforts, humanitarian assistance and diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. Several armed groups have also announced shifting alliances or localized agreements throughout the course of the war.
Timeline
April 2023
Fighting erupted on 15 April 2023 in Khartoum following escalating tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence quickly spread to other parts of the country, disrupting public services and forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Mid-2023
As the conflict expanded, heavy fighting was reported in Darfur, Kordofan and other regions. International organizations warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, while multiple ceasefire attempts failed to produce a lasting halt in hostilities.
2024
The conflict continued with shifting frontlines, renewed military offensives and growing humanitarian needs. Millions of people remained displaced, while regional and international mediation efforts sought to facilitate negotiations and improve humanitarian access.
2025–Present
Military operations and political developments have continued across several regions of Sudan. Control of territory has shifted over time, while diplomatic initiatives, humanitarian operations and international engagement have remained ongoing. The conflict continues to evolve, making regular updates essential.
Humanitarian Impact
The Sudan war has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions of people affected by violence, displacement and the collapse of essential services. The conflict has forced large numbers of civilians to flee their homes, both within Sudan and across international borders.
The fighting has disrupted healthcare, education, food production and public infrastructure in many parts of the country. Hospitals, schools and other civilian facilities have been damaged or forced to suspend operations due to insecurity, shortages of supplies and limited access for humanitarian organizations.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of growing food insecurity, disease outbreaks and limited access to clean water in several regions. Women, children and older people have been among the most vulnerable groups affected by the conflict.
International organizations, including United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners, continue to provide emergency assistance where security conditions permit. However, ongoing fighting and access constraints have complicated relief operations in many areas, leaving millions of people in need of humanitarian support.
International Response
The Sudan war has prompted sustained international attention, with governments, regional organizations and humanitarian agencies calling for an end to the fighting and increased protection for civilians.
The United Nations (UN) has repeatedly urged the parties to respect international humanitarian law, facilitate humanitarian access and engage in dialogue aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution. UN agencies continue to coordinate relief operations and support millions of people affected by the conflict.
The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have led regional diplomatic initiatives to encourage negotiations and promote a political settlement. Several mediation efforts have sought to establish ceasefires and create conditions for a return to political dialogue.
The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other international partners have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities while supporting humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts. Several countries have also imposed sanctions and other measures targeting individuals or entities linked to the conflict.
Despite repeated international initiatives, efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political agreement have so far faced significant challenges as fighting has continued in different parts of Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the Sudan war begin?
The conflict began on 15 April 2023 after tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into open fighting in Khartoum.
Who are the main parties in the conflict?
The war is primarily being fought between 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 did the Sudan war start?
The conflict followed months of political tensions over Sudan’s transition to civilian rule, disagreements about security sector reform, and disputes over integrating the RSF into the national military.
How has the war affected civilians?
The conflict has displaced millions of people, disrupted healthcare and education, damaged infrastructure and contributed to widespread food insecurity across Sudan.
Is the Sudan war still ongoing?
Yes. Fighting continues in several parts of Sudan, although the intensity and location of clashes have changed over time. Diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire remain ongoing.
Where can I learn more?
For additional information, see our related reference guides on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the Sudan humanitarian crisis and the Sudan conflict timeline.
Related Guides
To better understand the Sudan war and its broader context, explore these related reference guides:
– Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)
– Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
– Who is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan?
– Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?
– Sudan Conflict Timeline
– Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
– Sudan Economy
– History of Sudan
Sources
This guide is based on information published by official institutions, international organizations and established news agencies, including:
– United Nations (UN)
– Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
– UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
– World Food Programme (WFP)
– African Union (AU)
– Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
– Reuters
– The Associated Press (AP)
– Sudan Now reporting
Last Updated
Last updated: July 2026
This reference guide is reviewed periodically and updated to reflect major developments in the Sudan conflict, humanitarian situation and political process.
