War in Sudan (2023) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids War in Sudan (2023) |
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 Military situation as of 28 June 2025 Controlled by Sudanese Armed Forces Controlled by Rapid Support Forces Controlled by SPLM-N (al-Hilu) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Sudan Liberation Movement (Tambour faction) |
 Rapid Support Forces
 SPLM-N (al-Hilu faction) (June 2023–present)
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
 Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Malik Agar Mustafa Tambour |
Hemedti
Abdelaziz al-Hilu |
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| Strength | |||||||||
| 110,000–120,000 Unknown |
70,000–150,000
Unknown |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 4,000–10,000 killed and 6,000–12,000 injured 4,118,119 internally displaced 1,130,516 refugees |
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A conflict started in Sudan on April 15, 2023. It is between two main groups: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These groups used to be part of the same military government. Most of the fighting has been in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and the Darfur area.
Later, another group called the Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, also began fighting the SAF. This happened in areas near South Sudan and Ethiopia. As of mid-2023, thousands of people have been killed or hurt. Millions more have had to leave their homes. Some moved to other parts of Sudan, while over a million have become refugees in other countries.
Contents
What Caused the Conflict?
Sudan has a long history of disagreements and fighting. This includes conflicts over land, different groups, and beliefs. In the past, two civil wars between the government and southern regions caused many deaths. A conflict in the western region of Darfur also forced millions to leave their homes.
Since gaining independence in 1956, Sudan has had many military takeovers. The military has ruled the country for most of its history. There have only been short times when a civilian government was in charge.
How Did Politics Lead to the War?
The former president, Omar al-Bashir, was a strong military leader. He was in charge during the conflict in Darfur. He faced serious accusations of causing great suffering to many people in that region. About 300,000 people died, and 2.7 million were forced to move.
Al-Bashir used groups like the Janjaweed and the RSF to stop uprisings. In 2017, a new law made the RSF an "independent security force." Bashir even sent RSF soldiers to fight in other countries like Yemen and Libya.
In December 2018, people started protesting against al-Bashir's rule. These protests were part of the Sudanese Revolution. In April 2019, the military, including the RSF, removed al-Bashir from power. This ended his thirty years of rule. The army then formed a military council to govern.
In August 2019, after international pressure, the military agreed to share power. They formed a temporary government with civilians. This government was supposed to lead to elections in 2023. However, in October 2021, the military took power again. This was led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and Dagalo of the RSF. This stopped Sudan's short journey towards democracy.
Why Did the Two Military Leaders Disagree?
Tensions grew between the RSF and the SAF in early 2023. The RSF started recruiting many new members across Sudan. There was a brief military buildup in Khartoum, but an agreement was reached to calm things down.
The military leaders later agreed to give power back to a civilian government. But this was delayed because of new disagreements between General Burhan and General Dagalo. They were the chairman and deputy chairman of the ruling council.
Their main disagreement was about how to combine the RSF into the regular army. The RSF wanted ten years for this to happen. The army wanted it done in two years. They also argued about the rank of RSF officers and who would command the RSF forces. They also disagreed over who controlled parts of Sudan's economy. Dagalo later said he regretted the 2021 military takeover.
What Happened Before the Fighting Started?
On April 11, 2023, RSF forces moved near the city of Merowe and into Khartoum. The government told them to leave, but they refused. This led to clashes when RSF forces took control of a military base south of Khartoum.
On April 13, RSF forces began to gather their troops. This made people worry about a possible rebellion. The SAF said this gathering of troops was against the law.
Timeline of the Conflict
The conflict began with attacks by the RSF on government buildings. Air strikes, artillery, and gunfire were heard across Sudan. Throughout the fighting, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo and Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan have argued over who controls important places in Khartoum. These include the military headquarters, the Presidential Palace, and the airport.
They also fought over control of states and towns in Darfur and Kordofan. Other rebel groups, who had previously fought against both sides, later joined the conflict. In June, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) attacked army positions in the south. In July, a part of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-T) joined the SAF. In August, the rebel Tamazuj movement joined forces with the RSF.
Helping Foreigners Leave Sudan
When the fighting started, many countries worked to help their citizens leave Sudan. Countries like Egypt and the United States had many people living there. Getting people out was hard because of the fighting, especially around the airport in Khartoum.
Many evacuations happened by road to Port Sudan on the Red Sea. This port is about 650 kilometers (400 miles) northeast of Khartoum. From there, people were flown or ferried to their home countries. Some also left through border crossings or by airlifts from embassies. Major places used for these evacuations included the port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Djibouti. Djibouti has military bases for several countries.
Impact on People
The fighting made life very difficult for people in Sudan. It happened during hot weather, a drought, and the fasting month of Ramadan. Most people could not leave their homes to get food or supplies. They were afraid of being caught in the fighting.
Doctors reported that hospitals were short on staff and supplies. Many injured people needed help. A doctors' group said that more than two-thirds of hospitals in conflict areas were not working. Some were forced to close by soldiers or were hit by fighting.
The United Nations reported severe shortages of basic goods. These included food, water, medicines, and fuel. Money sent from Sudanese people working overseas also stopped.
The International Organization for Migration said that the fighting created at least 75,000 people who had to move within Sudan. Thousands left Khartoum on foot or by car to safer areas. They faced problems like roadblocks and robberies. Many people fled to refugee camps or other states in Sudan.
Efforts to Bring Peace
Many attempts have been made to stop the fighting and bring peace to Sudan.
Peace Talks in April
On April 16, the SAF and RSF agreed to a plan by the United Nations. They would pause fighting for three hours each day for humanitarian aid. However, gunfire and explosions continued during this time.
On April 17, leaders from Kenya, South Sudan, and Djibouti offered to help mediate. Khartoum Airport was closed due to the fighting.
On April 18, Hemedti of the RSF said they agreed to a day-long ceasefire. This was to allow civilians, including the wounded, to leave safely. The SAF also agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire. But fighting continued after it was supposed to start. Both sides blamed each other for breaking the agreement.
On April 19, another 24-hour ceasefire was agreed upon, but fighting still continued. On April 21, the RSF said they would observe a 72-hour ceasefire for the Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr. The SAF agreed later, but fighting still went on. A similar 72-hour ceasefire was announced on April 24, and fighting continued.
On April 26, a group called the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) suggested extending the ceasefire. South Sudan offered to host talks. The SAF supported this plan. The RSF also announced its support on April 27. However, fighting continued after the extended ceasefire began. On April 30, the ceasefire was extended again for 72 hours, and fighting still did not stop.
Peace Talks in May
On May 1, a UN official announced that the SAF and RSF agreed to send representatives for UN-mediated talks. On May 2, South Sudan's Foreign Ministry said both sides agreed "in principle" to a week-long ceasefire. But this also broke down. Some Sudanese groups felt that these talks ignored the people most affected by the war.
On May 6, SAF and RSF delegates met directly for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These were called "pre-negotiation talks." Many Sudanese civil society groups felt that both Burhan and Hemedti were not rightful leaders. They wanted to be part of the peace talks. They also called for the RSF to join the SAF under civilian control.
On May 12, the SAF and RSF signed an agreement. This agreement allowed safe passage for people leaving battle zones. It also aimed to protect aid workers and prevent civilians from being used as human shields. However, there was no ceasefire agreement.
On May 20, the SAF and RSF agreed to a week-long ceasefire. This followed talks in Jeddah. It was later extended until June 3. But on May 31, the SAF stopped negotiations. They accused the RSF of not following the ceasefire terms.
Peace Talks in June
A 24-hour ceasefire happened on June 10–11. A 72-hour ceasefire was also declared and followed on June 18.
On June 27, the RSF announced a two-day ceasefire for the Eid ul-Adha holiday. Later that day, the SAF also announced its own ceasefire for the holiday.
Peace Talks in July
After the SPLM-N joined the conflict, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir tried to persuade their leader, Abdelaziz al-Hilu, to stop attacks. But fighting continued.
On July 10, IGAD, a group of East African states, met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They discussed ways to end the conflict. The SAF did not attend this meeting. They did not want Kenyan President William Ruto to lead the talks.
On July 13, Egypt hosted a meeting in Cairo. The SAF, RSF, and leaders from neighboring countries agreed to a new plan. This plan included a lasting ceasefire and safe ways to deliver aid. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urged the fighting sides to commit to peace talks.
On July 15, the SAF returned to talks in Jeddah. But they left again on July 27. They accused the RSF of more ceasefire violations. They demanded the RSF leave Khartoum before talks could continue. Hemedti later said he would agree to a peace deal if the entire SAF leadership was removed.
Peace Talks in August
On August 2, the SAF said that reports of an immediate ceasefire were false. They stated that negotiations in Jeddah had stopped.
Global Reactions to the Conflict
Many countries and organizations around the world have reacted to the conflict in Sudan.
International Organizations' Views
- The African Union called for a political solution. They said they strongly opposed any outside interference that could make the situation worse. They also planned to send a mission to Sudan to help with a ceasefire.
- The Arab League asked for an immediate end to the violence. They offered to help mediate between the fighting groups.
- The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, confirmed that all EU staff were safe. He called for an immediate end to the violence. He also said an attack on their Ambassador in Khartoum was a serious violation of international rules.
- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held an emergency meeting. They planned to send presidents from Kenya, South Sudan, and Djibouti to Khartoum. Their goal was to help the groups reconcile.
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate stop to all fighting. He was worried that the conflict in Sudan could spread and become a disastrous regional conflict.
See also
In Spanish: Guerra civil sudanesa (2023-presente) para niños
