Conflict in Sudan Poses Regional Risks as Both Sides Have External Connections and Sponsors
Khartoum – The continuing conflict between the two military factions in Sudan, led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has raised concerns over the potential for regional destabilization. Both sides have external connections and sponsors, which could have significant consequences for neighboring countries.
External Sponsors
The two sides have different external sponsors, which complicates the situation further. Hamdok’s government has received support from regional and international partners such as the United States, European Union, and the Gulf States. Meanwhile, the military wing led by al-Burhan has gained support from countries such as Russia, China, and some Gulf States.
The involvement of external sponsors in the Sudanese conflict raises the risk of regional tensions as these supporters have competing interests. The political and economic investments of these countries may be affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and as such, they may have vested interests in how the situation unfolds.
Repercussions on Neighboring Countries
The risk of the conflict spilling into neighboring countries is high, given that both sides have connections to outside states. The political and economic stability of Sudan is closely linked to other countries in the region, and any instability could have significant regional ramifications.
One of the primary concerns is that the conflict could lead to renewed tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. Both countries have a shared history of conflict and were involved in a bitter civil war, which only ended in 2005. Since then, there have been tensions between the two countries over border disputes and oil revenues. Any instability in Sudan could potentially exacerbate these tensions and reignite the conflict between the two countries.
The conflict in Sudan could also have repercussions for neighboring countries such as Chad, Central African Republic, and Egypt, which are all situated along the Nile River. The Nile is a vital source of water for these countries, and any instability in Sudan could potentially disrupt the flow of water and have significant consequences for the region.
The Urgent Need for a Political Solution
There is an urgent need for a political solution to the conflict in Sudan to avoid the risk of regional destabilization. The international community has a significant role to play in helping to resolve the crisis in Sudan.
The recent statement by the African Union Peace and Security Council calling for the need to resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue and in conformity with constitutional legality is a step in the right direction. African states need to play their part in helping to find a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese conflict.
The United Nations and other international organizations should also step up their efforts to support a political solution to the crisis. One way to do this could be to provide more mediation and technical assistance to help facilitate dialogue between the two sides.
Conclusion
The conflict in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the region due to the external connections and sponsors of both sides. Political and economic investments of countries supporting the opposing sides could be affected, raising the potential for regional tensions. Neighboring countries along the Nile River, such as Chad, Central African Republic, and Egypt, could also be vulnerable to the consequences of the conflict.
Finding a political solution to the crisis in Sudan is critical to avoiding further destabilization in the region. The international community should step up efforts to support mediation, technical assistance, and peaceful dialogue between the two sides. It is time for all parties involved to prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people and work together towards finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
