Sudan Civil War

The Sudan Civil War refers most commonly to the ongoing armed conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudan Civil War most commonly refers to the ongoing armed conflict that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan has also experienced earlier civil wars, including the First Sudanese Civil War (1955–1972) and the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005). The current conflict has drawn extensive international concern, with Canada following the situation closely through humanitarian reporting, refugee policy, and diplomatic concern over mass displacement, famine, and alleged atrocities.

2023 conflict

The current civil war began on 15 April 2023 in Khartoum, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict quickly spread nationwide and has produced severe humanitarian consequences. The war emerged from a power struggle between the SAF and RSF during Sudan’s fragile political transition. The fighting has been particularly severe in Darfur and around el-Fasher.

Historical background

Sudan’s civil wars have deep roots in political marginalization, regional inequality, and struggles over power in Khartoum. The First Sudanese Civil War was fought from 1955 to 1972, ending with the Addis Ababa Agreement. The Second Sudanese Civil War lasted from 1983 to 2005 and concluded with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. These earlier wars were mainly between northern and southern Sudan and shaped the modern state. Sudan has experienced repeated military rule, coups, and contested transitions that helped set the stage for the 2023 war.

Humanitarian impact

The conflict has caused widespread civilian deaths, famine, disease, and large-scale displacement. International reporting and humanitarian organizations describe the war as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Darfur has been a particular centre of atrocities and international concern. The death toll is substantial, with estimates varying by source and date.

Political and military context

The war emerged from a struggle between rival armed actors after years of instability, coups, and contested civilian-military transitions. External regional and international involvement has also affected the conflict. The main belligerents are the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict remains active, and no lasting nationwide ceasefire has held.