In regions of Sudan currently under the control of the national army, heavily armed paramilitary groups continue to operate openly. Despite their current cooperation, these factions are widely regarded as volatile and unstable allies to the military forces.
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the presence of these fighters. There is growing fear among the population that these various militias could ultimately turn on one another or clash directly with the army, triggering a new and destructive cycle of violence.
Why It Matters
The devastating conflict in Sudan, which escalated dramatically in April 2023, began as a direct power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Historically, the country’s ruling authorities have relied on a complex web of regional militias to maintain control and fight insurgencies, creating a highly fractured security landscape. The presence of multiple heavily armed factions with shifting allegiances complicates international peace efforts and increases the risk of the country splintering into localized, multi-sided civil wars.
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