How has the power struggle within Sudan's military administration resulted in the world's worst internal displacement crisis?


Conflict Between Rival Factions


The battle is essentially a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a formidable paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This rivalry has erupted into widespread violence throughout the country.
The conflict has extended to other locations, causing massive damage to infrastructure, residences, and critical services, driving millions of citizens to evacuate their homes.

Urban Warfare

Major cities, including the capital, Khartoum, have become battlefields. Urban warfare has resulted in significant civilian losses and widespread destruction of residential areas, rendering cities uninhabitable for many citizens.

The ferocity and unpredictability of urban conflict have forced civilians to seek shelter elsewhere, frequently resulting in huge displacements.

Humanitarian Crisis

The prolonged fighting has significantly impacted humanitarian relief efforts. Blockades, attacks on aid convoys, and bureaucratic roadblocks have made it impossible for international organizations to supply food, water, and medical supplies.

The scarcity of basic essentials has intensified the humanitarian catastrophe, pushing more people to flee their homes in search of vital supplies.

Ethnic and Tribal Tensions

The power battle has exacerbated existing ethnic and tribal tensions throughout Sudan. Armed groups have exploited these tensions, resulting in targeted violence and persecution of specific communities.

Ethnic and tribal violence has contributed considerably to displacement, as people flee targeted attacks and widespread violence.

Economic Collapse

The fighting has decimated Sudan's already frail economy. Inflation, unemployment, and food shortages have skyrocketed, leaving many people unable to feed themselves.

Economic hardship, along with a lack of security, has prompted many to flee their homes in pursuit of safer and more stable living conditions.

Weak Governance and Lawlessness

The power struggle has resulted in the disintegration of governance and law enforcement. Many districts have devolved into lawlessness, with armed organizations and criminal gangs thriving in the power vacuum.

Many residents have been forced to flee their homes due to a lack of competent administration and the rule of law.

Displacement of Aid Workers

The violence has also targeted aid workers and their operations, resulting in the evacuation and relocation of international and local humanitarian personnel. This has hampered assistance delivery and civilian protection efforts, exacerbating the displacement situation.

Regional Spillover Effects

Sudan's instability has spilled over into neighboring nations, worsening regional tensions and increasing strain on border areas.

Refugees from Sudan have put a burden on neighboring nations' resources, causing cross-border displacement concerns and aggravating the larger displacement dilemma.

Protracted Nature of Conflict


Sudan's violence has been ongoing for years. The long duration of the battle, with recurrent escalations, has resulted in accumulated displacement over time.

As new waves of violence erupt, already displaced populations are frequently relocated, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and making it more difficult for them to find stable refuge.

Destruction of Livelihoods


The widespread violence has caused the devastation of farms, markets, and businesses, leaving people unable to support themselves.

Agricultural lands, which are critical to the lives of a large percentage of the people, have been destroyed, resulting in food instability and pushing rural inhabitants to escape.

Health Crisis


The violence has had a serious impact on the healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics have been damaged or rendered inoperable due to a lack of supplies, staff, and security.

The spread of diseases, compounded by poor living circumstances in displacement camps, has resulted in a public health emergency, driving greater migration as people seek better healthcare.

Education Disruption

During the battle, schools were closed or destroyed, causing millions of students to miss out on education. The scarcity of safe learning facilities has driven families to relocate to locations where education may still be available.

The long-term impact on schooling contributes to a generation growing up with few possibilities, fueling cycles of poverty and displacement.

International Isolation and Sanctions


Sudan has endured international isolation and sanctions, largely in response to the conduct of its military dictatorship. These sanctions have exacerbated the country's economic troubles, causing greater misery for its citizens.

With little international engagement and support, the government's ability to solve the displacement situation is severely limited.

Failure of Peace Processes


Multiple peace deals and ceasefires have been attempted but failed owing to opposing factions' lack of commitment and outsider influence.

The breakdown of these peace procedures frequently results in renewed bloodshed, which contributes to more displacement and instability.

Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

Sudan is also subject to the effects of climate change, such as desertification, drought, and flooding. These environmental issues contribute to the displacement dilemma by damaging houses and livelihoods.

The mix of war and environmental stress makes it even more difficult for displaced people to return home or find new safe places to reside.

Weak International Response

While international organizations and neighboring nations have supplied some assistance, the reaction has frequently been insufficient given the magnitude of the disaster.

Bureaucratic barriers, a lack of resources, and problems in accessing conflict zones have hindered the efficiency of humanitarian relief, leaving many displaced people without adequate assistance.

Internal Political Dynamics

Internal political dynamics of Sudan, such as factionalism among the military and political elite, contribute to the country's instability. This infighting undercuts efforts to construct a united approach to governance and peacebuilding.

Corruption and mishandling of resources by ruling elites increase the population's situation, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction and displacement.

These elements have combined to create a grave scenario in Sudan, with millions of people internally displaced and the country experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian catastrophes. The inability to end the power struggle and restore stability fuels displacement and suffering.
 written by: Syed Ali Raza Naqvi