It appears that Saudi Arabia are looking to establish themselves as mediator in this conflict, something that is aligned with their recent shift in foreign policy approach.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/6 ... ure-mounts
It is too early for talks to yield anything substantive, however at least an agreed mechanism for discussion might be established.
Sudan
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
During the month a ceasefire was negotiated by the US & Saudi Arabia, however it appears to have broken down with the RSF reportedly attacking non-Arab civilians in Geneina (Darfur) whilst engaging in combat with the SAF.
c/- Wikipedia
The SAF are reportedly looking to counter-attack in Khartoum, cutting off the RSF supplies to the West. The RSF progressed within Khartoum over the month.
c/- @War_Mapper
c/- Wikipedia
The SAF are reportedly looking to counter-attack in Khartoum, cutting off the RSF supplies to the West. The RSF progressed within Khartoum over the month.
c/- @War_Mapper
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
The fighting continues in Sudan, primarily in Khartoum and Darfur. Getting aid into the city remains problematic as aid convoys are looted by fighters before reaching civilians. This has an additional effect of dampening the amount of aid other nations are prepared to commit; they don't want to be feeding combatants at the expense of civilians.
Both Saudi and Egypt are sponsoring negotiations between the SAF and RSF, though there is little prospect of any agreement in the short-term.
There are consistent and credible accusations of the RSF engaging in ethnic cleansing in Darfur, with el-Geneina and Misterei in the news of late. This Includes the discovery of mass graves.
These action have drawn in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army, a faction of which (run by Al-Hilu) are reportedly mobilizing around Kadugli. The other faction based in Deribat is surrounded by RSF controlled territory. What role the Al-Hilu faction plays is unclear as whilst they are publicly raising concerns regarding the RSF (and clashed with them earlier), their territory is surrounded by SAF and their goals may not align with either party.
A good overview map on the current situation from Thomas van Linge.
Both Saudi and Egypt are sponsoring negotiations between the SAF and RSF, though there is little prospect of any agreement in the short-term.
There are consistent and credible accusations of the RSF engaging in ethnic cleansing in Darfur, with el-Geneina and Misterei in the news of late. This Includes the discovery of mass graves.
These action have drawn in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army, a faction of which (run by Al-Hilu) are reportedly mobilizing around Kadugli. The other faction based in Deribat is surrounded by RSF controlled territory. What role the Al-Hilu faction plays is unclear as whilst they are publicly raising concerns regarding the RSF (and clashed with them earlier), their territory is surrounded by SAF and their goals may not align with either party.
A good overview map on the current situation from Thomas van Linge.
1
1
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
The conflict in Sudan continues unabated, though without any dramatic shift of fortunes on the ground. Khartoum continues to be hotly contested, with the RSF bringing in additional reinforcements to the East Nile section of the city.
Elsewhere in the Sahel, the Tuaregs appear to have taken advantage of the coups in Mali and Niger. The Juntas in both countries have ordered UN and French troops out, and the Tuaregs have taken advantage in a bid to reinstate 'Azawad', a non-recognised state covering some of their traditional lands. Mali brought in Wagner units to support its troops, however the Tuaregs appear to currently have the advantage and are reportedly taking ground.
So far only Northern Mali is effected, however if the Tuaregs gain the control they had in 2012 then Western Niger, in its current state, may well be next.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66976440
Elsewhere in the Sahel, the Tuaregs appear to have taken advantage of the coups in Mali and Niger. The Juntas in both countries have ordered UN and French troops out, and the Tuaregs have taken advantage in a bid to reinstate 'Azawad', a non-recognised state covering some of their traditional lands. Mali brought in Wagner units to support its troops, however the Tuaregs appear to currently have the advantage and are reportedly taking ground.
So far only Northern Mali is effected, however if the Tuaregs gain the control they had in 2012 then Western Niger, in its current state, may well be next.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66976440
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
An interesting article from DW on the pressure the coup leaders in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are under to deliver on their many promises. They are finding "walking-the-walk" somewhat tougher than they expected.
https://www.dw.com/en/sahel-military-re ... er-sharing
https://www.dw.com/en/sahel-military-re ... er-sharing
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
The juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso & Niger signed a mutual defense agreement called the "Alliance of Sahel States". It is unclear how they intend to support each other, as each country has limited spare military capacity and little cash.
In Mali, the Tuaregs appear to have moved into Bourem, pushing out Malian forces and their Wagner support. It is all rather unclear as the French have yet to fully withdraw, and both sides are reluctant to be overtly offensive whilst their mandate remains. The French have a deadline of December 31 to depart.
In Sudan, there have been anti-UAE protests in Port Sudan due to UAE backing of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who are reportedly undertaking ethnic cleansing in Dafur. The RSF have been pushing the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) out of Darfur, however around El Fasher several armed militias/ethnic rebel groups have joined forces with the SAF to take on the RSF.
For the rest of the Sahel, Chad is caught in the middle and relying heavily upon the French, whilst the Mauritanians sentenced their ex-president to 5-years jail for corruption. As we all know, he isn't corrupt, his wife just owns a very profitable noodle shop.
In Mali, the Tuaregs appear to have moved into Bourem, pushing out Malian forces and their Wagner support. It is all rather unclear as the French have yet to fully withdraw, and both sides are reluctant to be overtly offensive whilst their mandate remains. The French have a deadline of December 31 to depart.
In Sudan, there have been anti-UAE protests in Port Sudan due to UAE backing of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who are reportedly undertaking ethnic cleansing in Dafur. The RSF have been pushing the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) out of Darfur, however around El Fasher several armed militias/ethnic rebel groups have joined forces with the SAF to take on the RSF.
For the rest of the Sahel, Chad is caught in the middle and relying heavily upon the French, whilst the Mauritanians sentenced their ex-president to 5-years jail for corruption. As we all know, he isn't corrupt, his wife just owns a very profitable noodle shop.
1
1
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
The RSF have been advancing on most fronts and are looking the stronger group, notably taking the city of Wad Madani with minimal resistance from the SAF. The Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), a group controlling part of the South, stepped in and assisted the SAF in Dilling, repelling the RSF who were assaulting the town.
Whether this foretells future cooperation remains to be seen, however such may be needed if the SAF have any hope of regaining Wad Madani.
Whether this foretells future cooperation remains to be seen, however such may be needed if the SAF have any hope of regaining Wad Madani.
1
1
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
Reports coming in that following Dilling and Al-Fao, the SAF achieved some big wins in Khartoum. How big remains to be seen. Recapturing Wad Madani would signal a true change in fortunes and that has yet to happen (as far as I am aware).
Whether this is a result of the SPLM joining the fray, an injection of material from abroad or a strategic shifting of forces by the RSF is unclear.
Whether this is a result of the SPLM joining the fray, an injection of material from abroad or a strategic shifting of forces by the RSF is unclear.
- Prahok
- I Am Losing It All to the Internet
- Reactions: 218
- Posts: 1415
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:33 pm
It seems the SAF managed to regain much of Omdurman (effectively the West bank of Khartoum), though the city remains contested.
The SAF have allied with the Justice & Equity Movement (JEM) and are reportedly moving forces to retake Wad Madani which they lost without a fight in January.
The SAF have allied with the Justice & Equity Movement (JEM) and are reportedly moving forces to retake Wad Madani which they lost without a fight in January.