Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (left), the head of the ruling military council and his deputy Sudanese paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo greet supporters at different events in 2019: Credit Photo/AFP
By Dr. Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad
Sudan’s political situation is a complex interplay of various geopolitical forces vying for influence in the region.
Major players like Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are actively involved in shaping the country’s future. Of particular interest to the UAE is Sudan’s transition to civilian-led government, which they view as an opportunity to counter Islamist influence in the region.
Together with the US and the UK, they form a coalition called the “Quad,” which has been mediating in Sudan with the support of the UN and the African Union.
Western powers are concerned about the possibility of a Russian military presence in Sudan, as Sudanese military leaders have expressed their willingness to host a Russian base on the Red Sea.
This potential development is worrisome to the Western powers, as it could give Russia a chance to expand its influence in the area.
Leaders in the Horn of Africa are also concerned about the possible spill-over effects of the conflict in Sudan into neighboring countries, which could result in wider regional instability. This is a major concern for leaders in the region, who are working to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Sudan’s strategic location and abundance of agricultural resources make it a target for regional power plays, further complicating its prospects for a successful transition to civilian-led government.
The country’s neighbors, including Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan, have all experienced political upheavals and conflict, which add to the complexity of Sudan’s political landscape.
Additionally, the strained relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia over disputed farmland along their border is another critical issue to consider.
In summary, Sudan’s political landscape is fraught with geopolitical tensions and complex power dynamics. The involvement of major global powers highlights the significance of the country’s strategic location and its potential as a site for competition between these powers. The outcome of the conflict in Sudan will have far-reaching implications for the region and the wider world.