Thu Sep 26 13:34:24 UTC 2024: ## Sudan’s War: A Counter-Revolution Against Civilians, Fueled by Global Powers
**Khartoum, Sudan** – The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, is not a civil war, but a counter-revolutionary war against the civilian population, according to Sudanese organizer Nisrin Elamin.
“This war is not a civil war, it’s a counterrevolutionary war against civilians. It’s a war of military elites against the entire civilian population,” Elamin stated during a recent episode of “Movement Memos,” a Truthout podcast.
Elamin, along with fellow organizer Yusra Khogali, shed light on the historical and political roots of the violence gripping Sudan, highlighting the role of global powers in fueling the conflict.
The current war, they argued, is a direct response to the December 2018 revolution, which successfully ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power. This popular uprising, led by neighborhood resistance committees and grassroots organizations, aimed to dismantle the existing power structures and establish a more democratic government.
However, the military elites who seized power after Bashir’s removal saw this revolution as a threat to their own interests and staged a counter-revolution. The current war, which erupted in April 2023, is a continuation of this power struggle, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces (Army) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vying for control of the country’s resources and political power.
The podcast highlighted the dire situation facing Sudanese civilians, with famine “almost everywhere” in the country and the largest mass displacement event in the world currently taking place. The resistance committees and their emergency response rooms are providing crucial support to those in need, but they are facing overwhelming challenges and rely heavily on support from the diaspora.
Both organizers stressed the role of international actors in exacerbating the conflict. The UAE, which has deep economic interests in Sudan’s gold trade, is providing significant military support to the RSF, while Egypt, concerned about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is backing the Army. Other countries like China, Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the UAE are supplying weapons to both warring factions.
The podcast concluded with a call for increased global awareness and solidarity with the Sudanese people. The organizers emphasized the need for pressure on governments to open up refugee programs for Sudanese citizens, cease arms sales to the warring factions, and hold accountable those who are profiting from the conflict.
They urged listeners to support the work of the resistance committees and the diaspora-led mutual aid networks, offering resources for those seeking to learn more about the situation and contribute to solidarity efforts.
The podcast underscored the importance of understanding the complex political dynamics of Sudan’s conflict and recognizing the resilience of the Sudanese people in the face of immense adversity. By challenging harmful stereotypes and recognizing the ongoing struggle for liberation, listeners are urged to contribute to a more just and equitable world.
First Piper 