Conflict as a Service
Let's follow the trail: THE ACTORS: Who finances the instability? Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Historically aligned with Islamist elements, they have received support from Egypt and, controversially, from the UAE, particularly after the 2019 coup. Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Led by Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo. The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militias,
notorious for atrocities in Darfur (Human Rights Watch, 2004). They have been extensively involved in mercenary operations for foreign powers, notably in Yemen and Libya, generating significant revenue. Their core support comes from significant gold mining interests in Sudan and substantial financial backing from the United Arab Emirates, with Russia also playing a role in arms and intelligence
(The Wall Street Journal, 2023). External Players: United Arab Emirates (UAE): A primary financier and arms supplier for the RSF, seeking to secure agricultural land, port access in the Red Sea, and gold concessions. UAE's trade with Sudan surged to $2.3 billion in the first half of 2023, primarily in gold (Bloomberg, 2023). Russia: Provides military aid, training, and political backing to the
RSF, primarily for access to Sudan's gold reserves and potential Red Sea naval facilities. Wagner Group (now 'Africa Corps') has facilitated gold smuggling in exchange for weapons, operating since 2017. Egypt: Supports the SAF to maintain a historical alliance and ensure the stability of its southern border, viewing the RSF as a destabilizing force potentially linked to rival powers. THE FUNDING: