SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Crisis Group - Sudan: Stopping a Spiral into Civil War

7/6/19: Crisis Group – Sudan: Stopping a Spiral into Civil War

 The Crisis Group call for western and Gulf powers to “take urgent steps to compel Sudan’s [military junta] to accept a civilian-led transitional administration.”

 CG note that the Sudanese military junta “offers no clear foundation for a political regime,” citing its lack of cohesion, as former president Omar Al Bashir bolstered the RSF paramilitary group to counterbalance other elements of the security apparatus. CG state that RSF leader Himedti is distrusted by many Sudanese army officers.

Thus, to avert a civil war, the US is requested to to pressure the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to urge the RSF to retreat, and “allow a civilian-led transitional authority that can restore stability.”

The US is called on to condition normalization of ties to Sudan on civilian government, with CG also calling for the military to face targeted sanctions from the African Union, EU and US if they fail to cooperate.