Sudan’s Urban Warfare: A Legacy of Colonialism and the Future of Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is deeply rooted in the country’s urban landscape. Recent analysis, including research by Niema Alhessen featured on the MERIP Podcast, highlights how the battle for Khartoum isn’t simply a contemporary power struggle, but a continuation of patterns established during the Anglo-Egyptian condominium in the late nineteenth century.
The Siege of Khartoum and the Role of Urban Fabric
For two years, the RSF besieged neighborhoods like Burri in central Khartoum, a district housing key political and military institutions. The SAF regained control in March 2025, but the impact on civilian life and the urban environment remains profound. Alhessen’s work details how residents sustained themselves through mutual aid and negotiation with both warring factions to secure essential resources.
This situation underscores a critical point: Sudan’s urban spaces are not neutral grounds. They are actively shaped by, and contribute to, conflict dynamics. The militarization of Khartoum’s streets, as Alhessen points out, has historical precedents in colonial urban planning.
Colonial Roots of Contemporary Conflict
The British master plan for Khartoum in 1910, as detailed in research by Marina D’Errico, significantly influenced the city’s layout and infrastructure. This planning, intended to facilitate control and administration, inadvertently created vulnerabilities that are now exploited during conflict. The legacy of this colonial urban fabric continues to shape the dynamics of power and control in Khartoum today.
The Evolving Alliances of the RSF
The Rapid Support Forces, initially operating under the Sudanese government, have undergone a significant transformation. Currently, they align with the Government of Peace and Unity. However, their history includes alliances with groups like the Wagner Group (until early 2024) and alleged ties to entities in Chad and the United Arab Emirates. The RSF’s size is estimated between 100,000 and 150,000 personnel.
Beyond Khartoum: Regional Implications
The conflict isn’t confined to Khartoum. The RSF has been implicated in atrocities in Darfur, including the Darfur genocide and the recent Masalit genocide. They also face opposition from various groups, including the Sudanese Armed Forces, and, previously, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu). The conflict has drawn international attention, with involvement – or alleged involvement – from countries like Russia, Iran, and Ukraine.
The Future of Urban Conflict in Sudan
Several trends are likely to shape the future of conflict in Sudan:
- Increased Urban Warfare: As seen in Khartoum, cities will remain central battlegrounds. Understanding the historical and spatial factors that contribute to urban conflict will be crucial.
- The Role of Non-State Actors: Groups like the RSF demonstrate the growing influence of non-state actors in shaping conflict dynamics.
- Regional Interference: External actors will likely continue to play a role, exacerbating or mitigating the conflict.
- The Importance of Local Resilience: The experiences of residents in Burri highlight the importance of community-based resilience and mutual aid in sustaining life during conflict.
Did you realize? The Rapid Support Forces originated in 2013.
FAQ
What are the Rapid Support Forces? The RSF is a Sudanese paramilitary force that formerly operated under the Sudanese government.
What role did colonialism play in the current conflict? Colonial urban planning created vulnerabilities in Khartoum that are now exploited during conflict.
Who is Niema Alhessen? Niema Alhessen is a Sudanese researcher focusing on urban conflict and displacement.
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