Obstacles to Internationalizing the Sudanese Conflict: Diverging Global and Regional Perspectives

As the conflict in Sudan continues, significant challenges have emerged in attempts to internationalize it. Global and regional actors hold differing views on the nature of the conflict and how to address it, impacting the effectiveness of efforts to resolve the crisis.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and some neighboring countries classify the conflict as an internal crisis under the umbrella of the Sovereignty Council. Meanwhile, the United States, European nations, and some IGAD countries view it as a war between two factions lacking legitimacy. This divergence has complicated international intervention efforts.

In May 2023, a meeting was held in Jeddah with participation from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, alongside representatives from the Sovereignty Council and the Rapid Support Forces. The discussions aimed to contain the conflict’s repercussions, provide humanitarian aid, and establish a ceasefire. However, due to weak commitments to its resolutions, these talks ended in October 2023. Consequently, new approaches have been explored, involving Sudan’s neighboring states, African organizations, the UN Security Council, and broader consultations in Geneva with more Sudanese stakeholders.

These developments highlight that efforts to internationalize the Sudanese conflict face major obstacles due to conflicting global and regional positions. A concerted and unified approach is essential to achieving a resolution that can end the suffering of the Sudanese people.