Sudan: Foreign Powers

Here's a summary of the provided text: The ongoing conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), is significantly more complex than a simple internal struggle. While portrayed as an internal conflict, the involvement of numerous foreign powers – including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia, and the United States – dramatically fuels the violence and complicates any potential resolution. Key foreign actors have strategic and economic interests in Sudan, seeking to control its vital Red Sea coastline, access to natural resources (gold, agriculture), and influence in the wider region. The UAE has been a major supplier of weapons to the RSF, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt have provided diplomatic backing to the SAF. Russia’s involvement, through the Wagner mercenary group and now direct military support, is also substantial. The US, despite its stated goals of de-escalation, has been accused of pursuing its own interests, including supporting the SAF. The conflict’s complexity stems from these nations’ competing interests, including securing access to Sudan’s strategic location, maintaining regional influence, and exploiting its resources. The involvement of these external actors has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and prolonged the devastating conflict, making a peaceful resolution even more challenging.