Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are experiencing two of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, shaped by internal rivalries and the geopolitical ambitions of external powers. Although the scale of suffering is immense, both crises remain dangerously under-reported and under-resourced.
In Sudan, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—which erupted in April 2023—has displaced millions and destabilized nearly every region of the country. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), more than 12 million people have been displaced, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis. Reports from Amnesty International and the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan have documented mass killings, targeted assaults, and widespread sexual violence, particularly during RSF advances in Darfur.
Foreign involvement has deepened the conflict. Investigative reports by Reuters, The Washington Post, and the UN Security Council’s Panel of Experts have identified the United Arab Emirates as a key external backer of the RSF through alleged weapons transfers—claims the UAE government denies. Egypt, meanwhile, maintains strong ties with the SAF, viewing Sudan’s military institutions as essential to Nile basin security. Saudi Arabia and the United States have jointly attempted to lead ceasefire talks, though these efforts have produced limited results.
Russia has also sought influence, with Kremlin officials and Russian state media publicly confirming interest in establishing a naval facility in Port Sudan—positioning Moscow strategically along the Red Sea. Israel, according to analyses by the International Crisis Group and regional security commentators, views Sudan as part of a broader Red Sea security architecture and a potential partner in countering Iranian weapons routes.
The African Union (AU) has issued statements calling for a cessation of hostilities and a return to a civilian-led transition. AU Peace and Security Council communiqués emphasize diplomacy, though the body lacks enforcement capacity and its initiatives have been overshadowed by competing Gulf and Western efforts.
In the DRC, conflict in the east has escalated sharply with the resurgence of the M23 rebellion, which the Congolese government and multiple UN Group of Experts reports attribute to support from neighboring Rwanda—an allegation Kigali denies. The territory under contest includes mineral-rich zones producing cobalt, gold, and coltan, which are critical for global electronics and renewable technologies. The UN Group of Experts and independent monitoring organizations have documented that armed groups, including M23, generate significant revenue by taxing or controlling mining sites.
The humanitarian toll in Congo is staggering. UNHCR estimates nearly seven million Congolese are internally displaced. Aid agencies such as the International Rescue Committee and Norwegian Refugee Council classify eastern Congo among the world’s most neglected crises due to chronic underfunding.
Diplomatically, the AU and regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have attempted to facilitate peace frameworks. More recently, Qatar hosted negotiations supported by the U.S. and AU, though implementation remains uncertain.
Across both Sudan and the DRC, patterns are clear: regional states pursue security and economic advantage, global powers seek influence and resources, and civilians bear the brunt of violence. International investment in sustainable peace—governance reforms, security sector accountability, and long-term stabilization—remains insufficient. Without meaningful and coordinated engagement, these crises risk becoming permanent features of the African geopolitical landscape rather than solvable conflicts.
