On April 15, 2023 the African country Sudan erupted into conflict due to political tension between Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese military ruler, and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the paramilitary group Rapid Support Services, both of whom have vast military experience. This conflict first started with the downfall of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, who was overthrown in a coup d’état after his twenty year reign as head of state. Armed gunfights and missiles erupted throughout the country as the two parties battled for military control, while American citizens and Sudanese citizens desperately attempted to flee the country. 

Both generals were once united under al-Bashir as head military personnel during the Darfur conflict, but later separated after their coup d’état in 2019. A large aspect of the conflict between parties was the Darfur conflict, also known as the land cruiser war that started on February 26, 2003. This war was started between the Sudan government forces and the Liberation Movement, a group of people who started an insurrection due to the Sudanese government’s neglect towards non-Arab religions. This conflict marked the first genocide of the 21st century, which was estimated to cause 200,000 or more deaths, however the exact number is unknown.

Hundreds of Sudanese people of the Masalit, Fur, and Zaghawa ethnic groups were displaced, raped, and killed during conflict spanning from 2002-2005. The International Criminal Court launched an investigation into the war crimes committed by Sudan’s government in 2005 and indicted dozens of military personnel and political leaders on accounts of crimes against humanity. After the conflict, Sudan continued to be haunted by military warfare for years as many citizens have hoped for a path towards democracy. 

By April 20, it is estimated that 10,000-20,000 people fled the country to Chad, a neighboring country. The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees has helped refugees (mainly women and children) fleeing Sudan cross into Chad due to the lack of water, shelter, and healthcare. American citizens were assisted in escaping the country through the port with U.S. military drones. Sudan has a long road ahead on their quest to achieve democracy and diplomacy.