By Haruna Abu-Faisal
The recent coup in Sudan and the resulting political instability are expected to have significant impacts on neighboring African countries, particularly those in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions.
Sudan is immediately bordered at the northern flank by Egypt and slightly by Libya; Chad by its West, Central Africa and South Sudan on the Southern flank, while coastal state of Eritrea and Ethiopia by the West
Sudan is an essential economic player in the region, particularly in agriculture and energy production.
The country’s agricultural sector is a major source of food for many countries in the Horn of Africa, and its oil exports are an important source of revenue for many countries in the region.
The current political crisis in Sudan is likely to have a negative impact on both the agricultural and energy sectors.
The political instability could lead to a decline in oil production and exports, which would have a significant impact on the economies of neighboring countries that rely on Sudanese oil.
The political crisis in Sudan could also have significant political and security impacts on neighboring countries, potentially leading to a withdrawal of Sudanese troops from peacekeeping missions and exacerbating security challenges in the region.
As such, it is important for the international community to support efforts to resolve the crisis and promote stability in Sudan and the wider region.
Buildup To The Coup
Sudan’s military has warned of potential clashes with the country’s powerful paramilitary force, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF has deployed troops in Khartoum and other cities without approval or coordination with the armed forces’ leadership. This has heightened tensions between the two groups, causing a delay in the signing of an internationally-backed deal with political parties to restore the country’s democratic transition.
The RSF’s actions have caused panic and fear among the people, increased security risks, and exacerbated tensions between the regular forces.
The RSF, led by powerful Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of former militias that executed a brutal crackdown in Sudan’s Darfur region over the past two decades.
In response to the situation, the National Umma Party has urged all political forces to exercise restraint and avoid escalating the situation.
Sudan’s recent political upheavals began with a popular uprising in April 2019 that forced the military’s overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government. However, a military coup in 2021 removed the western-backed, power-sharing administration and plunged the country into chaos once again.
The ongoing democratic transition in Sudan remains uncertain as the country continues to face significant challenges.
Bay States News 