bbc.com
Sudan Army Seeks International Support to Form New Government After Gains Against RSF
The Sudanese army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is seeking international support to form a new government after claiming significant gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has displaced 12 million people and caused a major humanitarian crisis.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the conflict for Sudan's political stability and its humanitarian situation?
- The army's pursuit of a "technocratic" government signals a potential shift towards a more centralized and potentially authoritarian rule following the conflict. The international community's response to this call will be critical in shaping the future political landscape and determining the level of stability achieved after the military objectives are met. The situation in Darfur, where the RSF is accused of genocide, remains a significant concern.
- What are the underlying causes of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, and what are the broader regional implications?
- Gen Burhan's call for diplomatic support reflects the army's significant territorial gains against the RSF in recent weeks, driven by superior air power and allied militias. However, the RSF still controls much of western Sudan, highlighting the conflict's ongoing complexity and the humanitarian crisis affecting 12 million displaced Sudanese. The conflict began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between Gen Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over the government's future.
- What are the immediate implications of the Sudanese army's claim of victory and its request for international support to form a new government?
- The Sudanese army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, claims to be nearing victory against the RSF in Khartoum and is seeking international support to form a new "technocratic" government. This government will focus on completing military objectives and establishing a new constitution before a transitional government is formed. The army refuses negotiations with the RSF.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the army's actions as a reclaiming of the capital and a move towards establishing a legitimate government, emphasizing the army's statements and portraying their actions in a positive light. The headline and opening paragraphs highlight the army's call for diplomatic support, reinforcing this positive image and implicitly supporting their perspective. The article leads the reader to see the army as the rightful victor.
Language Bias
The article uses language that may subtly favor the army's narrative. Terms like "rebels" to describe the RSF and "freeing Sudan" imply a righteous struggle by the army. The description of the army's actions as "huge victories" is evaluative rather than neutral. More neutral terms could include "paramilitary forces," "conflict participants," and "territorial gains."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the army's perspective and claims of victory, giving less attention to the RSF's counterarguments or the complexities of the conflict. The humanitarian crisis is mentioned but not explored in detail, and the potential for civilian casualties due to the army's offensive is not addressed. The accusations of atrocities against both sides are briefly mentioned but not deeply investigated. Omission of civilian perspectives and detailed analysis of the humanitarian crisis limits the reader's ability to form a complete understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified narrative of 'army vs. RSF,' potentially neglecting the involvement of other actors and the diverse political landscape within Sudan. The framing of the conflict as a clear-cut struggle for control of the capital and the government may overshadow the underlying political and ethnic tensions. The choice between army rule and RSF rule is presented as a binary choice, failing to acknowledge the possibility of other political solutions.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the actions and statements of male military leaders, with minimal attention to the experiences or perspectives of women in the conflict. There is no explicit mention of the impact of the conflict on women or gender-based violence, which is a significant omission given the context of war and conflict.
Sustainable Development Goals
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has forced 12 million people from their homes, exacerbating poverty and displacement. The destruction of homes and infrastructure further contributes to economic hardship and destitution among the affected population. The humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict directly undermines efforts to alleviate poverty.