In a report last year by the Financial Times, it was noted that Russian and Ukrainian fighters are mutually involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, despite their countries being at war. Retired Ukrainian pilots and Russian snipers are supporting Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under de facto president General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. This highlights the complex web of external actors with various interests in the war, including foreign mercenaries and profiteers.
Sudan’s conflict is largely driven by geopolitical factors, including competition for the country’s rich resources like gold and its access to the Red Sea. Russia, which has been expanding its military footprint in Africa, is reportedly backing the Sudanese army while also maintaining historical ties with Hemeti, leader of the opposing Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation in Sudan is further complicated by foreign mercenaries supporting both sides. Hemeti’s RSF is said to have support from neighboring countries like Chad, the Central African Republic, and Libya.
Ukraine’s involvement adds another layer to the already convoluted conflict. While Sudanese military officials have denied any official Ukrainian presence, Ukrainian civilians with prior military experience have been confirmed to be working as instructors for the SAF’s air force. Meanwhile, Russia’s Africa Corps—succeeding the Wagner group after Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death—continues to exert influence in Africa, particularly in Sudan and the Central African Republic. Russian snipers backing the Sudanese army have been confirmed to be part of the proper Russian military.
Despite previously unclear allegiances, Russia appears to have shifted its support towards Burhan’s forces, likely as part of its strategy to secure a foothold on Sudan’s Red Sea coast, where a Russian naval base has been discussed. However, Moscow has maintained ties with both sides of the conflict, with Wagner Group’s past involvement with Hemeti illustrating Russia’s multifaceted approach.
Diplomatic exchanges between Sudanese and Russian officials suggest growing alignment between Russia and Burhan, while Sudan’s army continues to balance relationships with other nations, including Iran. Allegations have also been made regarding weapon proliferation from Russia, Iran, and the UAE, further complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.
The UN Security Council has extended sanctions against Sudan, including an arms embargo, underscoring the international community’s concerns about the war’s escalation. Amidst this, Russia’s ongoing military presence in Sudan, demonstrated by its cargo aircraft operations linked to military shipments, continues to fuel the conflict.
In summary, the Sudanese civil war is marked by foreign involvement from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and the UAE, each vying for influence and resources in the region. This external interference has not only exacerbated the conflict but also made resolution efforts significantly more difficult. US special envoy Tom Perriello has called for external actors to cease their support to warring factions, highlighting the dangerous role foreign intervention is playing in Sudan’s crisis.
