Sudan civil war's persistence linked to international involvement, experts say

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has lasted nearly a year, is sustained by international players, according to analysts. Gavin Lee reported on March 7, 2026, that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are intensifying their efforts to capture el-Obeid. Pospisil stated, “Without international support, the war would not go on like this,” emphasizing the crucial role of external actors.

International Players in Sudan's Civil War

Various nations are involved in the Sudanese conflict, impacting its dynamics significantly. The UAE has been noted for supplying arms to the RSF, while the US and Saudi Arabia are also engaged but lack sufficient influence to enforce a ceasefire.

Despite the involvement of these nations, none have managed to facilitate a lasting peace or a negotiated settlement. The complexities of the conflict make it challenging for any one actor to exert decisive leverage over the warring factions.

The Role of External Support

Pospisil's insights highlight that the civil war in Sudan is not merely a proxy war, yet it is heavily influenced by international support. The RSF's determination to seize control of el-Obeid is a testament to their strategy, which is bolstered by foreign assistance.

Key points regarding the role of international players include:

• UAE: Supplies arms to the RSF.
• US and Saudi Arabia: Involved but lack leverage for a ceasefire.
• Conflict duration: Ongoing for nearly a year.

Challenges to Peace in Sudan

Bringing the conflicting parties to a ceasefire has proven difficult, with no clear pathway towards negotiation. The international community's attempts to mediate have so far failed to yield results, leaving the situation in Sudan precarious.

As the civil war continues, the humanitarian impact grows, with numerous civilians caught in the crossfire. The lack of effective international intervention raises concerns about the future stability of Sudan.