United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

Model United Nations Background Guide

Agenda: The Ongoing Conflict in Sudan

I. Introduction
The United Nations General Assembly will convene to address the escalating
crisis in Sudan. This background guide aims to equip delegates with a
foundational understanding of the conflict, its origins, implications, and
potential avenues for resolution. Delegates are expected to research further
from credible sources and represent their assigned nations with accuracy and
diplomacy.

II. Historical Background

1. Colonial Roots and Independence (Pre-1956): Sudan was jointly
governed by Britain and Egypt until it gained independence in 1956. The
roots of conflict stem from economic disparities, ethnic tensions, and
regional inequality between the Arab-Muslim north and the African-
Christian/Animist south.
2. Civil Wars and Darfur Crisis: Two lengthy civil wars (1955–1972 and
1983–2005) and the Darfur conflict (2003 onwards) have defined Sudan’s
recent history. The Darfur genocide led to ICC indictments against then-
President Omar al-Bashir.
3. South Sudan Secession (2011): After decades of conflict, South Sudan
gained independence, but tensions remained, particularly regarding
border disputes and oil revenue distribution.
4. The 2019 Revolution and Power Struggle: Following mass protests,
President al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019. A transitional government
was formed but collapsed after a 2021 military coup, which brought
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan
Dagalo (Hemedti) into the spotlight.

III. Current Situation (2023–2025)

 1. Civil War Outbreak (April 2023): Power-sharing disagreements between
the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
erupted into violent conflict, especially in Khartoum and Darfur.
2. Humanitarian Crisis: Over 15,000 people have been killed. More than 9
million have been displaced, and humanitarian access is severely limited.
Ethnic violence, famine-like conditions, and gender-based violence are
rampant.
3. Failed Ceasefires: Despite international mediation efforts, ceasefires
have repeatedly broken down, leading to a protracted and devastating
civil war.
4. Territorial Control: SAF and RSF control different parts of the country,
making centralized governance nearly impossible.

IV. International Involvement

 United Nations: Deployed UNITAMS (now ineffective), called for
ceasefires, and reported human rights violations.
 African Union (AU): Mediated peace talks with limited success.
 International Criminal Court (ICC): Investigating war crimes, especially in
Darfur.
 Neighboring States and Powers: Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and
others allegedly back different factions.

V. Key Issues to Address

1. How can the UN facilitate a sustainable ceasefire?
2. What mechanisms can ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected
populations?
3. Should a peacekeeping force be deployed?
4. How can the international community support a democratic transition?
5. What role should sanctions or incentives play in influencing the warring
factions?
VI. Bloc Positions
 Western Bloc (USA, EU, UK): Support sanctions and diplomatic pressure
for democratic reforms.
 African Bloc: Emphasize regional solutions, sovereignty, and
peacekeeping.
 Arab States: Mixed responses, some allegedly support RSF.
 Neutral/Non-Aligned Nations: Focus on humanitarian response and
peaceful negotiation.

VII. Questions to Consider for Position Papers

1. What is your country's historical relationship with Sudan?
2. What stance does your country take on internal sovereignty vs.
humanitarian intervention?
3. What steps can the UNGA take to prevent further civilian suffering?
4. How can your country contribute to peacebuilding efforts?
5. What lessons can be learned from past UN actions in Sudan and similar
conflicts?

VIII. Conclusion
Delegates are encouraged to approach this crisis with empathy, a deep
understanding of their country's foreign policy, and a commitment to
collaborative diplomacy. Solutions must be realistic, actionable, and respectful
of Sudanese sovereignty and dignity.

IX. Suggested Readings and Resources

 United Nations Reports on Sudan (https://www.un.org)
 International Crisis Group: Sudan
 Human Rights Watch: Sudan
 Al Jazeera, BBC, and Reuters Sudan Conflict Coverage
  African Union Peace and Security Council Briefs

The Ongoing Conflict in Sudan: A Comprehensive

Chronological Report
Geographical & Political Context
Location: Sudan is in northeastern Africa, bordered by Egypt, Libya, Chad, the
Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
Capital: Khartoum
Ethnic Groups: Arab, Nubian, Beja, Fur, Nuba, and many others
Religions: Predominantly Sunni Muslim
Languages: Arabic and English (official), plus regional languages

I. Pre-Conflict Background (1956–2011)

1956 – Independence from Britain and Egypt
Sudan gained independence in 1956.
It faced immediate civil unrest due to ethnic, religious, and economic
differences between the North (Arab-Muslim dominated) and South (African-
Christian/Animist dominated).

1955–1972 & 1983–2005 – Sudanese Civil Wars

Two devastating civil wars caused over 2 million deaths.
The wars were mainly between the central government in Khartoum and
southern rebel groups.

2005 – Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)

Ended the second civil war.
Gave autonomy to South Sudan, leading to a referendum.

2011 – South Sudan Gains Independence

South Sudan became an independent country.
Tensions remained, especially over oil resources, border disputes, and ethnic
rivalries.
II. Darfur Conflict (2003–Present)
Darfur, a region in western Sudan, witnessed a major humanitarian crisis.
Janjaweed militias, backed by the Sudanese government, committed war
crimes and genocide.

Over 300,000 killed and millions displaced.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted President Omar al-Bashir for
genocide and crimes against humanity.

III. 2019 Sudanese Revolution – Fall of Omar al-Bashir

2018–2019 – Mass Protests
Triggered by economic crisis, corruption, and decades of authoritarian rule.
Led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.

2019 – Power-Sharing Agreement

A transitional government was formed:
 Sovereign Council (civilian + military members)
 Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok
 Military led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
 Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)
Goal: Transition to democratic civilian rule in 3 years.

IV. 2021 Military Coup

October 25, 2021
The military, led by General Burhan, overthrew the civilian government.
Prime Minister Hamdok was detained, then reinstated, then resigned in
January 2022.
Impact:
 Massive protests, dozens killed.
 The democratic transition was halted.
 Civilian trust in both the military and RSF declined sharply.


V. April 2023 – Outbreak of Civil War

Main Actors:
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – Led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
(Hemedti)

April 15, 2023 – Fighting Breaks Out

SAF and RSF began open conflict in Khartoum, the capital.
Root Cause: Power struggle between Burhan and Hemedti over integration of
RSF into the army and future control of Sudan.

VI. Key Events Since April 2023

2023: Destruction of Khartoum
Heavy urban warfare.
Civilian infrastructure destroyed: hospitals, schools, markets.
Electricity and water shortages.
9 million displaced (as of mid-2024).
Widespread looting and lawlessness.

Regional Spread
Fighting has spread to:
 Darfur: New ethnic massacres and RSF-led atrocities.
  Kordofan and Blue Nile regions.

Failed Ceasefires
Over a dozen ceasefires attempted (via UN, AU, Saudi Arabia, US).
All failed – both sides violated terms.

VII. Humanitarian Impact (2023–2025)

 Estimated 15,000+ dead, many more missing.
 9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).
 Over 2 million refugees fled to Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, etc.
 UNICEF: Over 70% of displaced are children.
 Widespread gender-based violence, famine-like conditions, and collapse
of healthcare.
 Humanitarian access is heavily restricted.


VIII. International Reactions

United Nations
 Repeated calls for ceasefire.

 UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) created

(2020), now mostly defunct.
 UN reports document war crimes and human rights abuses.

African Union (AU)

 Called for dialogue and political solution.
 Limited success in mediation.

United States
 Sanctioned RSF leaders and Sudanese military businesses.
  Provided emergency aid via UN agencies.

European Union
 Funded humanitarian relief.
 Condemned violence and pressed for democratic transition.

ICC
Investigating renewed atrocities in Darfur.

IX. Root Causes of the Conflict

Power vacuum after Bashir’s fall.
Rival security forces (SAF vs RSF) with overlapping authority.
Ethnic and regional divides.
Resource struggles (gold, agriculture, foreign aid).
Foreign influence (UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia allegedly backing different
sides).

X. Current Status (May 2025)

 No signs of peace.
 SAF controls parts of eastern and northern Sudan.
 RSF dominates Khartoum, Darfur, and key gold-producing areas.
 Civilians face collapse of government, anarchy, and famine.
 Sudan risks becoming a failed state and a hotspot for terrorist
recruitment and human trafficking.

XI. What the UN Can Do (MUN Angle)

Possible Resolutions:
 Demand immediate ceasefire.
 Ensure humanitarian corridors and safe zones.
 Deploy peacekeeping missions (if conditions allow).
 Support regional peace talks via AU or IGAD.
 Increase sanctions on violators.
 Push for democratic elections after de-escalation.