Sudan: A war Europe cannot stop, but cannot ignore
El-Fasher in North Darfur is now the epicentre of the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophe. Europe’s options are limited, but there are still ways to hold the responsible accountable
Sudan
The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war
The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperation
Split decision: Why Sudan is on the brink of partition—again
The prospect of a divided Sudan is gaining traction among local and regional actors, threatening to further destabilise an already fragile region. European policymakers must act swiftly to arrest this dangerous slide
5
Feb
Africa
The Sudan crisis: Realistic options for Europeans
The catastrophe in Sudan is now accelerating into dizzying levels of complexity and violence. Millions could die of famine this year, but there seems to be no end in sight. Peace initiatives have floundered, and the new US administration will likely be even less willing to expend political capital on the conflict than the last. The discussion explored realistic, tangible policy…
Point-scoring over protection: How Russia’s politicking harms Sudanese civilians
Russia’s veto of a UN resolution to protect Sudanese civilians highlights the deadly consequences of great-power competition. As Sudan faces a catastrophic man-made humanitarian crisis, European efforts must prioritise local initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis
Mark Leonard welcomes Will Brown, Jonas Horner, and Raga Makawi to discuss the EU’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan
Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe demands a surge in European support for its civil society
Mutual aid and civilian representative groups have proven their capability and deserve deeper European backing
Time for action: Envisioning a new approach to protect civilians in Sudan
As warring parties squabble over empty verbal commitments, civilian protection in Sudan has taken a backseat. European governments must urgently prioritise their safety
4
Mar
Africa
The aftermath of Yaya Dillo’s death: implications for Chad and Sudan
On 28 February, Chadian opposition leader Yaya Dillo was killed in a shootout with security forces. He had been accused of leading an attack against the National State Security Agency (ANSE), an allegation he denied. Dillo, leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), was a strong contender for the presidential elections scheduled for 6 May 2024. Tensions have been…
Conflict and interests: Why Sudan’s external mediation is a barrier to peace
The war in Sudan has given rise to multiple – and sometimes divisive – mediation efforts. The EU and its member states should aim to help unify these efforts and end the warring parties’ ‘forum shopping’
Publications
The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war
The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperation
Split decision: Why Sudan is on the brink of partition—again
The prospect of a divided Sudan is gaining traction among local and regional actors, threatening to further destabilise an already fragile region. European policymakers must act swiftly to arrest this dangerous slide
Back to barracks: Building democracy after the military coup in Sudan
Sudan needs a viable political pathway to end the military coup of 2021. European states should support pro-democracy actors while encouraging a comprehensive peace process
Articles
Sudan: A war Europe cannot stop, but cannot ignore
El-Fasher in North Darfur is now the epicentre of the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophe. Europe’s options are limited, but there are still ways to hold the responsible accountable
Point-scoring over protection: How Russia’s politicking harms Sudanese civilians
Russia’s veto of a UN resolution to protect Sudanese civilians highlights the deadly consequences of great-power competition. As Sudan faces a catastrophic man-made humanitarian crisis, European efforts must prioritise local initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations
Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe demands a surge in European support for its civil society
Mutual aid and civilian representative groups have proven their capability and deserve deeper European backing
Time for action: Envisioning a new approach to protect civilians in Sudan
As warring parties squabble over empty verbal commitments, civilian protection in Sudan has taken a backseat. European governments must urgently prioritise their safety
Conflict and interests: Why Sudan’s external mediation is a barrier to peace
The war in Sudan has given rise to multiple – and sometimes divisive – mediation efforts. The EU and its member states should aim to help unify these efforts and end the warring parties’ ‘forum shopping’
Sudan after Hamdouk: Three steps Europeans should now take
Following the prime minister’s resignation, Europeans should now attempt to avert the military from further repression, engage the broader civilian constituency, and seek a new form of mediation
Khartoum’s autocratic enabler: Russia in Sudan
Western leaders can prevent Sudan’s military from drifting further into dependence on the Kremlin. To achieve this, they will need to take a more assertive approach to supporting the country’s protest movement and dealing with its military
Europe’s stance on Sudan: Why backing the prime minister may not equate to backing democracy
Divergences are growing between the demands of Sudan’s powerful protest movement and the approach taken by the international community. Both can offer solutions, but they need to move quickly
Sudan coup attempt: How Europe can defend Sudan’s transition to democracy
Sudan’s civilian protest movement is fighting for democracy. Europe can play a decisive role, but to do so its condemnation must come with consequences
Podcasts
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis
Mark Leonard welcomes Will Brown, Jonas Horner, and Raga Makawi to discuss the EU’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan
Events
5
Feb
Africa
The Sudan crisis: Realistic options for Europeans
The catastrophe in Sudan is now accelerating into dizzying levels of complexity and violence. Millions could die of famine this year, but there seems to be no end in sight. Peace initiatives have floundered, and the new US administration will likely be even less willing to expend political capital on the conflict than the last. The discussion explored realistic, tangible policy…
4
Mar
Africa
The aftermath of Yaya Dillo’s death: implications for Chad and Sudan
On 28 February, Chadian opposition leader Yaya Dillo was killed in a shootout with security forces. He had been accused of leading an attack against the National State Security Agency (ANSE), an allegation he denied. Dillo, leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), was a strong contender for the presidential elections scheduled for 6 May 2024. Tensions have been…
In the media
ECFR Africa experts states that Sudan is on the edge of a split
Alex Vines on the upcoming elections in Africa, as well as the prospects for geopolitical tensions and opportunities
Alex Vines on the upcoming elections and potential geoeconomic risks in Africa in 2026