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Sudan’s Civil War: Global Stakes, Local Costs
Apr 15, 2025 - ISW Press
April 2025
Authors: Kathryn Tyson and Liam Karr
See the PDF version of this brief here.
Key Takeway: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have fought a civil war in Sudan since April 2023. Countries such as Iran, Russia, and the UAE are fueling the war to the detriment of US interests in the Red Sea
US Interests in the Red Sea Region
- Secure Key Maritime Routes for Global Trade
- Boost Regional Security and Counterterrorism
- Counter Rivals like Iran and Russia
- Strengthen Regional Partnerships
Turkey
Supports: SAF
Objectives:
- Secure mining and port deals
- Counter the UAE
Areas of Cooperation:
- Provides Turkish drones and missiles
- Offers to mediate ceasefire deal
Egypt
Supports: SAF
Objectives:
- Control spillover of conflict and refugees into Egypt
- Counter the UAE and Ethiopia
Areas of Cooperation:
- Provides Turkish drones
- Trained SAF pilots
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Supports: RSF
Objectives:
- Increase port investments and gold trade
- Maintain RSF military partnership
Areas of Cooperation:
- Provides arms and drones
- Hosts RSF financial infrastructure
Iran
Supports: SAF
Objectives:
- Secure a Red Sea naval base to support Yemeni Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
- Increase trade
Areas of Cooperation:
- Provides Iranian drones
- Signed trade agreements
Russia
Supports: SAF
Objectives:
- Secure a Red Sea naval base to bolster logistics in Africa
- Project power into the Red Sea
- Gain mining and port deals
Areas of Cooperation:
- Provides weapons
- Signed new mining and oil deals