Security Council Background Guide

Topic: Sudan

Conference Year: 2025

Topic Background

Sudan has been a focal point of international concern due to its complex and protracted conflicts, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Historically, Sudan’s challenges stem from decades of civil war, ethnic tensions, and disputes over resources, culminating in the secession of South Sudan in 2011. However, the post-secession era has not brought lasting peace to Sudan. The country has experienced ongoing violence, particularly in the Darfur region, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan states, alongside political upheaval.

The most recent catalyst for Security Council attention is the outbreak of large-scale armed conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. This internal conflict has led to thousands of deaths, displacement of millions, and a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by economic collapse and disrupted aid delivery. The fighting has also destabilized neighboring countries, threatening regional security in the Horn of Africa.

The transitional government established after the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019 has struggled to maintain authority amid factional divisions and failed peace negotiations. The 2023 conflict has effectively stalled the political transition, raising urgent questions about restoring peace, protecting civilians, and addressing human rights violations. This situation places Sudan squarely on the Security Council agenda in 2025, demanding renewed international engagement and coordinated action.

Key Actors

• Sudan: Central to the conflict, with the SAF and RSF as the primary belligerents. The transitional government remains internationally recognized but weak.

• African Union (AU): Plays a critical mediation role through the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and the Peace and Security Council, advocating for ceasefire and political dialogue.

• United Nations (UN): The UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) supports political transition, peacebuilding, and humanitarian coordination. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) leads aid efforts.

• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD): Regional bloc involved in mediation and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa.

• Neighboring States: Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad are directly affected by refugee flows and cross-border security risks. Egypt has strategic interests in the Nile and stability on its southern border.

• International Partners: The United States, European Union, China, and Gulf States (notably Qatar and the UAE) have varying degrees of diplomatic, economic, and military engagement with Sudan.

Bloc Positions

• Western Powers (United States, United Kingdom, France, EU members)
  These states generally emphasize human rights, civilian protection, and the need for an inclusive political transition. They support targeted sanctions against spoilers and advocate for robust UN and AU peacekeeping mandates. Western members often push for accountability for war crimes and support humanitarian access.

• African and Regional States (AU members, IGAD, Egypt, South Sudan, Chad)
  This bloc prioritizes regional stability and conflict resolution through African-led initiatives. They favor mediation efforts, ceasefire agreements, and gradual political dialogue over punitive measures. Egypt and Sudanese neighbors emphasize border security and refugee management.

• Russia and China
  Russia and China typically emphasize respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and non-interference. They are cautious about sanctions and robust peace enforcement, preferring political solutions and stability. Both have economic and military ties with Sudan and often act as counterweights to Western proposals.

• Gulf States and Middle Eastern Actors (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia)
  These states are influential through financial aid and political backing of various Sudanese factions. Their positions can be pragmatic, focusing on stability and influence in Sudan rather than ideological concerns. Their support may shift depending on alliances within Sudan’s political landscape.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 1590 (2005): Established the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to support the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) ending the north-south civil war.
• Resolution 1769 (2007): Created the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid.
• Resolution 2429 (2018): Extended UNAMID’s mandate and emphasized protection of civilians in Darfur.
• Resolution 2524 (2020): Established the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) to support the political transition post-Bashir.
• Security Council Press Statements and Presidential Statements (2023-2024): Condemned the outbreak of hostilities between SAF and RSF, called for ceasefires, and urged humanitarian access.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council best support an immediate and verifiable ceasefire between the SAF and RSF?
2. What mechanisms should be established or strengthened to ensure protection of civilians and prevent further human rights abuses?
3. How can the UN and AU coordinate more effectively to facilitate political dialogue and a peaceful transition?
4. Should the Security Council consider targeted sanctions or arms embargoes against actors perpetuating violence?
5. What measures can ensure unhindered humanitarian access and support to internally displaced persons and refugees?
6. How can the international community support accountability and justice for violations without undermining peace efforts?
7. What role can regional states and organizations play in stabilizing Sudan and preventing spillover into neighboring countries?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Security Council resolutions, Secretary-General reports on Sudan, and press statements provide official insights into the UN’s evolving role and mandates. These documents detail mandates, peacekeeping operations, and political assessments.
• Think-Tank Reports: Analysis from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, Chatham House, and the Brookings Institution offer in-depth examinations of Sudan’s conflict dynamics, political transition, and policy recommendations. These reports often include scenario planning and stakeholder analysis.
• News Outlets: Reputable international and regional media sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, and the BBC provide ongoing coverage of the conflict, humanitarian situation, and diplomatic developments. These outlets capture real-time events and local perspectives critical for understanding the situation’s fluidity.

This background guide aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of Sudan’s complex crisis as it stands in 2025, enabling informed debate and effective resolution drafting in the Security Council.