Sudan faces serious risks of a protracted civil war

Abstract

Significance After months of tensions, the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed openly on April 15 in the capital, Khartoum, while less-reported violence proliferated across the country. A UN-backed temporary ceasefire yesterday allowed some respite to civilians trapped in their homes but was not fully observed. Impacts The nature of this warfare means civilian casualties could rise sharply. International diplomacy may focus initially on humanitarian corridors and evacuations. Failure to reach a political settlement would sharply worsen economic prospects, with inflation likely to resurge.