The war in Sudan is between two wings of a comprador parasitic capitalist class and is published by Black Agenda Report.
The War in Sudan: A Conflict of Interests, Not IdealsAs we reflect on the devastating war in Sudan, it's essential to understand its underlying dynamics. The conflict is not a simple struggle between two opposing forces; rather, it's a complex web of interests and power struggles within the comprador elite, fueled by external powers seeking to exploit Sudan's resources.
The war has ravaged the country for over two and a half years, resulting in the loss of over 150,000 lives and displacing nearly 14 million people. The humanitarian crisis is dire, with parts of the country facing extreme levels of hunger and the world's first officially declared famine since 2020. Deadly diseases like cholera are spreading rapidly, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in unsanitary conditions.
The war has been described as a "conflict within the comprador elite," where two wings of this parasitic capitalist class are vying for power and control over Sudan's resources. This is not a struggle between ideologies or ideals but rather a battle for economic interests. External powers, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, have been fueling this conflict to further their own agendas.
The US has a long history of involvement in Sudan, dating back to the 1958 military coup. The country's strategic location made it an attractive target for the US to use as a base against its northern neighbor, Egypt. This Cold War-era effort was aimed at entrenching US influence in the region and securing access to Sudan's resources.
Fast-forward to the present day, and we see that the war in Sudan is still being fueled by external powers seeking to exploit the country's wealth. The US State Secretary, Marco Rubio, has stated that a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian truce are immediate goals for the US. However, this commitment seems hollow when considering the US President's previous statements on the matter.
Donald Trump claimed that Sudan was not on his radar until Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) educated him on the country's history and culture during a meeting at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington. MBS's flattery seemed to have an impact, as Trump committed to working towards peace in Sudan, calling it "the greatest thing you can do."
This exchange raises questions about the true intentions of external powers involved in the conflict. Are they genuinely interested in resolving the crisis or using their influence to further their own interests? The answer lies in the fact that these powers have been fueling the war to secure access to Sudan's resources, including its agricultural land and strategic location.
The people of Sudan are not just victims of this conflict; they are also the driving force behind the popular revolution that seeks to shape their country's future. The December Revolution, which began in 2018, aimed to bring about radical change and address the structural causes of the war. However, the military junta and external powers have been working to undermine this effort.
The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) has been at the forefront of the resistance against the war and the comprador elite's interests. They argue that any ceasefire or peace agreement must be grounded in a national democratic project that prioritizes the people's interests, not those of external powers.
As we reflect on the devastating impact of this conflict, it's essential to remember that the power to shape Sudan's future lies with its people. The war is not just a struggle for resources but also a battle for self-determination and sovereignty. It's time for external powers to recognize the rights and aspirations of the Sudanese people and support their efforts towards peace and radical change.
The war in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of global politics and the need for critical thinking and analysis. As we navigate this complex web of interests, it's essential to prioritize the voices and perspectives of those most affected by the conflict – the people of Sudan. Only then can we work towards a truly just and peaceful resolution that prioritizes their needs and aspirations.
