Could the scramble for alternative resources escalate the conflict in South Sudan and other parts of Africa? The events in Sudan since April 15, 2023, strongly suggest that certain international actors, in concert with the UAE, have formulated a strategy to exploit resource-rich but vulnerable African nations.
The war in Sudan is undeniably fueled by resources, with international actors actively contributing to the conflict as they seek alternatives. These actors are financially supporting the warring factions, thereby enriching their foreign sponsors. A primary example is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which, along with other facilitators, continues to supply arms while simultaneously looting gold and other resources. This has transformed the Sudanese conflict into a proxy war, hindering any chance of a peaceful resolution.
This involves backing paramilitary groups like Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which evolved from the Janjaweed militias known for their role in the Darfur genocide. The RSF’s atrocities—including targeting civilians, racially motivated killings, blocking aid, and killing those trying to escape—are unequivocally shameful. These acts constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The RSF should be viewed as a terrorist group backed by the UAE and other international entities.
It is crucial to remember the deep historical roots of this violence. One would have to be incredibly naïve to ignore Sudan’s dark history, marked by Arab-dominated governments in Khartoum that have targeted Black populations since the 19th century, including through the slave trade. Brutal armed groups like the Murahileen, Janjaweed, and the currently known RSF are composed of elements from these past regimes. Tribes like the Baqqara and Rizeiqat have committed genocide against Black people in both western and southern Sudan for centuries, even before South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
This systemic oppression and racial hierarchy have been in place since 1821, when Arab governments in Khartoum established social hierarchies that promoted Arab identity and carried out genocide against Black Sudanese, treating them as inferior. The atrocities committed after the RSF captured Al-Fasher are tragically similar to historical attacks on villages in Southern Sudan, where homes were burned and women and children were enslaved. What we are witnessing in Al-Fasher is not new.
This group’s origins trace back to around 1986-1988, when former Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi formed and armed them as the “Arab tribal ‘Paramilitary Murahileen.’” The group later became the Janjaweed and now calls itself the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). To be clear, this same group committed massacres against the people of Southern Sudan in 1988. Former President Omar al-Bashir’s National Islamic Front (NIF) regime later created and armed the Janjaweed from 2003 onward. In 2013, al-Bashir officially formalized them into a paramilitary force through a presidential decree. Now, they have turned against those who created them.
I am deeply concerned that the current situation in Sudan could spread to South Sudan, potentially making it the next target given its fragile state and rich resources. Juba’s leadership must remain vigilant regarding its partnership with the RSF. They could face the same betrayal the RSF inflicted upon the NIF.
The Geneva Convention emphasizes that every nation is obligated to protect its citizens. In South Sudan, however, the government has failed to uphold this duty. The Juba regime’s recent diplomatic note, dated October 28, 2025, proposes a significant shift in the UN’s role, prioritizing civilian and humanitarian efforts while reducing UN missions and foreign military presence. Specifically, the government seeks a 70% reduction in the international military contingent (excluding African forces) and the closure of several UN bases and protection camps.
It is evident that Juba’s regime is wary of the UN’s presence, likely due to concerns about accountability for the war crimes and crimes against humanity the UN has documented. This fear extends to UN aircraft equipped with surveillance capabilities. Cutting the UN mission by 70% could leave many civilians vulnerable to intercommunal violence, which the Juba regime might not prevent. Some fear the regime is trying to remove the UN mission to plan further atrocities.
As a potential failed state with vast untapped resources, South Sudan is vulnerable and could become a target for international actors, mirroring historical patterns. Weak states rich in resources like oil and minerals are frequently targeted by actors seeking long-term resource control. Just as the RSF has committed horrific atrocities in Sudan, it could repeat these actions in South Sudan if its leaders are not cautious.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has defied peaceful resolution due to international actors supporting both sides. Evidence suggests the UAE is fueling the war by providing military support, including arms and technology, to the RSF. Despite denials, organizations like Amnesty International have documented this. The UAE is not alone; other nations like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia have also supplied weapons to both sides.
South Sudan’s leaders must be wary. The same actors fueling the resource war in Sudan could target their nation, potentially turning it into another failed state ripe for resource extraction. The Juba government needs to distance itself from the RSF, a group composed of foreign mercenaries. Partnering with them is like keeping a snake; eventually, it will bite.
My message to President Kiir’s government is to cut ties with this group. Their international supporters root their ideology in racism, and they will likely commit similar atrocities and genocide in South Sudan to seize its resources. This group is untrustworthy. They could turn on South Sudan, committing horrific acts of violence as seen in Sudan and, most recently, in Al-Fasher. The situation in Sudan is a warning, driven by foreign powers vying for resources. South Sudan will face the same fate if its leaders are not cautious, because this war for resources will extend beyond Sudan’s borders.
The writer, Jwothab Othow, is an activist and critic of the South Sudan government. He can be reached at Jwothab@yahoo.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.