This research paper explores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The country’s strategic location along the Red Sea and its abundant natural resources, particularly gold, have attracted the attention of various regional and international actors. Each of these countries appears to be pursuing its strategic interests in the region, contributing to the multifaceted nature of the conflict. The paper examines the roles of several nations and key players, focusing on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, and Libyan militia leader Khalifa Haftar, in shaping the dynamics of the Sudanese conflict. It investigates how these countries’ involvement intersects with local factors, potentially influencing the conflict’s trajectory and complicating efforts towards resolution. By analysing these international dimensions, the research aims to provide insights into the broader regional implications of the Sudan conflict and the challenges of achieving stability in the country.
Gold, Guns, and Geopolitics: The Sudan Conflict and Its Regional Implications
Written by: Ferhat Polat
Ferhat Polat
Ferhat Polat is a Chevening Scholar from the 2022 cohort and a researcher at the TRT World Research Centre. Holding an MA in Middle East Studies from the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, he specializes in North African geopolitics and security, with a particular focus on Libya. Polat is often invited as a commentator on news channels and has contributed numerous essays and articles on geopolitical issues that have been published in various journals, newspapers, and digital outlets.
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