Who is keeping the fight alive in Sudan’s war?

In this powerful episode of The Take, host Malika Bilal explores the ongoing war in Sudan, now entering its fourth year, with Sudanese political analyst Dali Abdelmanem. The conversation centers on the devastating humanitarian crisis—14 million displaced, famine declared in parts of the country—and how the conflict has been exacerbated by foreign interference, particularly from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Despite international attention shifting to the U.S.-Iran standoff and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, Sudan remains sidelined, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) operating with impunity. Abdelmanem emphasizes that foreign actors continue to arm both sides, especially the UAE’s deepening support for the RSF, while regional powers like Egypt and Turkey offer limited backing. Yet, amid despair, the episode highlights resilience: grassroots civil society groups, women-led initiatives, and displaced families maintaining hope through connection and culture. The upcoming Berlin conference, which excludes military factions, is seen as a rare opportunity for civilian-led solutions, offering a glimmer of hope for a future where Sudanese agency—not foreign agendas—shapes the country’s destiny.