Sudan’s Political Economy, Foreign Interference, and Prospects for Stabilization

Sudan’s Political Economy, Foreign Interference, and Prospects for Stabilization by Omaia Yousif Hassan Abufdaya; Researcher and Strategic Analyst on the Horn of Africa

 

Since its independence, Sudan has largely been characterized as an agricultural and Pastoral (Livestock) economy, with the notable exception of the period between 1999 and 2011, when oil extraction in what is now South Sudan temporarily shifted the country’s economic profile.

Historically, British colonial policies played a defining role in shaping Sudan’s agricultural sector, most prominently through the establishment of the Gezira Scheme—the largest mechanized irrigation project in Africa.

This project became a cornerstone of Sudan’s economy, producing high-quality cotton for export to British textile industries. In addition to Gezira, substantial rain-fed agricultural projects in eastern and southeastern Sudan contributed to national food security through the cultivation of essential food grains.

The outbreak of the current conflict, however, marked a severe rupture in Sudan’s agricultural productivity. The takeover of Gezira State by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), coupled with mass displacement, widespread looting, and the destruction of both agricultural and non-agricultural assets, brought agricultural activity to a complete standstill. As a result, Sudan experienced a profound food gap throughout 2024, marking one of the most severe economic and humanitarian crises in its modern history.

A key factor influencing the trajectory of the conflict has been the involvement of regional actors, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Evidence indicates that the UAE supported the RSF’s attempted coup and its broader effort—led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti)—to seize state power. This engagement eventually contributed to the escalation of the conflict into a nationwide war. Several motivations underpinned the UAE’s involvement: securing access to Sudan’s vast agricultural lands and highly valuable gold resources; weakening the influence of the Islamic Movement inside Sudan; and expanding geopolitical influence over strategic Red Sea ports.

Forms of Emirati support for the RSF were multifaceted. Media networks linked to the UAE actively shaped narratives favorable to the RSF. Diplomatic cover was extended in neighboring African states. Financial and military support flowed through Libya and Chad, including advanced weapons systems such as drones, anti-aircraft platforms, and electronic-warfare technologies—capabilities that played notable roles in RSF operations, including the fall of El Fasher. Additionally, wounded RSF commanders received medical treatment in UAE hospitals, reinforcing the depth of the relationship.

Given this context, meaningful Emirati assistance to Sudan or its civilian population remains untenable until the war concludes. What is required instead is a commitment to post-war reconstruction and compensation for Sudanese civilians who have suffered extensive losses of property, livelihoods, and savings.

Western countries—Germany in particular—also have critical roles to play in supporting stability and improving living conditions in Sudan. Priority actions include exerting pressure on RSF backers to halt financial and logistical support; ensuring the RSF’s immediate withdrawal from major urban centers; providing direct assistance to internally displaced persons and refugees in the areas of food, health, and education; and contributing to the restoration of essential services such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation in territories liberated from RSF control.

 

References (selected for context):

  • International Crisis Group. Sudan’s War and Regional Dynamics. 2024.
  • UNECA. The Economic Impact of the Sudan Conflict. 2024.
  • FAO. Sudan Agricultural Outlook Report. 2023.
  • Small Arms Survey. External Support Networks of Armed Groups in Sudan. 2024.

 

Credits to:

Mr.Omaya Yousif Hassan Abu Fadya

Researcher and Strategic Expert on Horn of Africa Affairs

Cairo,17th  November 2025

 

 

 

Compiled by:

Muhoro Pius W.

K254 Media Africa's  Investigative Journalism Desk.

You can Visit our K254 Security Compass magazine on LinkedIn via : https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/k254-security-compass-magazine 

For Investigative Journalism- investigations@k254nairobinews.com  including Corruption,Theft, Gender Based Violence (GBV),Sexual Violence, Rape,Cyber Crime and many more.

For Trade,Peace & Security Business,Energy,Climate,Mining and International Trade Editorials.

Email: editor@k254nairobinews.com

 

If you believe we offer Quality informative Updates,
You can Donate to Support K254 Editorial Services in Enhancing Far & Wide Global Reach! 

DONATE via Cards,Mobile Money,Mpesa,Apple Pay, and all other Global Payment Systems anytime.
Consider using our Pay-Stack Link: https://paystack.com/pay/donate-to-support-k254-editorial-services

 

Share Widely
&
Join our Whatsapp Channel Today via this WhatsApp  Link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6X8XU7IUYOibsk5Sk3M for Latest Updates in Global Opportunities, Jobs Local & Abroad, Tenders & Study Scholarships as well what we do in Elevating & Strengthening Brands across Africa & the Globe.

 

 

 

 

ADVERT!

Register Today for the "1st Africa Public -Private Partnerships (PPP) Summit 2026!"- #1stAPPPS2026

Scheduled for June 24th-26th,2026


❇️For Delegates Registration & Attendance Use this Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FHqBp0ggc1E8ABTeoA9GZv4eXMIoErqD1w5-1W-XQfE/viewform  

(i.e: VIP-$2000, Delegates-$1000, & Government Reps-$1000)

By 10th May 2026

❇️For Exhibitors Use this Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uuN-M9kf7BXgEoOQuAZ08BeYPlGUcybDDM1YFF6pYP4/viewform 

By 10th May 2026

❇️For Concept Paper Contributors Use this Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nCsx8OdYACh_tb5_6QkfBApFlZSR00xLzAk1A_x38lM/viewform 

By 30th March 2026

❇️For Media & Business/Trade Journalists: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ly-760v5VVjiEddKxxGEJlhr27_g7oaWektenfJKxAc/viewform 

By 31st  May 2026


❇️SPONSOR our Event /Partner with Us: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ly-760v5VVjiEddKxxGEJlhr27_g7oaWektenfJKxAc/viewform 

By 20th April 2026

 

(NB: We have Tailor Made Sponsorships starting from as low as $15,000)

Keep Tweeting  #1stAfricaPPPSummit2026 #1stAPPPS2026 #PPP #PublicPrivatePartnerships #Summit #Africa #K254MediaAfrica

For More info:
Call/WhatsApp: +254 719 802 192 
Email: africa-summit@k254nairobinews.com 

For Direct PPP Summit Payments (i.e: VIP-$2000, Delegates-$1000, & Government Reps-$1000),Consider: https://paystack.shop/pay/k254-africa_ppp_summit_2026 

 

 

 

If you believe we offer Quality informative Updates,

You can Donate to Support K254 Editorial Services in Enhancing Far & Wide Global Reach! 


MPesa Paybill: 880 100 
Account Number/Name:  000 254 
Amount: $10 or any-infinity

Confirmation!
NCBA Bank:
"K254 Media Conglomerate Africa Ltd"

You can Now Pay Us via Cards,Mobile Money,Mpesa,Apple Pay, and all other Global Payment Systems anytime.
Consider using our Pay-Stack Link: https://paystack.com/pay/donate-to-support-k254-editorial-services


OR

International Payments-International Transfers:

ACCOUNT NAME; K254 MEDIA CONGLOMERATE AFRICA LTD
ACCOUNT NUMBER; 92 83 14 00 18
BANK NAME; NCBA BANK
BANK CODE; 07
BRANCH NAME; NCBA HOUSE
BRANCH CODE; 102
SWIFT CODE; CBAFKENX

 

K254 Media Services:

We Offer:

  • Media/Event Coverage,Interviews,Public Relations-PR, Press Release Publication & Distribution, Digital Marketing,
  • Website/Mobile-App/ERP/POS/SEO/ Google Business Maps & ICT System-Software Development Services,
  • Cloud Computing services,Webhosting, Photography, Video Production,Animation (Cartoons,Adverts),Drone Services, Green Screen,
  • Branding & Designing,Logo Making,Business Cards, Printing, Editorial & Publishing Services,
  • Bulk Sms, Language Translation, Voice-Over Services,
  • Billboard Advertising, TVc & Radio Advertising,
  • Business Expos/Events Planning & Management, Sound Systems/Public Address & Lightings;

and All other Advertising Services
Email: services@k254nairobinews.com 

 

 

©K254 Nairobi News
By:
©K254 Media Africa
[A Lead Strategic Media, PR, Marketing & Advertising, Events Management, Research, Data Analytics, AI, ICT & Innovation, Graphics Design, Climate Sustainable Solutions, Investigative Journalism and Advocacy Across Africa & Globally ]

Motto: "Elevating Brands"

"Elevate your Brand's Impact across Africa & the Global Dynamic Markets. Talk to us now"
Call/WhatsApp: +254 792 002 265
Email: info@k254nairobinews.com
Website: https://K254nairobinews.com

You can also Join our WhatsApp Community to access various Beneficial Whatsapp Groups relating to your areas of Interests via this Whatspp link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BtZa5DLryxABRpxHcLVlM7

 

Follow Us On:
Facebook | Twitter(X) | Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp Channel | Tik Tok | LinkedIn | Telegram | Truth Social | Threads | Rutube | & all other social platforms

Date: 07 December 2025    Comments: 0

Comments - 0

There are no comments yet

Leave A Comment