Turkey, Iran’s role in backing al-Burhan’s SAF amid ongoing conflict

As Sudan’s internal conflict between General al-Burhan’s (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifies, regional and international powers continue to exert influence. While major players like Egypt and Russia play significant roles in supporting the SAF, Turkey and Iran have emerged as key actors seeking to expand their strategic interests in the war-torn country. Their involvement is adding new layers of complexity to the conflict, with potential ramifications for regional stability.

Turkey’s Strategic Support for SAF

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has pursued a policy of expanding its regional influence, with Africa playing a central role in that strategy. Sudan, due to its strategic location on the Red Sea, has become a focal point for Turkish interests, both economically and militarily.

Turkey has significantly expanded its economic presence in Sudan, particularly in construction and infrastructure projects. One of its most notable investments is in the Red Sea port of Suakin, a site of historical and strategic importance. By strengthening economic ties, Ankara aims to secure long-term benefits and solidify its foothold in the region.

In addition to economic partnerships, Turkey has increased its military collaboration with Sudan, providing logistical support and training to the SAF. This military cooperation is part of a broader strategy to enhance Sudan’s defense capabilities while also reinforcing Ankara’s influence in the country. At the diplomatic level, Turkey seeks to leverage its relationship with Sudan’s government to bolster its standing in international forums, positioning itself as a key partner in regional affairs.

Turkey’s engagement with Sudan also aligns with its wider ambition to expand its influence in the Red Sea and beyond. By deepening its ties with Khartoum, Ankara is strengthening its role in regional security and economic matters. This growing presence has the potential to shape maritime trade routes and geopolitical dynamics, further positioning Turkey as a significant player in the region.

Potential Consequences of Turkey’s Role:

Turkey’s military and economic support for SAF could strengthen Ankara’s position in the region but also provoke concerns among rivals such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, both of which have vested interests in Sudan. This growing competition risks escalating regional tensions and complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Iran’s Covert but Significant Role

While Iran’s role in Sudan’s conflict is less overt than that of Egypt or Russia, Tehran has been quietly expanding its influence. Sudan has long been a strategic point in Iran’s broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly as Tehran seeks to counter Western sanctions and extend its reach into Africa.

Iran has provided military aid and training to the SAF, which aligns with its broader strategy of supporting allied forces throughout the region. This assistance is part of Tehran’s ongoing effort to strengthen military capabilities in exchange for strategic alliances. Iran’s history of backing armed factions in the Middle East underscores its calculated approach to deepening ties with Sudan, which it sees as an important partner in the region.

As it faces growing isolation in the Middle East, Iran has sought to expand its influence in Africa as part of its long-term geopolitical strategy. Sudan, with its access to the Red Sea, offers a crucial point for Iranian expansion into the continent. By strengthening its ties with Sudan, Iran aims to solidify its presence in Africa, countering Western pressures and securing strategic advantages in a geopolitically significant region.

While Iran remains focused on conflicts in Syria and Yemen, Sudan serves as an additional front in its broader efforts to counter the influence of Western powers and Gulf states. Sudan’s alignment with Iran could significantly shift the regional balance of power, drawing the attention of the United States and its allies, who are wary of Tehran’s growing influence in the area.

Potential Consequences of Iran’s Role:

Iran’s involvement in Sudan could exacerbate existing geopolitical rivalries, particularly with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both of whom view Tehran’s influence as a direct threat to their security interests. Additionally, Sudan’s growing ties with Iran risk further diplomatic isolation, especially as Western nations continue to impose sanctions on Tehran for its nuclear program and regional interventions.

Broader Implications for Sudan and the Region

The involvement of foreign powers like Turkey and Iran risks deepening divisions within Sudan. As external actors back different factions, there are growing concerns that Sudan’s sovereignty is being compromised in pursuit of foreign agendas. This dynamic could further entrench the conflict, prolonging instability and economic hardship for civilians.

Turkey and Iran’s increasing role in Sudan’s conflict could reshape power dynamics in the Red Sea region. The strategic waterway is vital for global trade, and any shift in control could disrupt international maritime security. Furthermore, heightened competition between regional powers may complicate diplomatic efforts to broker peace in Sudan.

As Sudan’s war continues, the involvement of Turkey and Iran underscores the broader geopolitical stakes at play. While their support may provide short-term advantages for the SAF, it also risks drawing Sudan deeper into regional rivalries, making an already complex conflict even more difficult to resolve.

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