The Return of Extremism in Sudan Global Warning Over the Risk of Widespread Terrorism

Why is extremism rising again in Sudan?

The return of extremism in Sudan is primarily driven by a devastating power vacuum. As the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue their brutal civil war, extremist groups are seizing ungoverned territories to re-establish training grounds and recruitment bases. This mirrors patterns seen in Afghanistan post-2021 and Mali in the early 2010s. According to The National News, jihadist networks are resurging in Darfur and border areas where lawlessness thrives.

How is the conflict in Sudan connected to terrorism?

Sudan’s internal conflict has collapsed state control, giving terror networks such as Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups the opportunity to exploit the chaos. Intelligence reports and UN briefings have warned of weapon smuggling routes being reactivated, and radical clerics re-emerging in RSF-held territories. Just like in Syria, fractured governance opens the door for extremism to re-root.

Which groups are taking advantage of Sudan’s instability?

Militant Islamists, warlords, and traffickers are capitalizing on the vacuum. Groups with ties to the Sahel-based Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) are reportedly entering western Sudan through Libya. The RSF’s decentralized command makes their controlled zones fertile ground for lawless activity, from arms deals to ideological indoctrination. This has alarming parallels to the way ISIS grew in post-Gaddafi Libya.

What are the implications for global security?

Sudan’s instability is not a local problem. The Red Sea trade corridor is at risk, migration routes are being hijacked by traffickers, and refugee flows may destabilize neighboring states. In a globalized world, the presence of jihadist networks near strategic waterways and refugee routes could provoke Europe-bound terrorism risks and destabilize Egypt, Ethiopia, and even the Gulf. The world cannot afford another safe haven for extremists.

How should the international community respond to Sudan’s extremist threat?

There is an urgent need for a coordinated response combining humanitarian aid with security stabilization. The UN and African Union must broker ceasefires, while intelligence-sharing on terror activities should be ramped up. NGOs need protection to deliver aid safely. Crucially, investment in counter-radicalization and rebuilding governance in conflict zones should be prioritized — otherwise, Sudan could mirror the long-term crises of Yemen or Syria.

Conclusion: Can Sudan be saved from becoming a terror hub?

If the world turns away, the consequences could be catastrophic. The Sudan crisis is a preview of how modern extremism mutates — no longer just ideology, but armed opportunism. The international community must recognize that inaction is no longer neutral. Either we help rebuild Sudan’s governance or prepare for another node in the global extremist web.

Will Sudan become the next Afghanistan? Or can collective diplomacy and proactive aid reverse its course?

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