2.5. Ethnic groups

Sudan is composed of approximately 500 different ethnic groups, with Sudanese Arabs accounting for about 70 % of the total population.410 The country is predominantly Muslim.411 Sudan’s ethnic landscape is highly diverse and historically characterised by overlapping identities shaped by language, region, livelihood and political affiliation, rather than rigid ethnic divisions.412

For background information on ethnic groups in Sudan, see section 2.4 of the EUAA Sudan report – Country Focus (April 2024) and section 2.5 of the EUAA Sudan report – Country Focus (February 2025).

Ethnic conflict-related profiling and targeting

In 2024, SAF's MIS reportedly targeted individuals, often based on their presumed or real ethnic identity, for allegedly supporting the RSF,413 including Arab tribes from Kordofan414 and tribes from West Darfur.415 The RSF systematically targeted non-Arab/African groups416 and carried out unlawful detentions of persons in Darfur based on ethnicity, particularly the Masalit417 and the Zaghawa.418 As the conflict continued, the ACHPR FFM observed that ‘civilians were also extrajudicially killed for being perceived to support the opposing side of the conflict while others, especially in the Darfur region were targeted and killed because of their ethnicity.’419

As of April 2026, territorial control of Sudan was divided between the SAF, holding Khartoum and the eastern regions, and the RSF, controlling much of the west. 420 The situation of ethnic groups is presented according to areas of control of the warring parties, reflecting the conditions and dynamics on the ground at the time of writing.

For additional information on territorial control in Sudan, please see security situation section of the EUAA, COI Query – Sudan - Major political, security, humanitarian developments and human rights, 09 April 2025.