COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: June 2025
The SAF controls certain areas and it is actively engaged in the conflict, representing one of the main actors of persecution in Sudan. After the outbreak of the conflict, Lieutenant General Al-Burhan and the local authorities imposed or expanded the state of emergency declared in 2021 to most states, granting security forces extensive powers and immunity in the course of their duties. In February 2025, amendments to the 2019 Constitutional document were announced, extending the transition period and replacing the Sovereignty Council with a military council controlled by the SAF. Reports indicate that SAF committed a series of violations including indiscriminate aerial bombardments on civilian areas, contributing to mass displacement and casualties, and the targeting of aid convoys and restrictions on humanitarian access.
In 2024, the General Intelligence Service (GIS) Law reinstated legal powers to intelligence personnel, including interrogation, search, detention and asset seizure, while also granting them immunity from criminal or civil prosecution. Also, this law authorised the GIS director to establish a special court for cases involving capital punishment.
See 2.2. The Sudanese authorities, the Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF] and main allies under 2. Actors of persecution.
The Sudanese State does not meet the criteria of an actor of protection under Article 7 QD/QR and protection is in general not considered available. There are areas that are not under the control of SAF and the Sudanese authorities. In areas under the control of SAF, the ongoing conflict and institutional collapse has significantly affected the state's capacity to provide protection. In some cases, the Sudanese state is also the actor of persecution or serious harm and/or is unwilling to provide protection.