Sudan, a nation grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, is geographically positioned at the crucial crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Its location, bordering the Red Sea, places it in a region of significant geopolitical importance. To accurately answer the question “where is Sudan?”, we must delve into its geographical context and understand its place within the African continent and the wider world.
Sudan shares land borders with seven different countries, reflecting its central location in Northeast Africa. These neighboring nations include:
- Central African Republic to the southwest.
- Chad to the west.
- Egypt to the north.
- Eritrea to the northeast.
- Ethiopia to the southeast.
- Libya to the northwest.
- South Sudan to the south.
Alt text: Map of Sudan and surrounding countries, highlighting its location in Northeast Africa and bordering nations such as Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. This geographical context is crucial to understanding Sudan’s regional significance and current crisis.
The capital city, Khartoum, is strategically situated at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers. Here, these two major tributaries merge to form the Nile River, which then flows northward through Egypt towards the Mediterranean Sea. This vital river system has historically been the lifeblood of the region, shaping settlement patterns and agricultural practices across Sudan.
Geographically, Sudan features a diverse landscape. A Sahelian belt characterizes much of the country, transitioning into desert in the far north. Fertile lands are concentrated around the Nile valleys and the Gezira region, providing agricultural potential. Beyond these areas, land across the country, stretching from Darfur in the west to Kassala in the east, and through the states of Blue Nile and Kordofan, is utilized for both farming and livestock rearing. This varied geography contributes to the complex tapestry of life and livelihoods within Sudan.
However, despite its strategic location and natural resources, Sudan has been significantly hampered by prolonged internal conflict since gaining independence. These conflicts have deeply weakened its regional influence and caused immense suffering for its people. The country has endured two of Africa’s longest civil wars, in addition to conflicts in regions like Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. A pivotal moment in Sudan’s modern history was the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ultimately led to South Sudan’s secession in 2011. This separation, while intended to bring peace, delivered severe economic shocks to Sudan, primarily due to the loss of oil revenues. Oil had been a cornerstone of Sudan’s economy, accounting for over half of the government’s revenue and the vast majority of its exports (95%). The economic fallout included reduced growth and soaring inflation, exacerbating existing social and economic pressures.
Alt text: Political map of Sudan displaying its regions and states, illustrating the internal divisions and geographical spread of the country, relevant to understanding the locations of conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile.
Years of escalating food prices and deep-seated discontent with decades of rule culminated in widespread protests in December 2018. These demonstrations led to the removal of President Omar Hassan El-Bashir in April 2019 and the establishment of a Transitional Government in September 2019. Ambitious reforms and peace negotiations followed, resulting in the Juba Peace Agreement in October 2020 with numerous armed opposition groups.
Unfortunately, this progress was derailed by a military takeover in October 2021. Key government bodies were dissolved, and the transitional constitutional charter was suspended. Political instability deepened, and efforts to establish a civilian government faltered. While a Political Framework Agreement was signed in December 2022, aimed at restarting the transition, political deadlock persisted. In April 2023, these tensions erupted into violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in escalating conflict, triggering a devastating humanitarian crisis. This ongoing violence has displaced millions, crippled infrastructure, and shattered the economy. Tragically, Sudan has become the world’s largest displacement crisis. United Nations reports indicate that nearly 11 million people have been displaced, either within Sudan or to neighboring countries, as of October 2024. The impact on food security is catastrophic, with approximately 26 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, facing acute hunger. The UN warns of potential catastrophic hunger for nine million people without urgent intervention. Furthermore, the healthcare system is collapsing, with most hospitals out of service. Decades of development gains have been erased, and the once-promising economy faces a daunting path to recovery.
Alt text: Image of displaced people in Sudan, visually representing the scale of the humanitarian crisis and displacement resulting from the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for aid and support.
The United Nations has launched a $2.7 billion humanitarian response plan to address this immense crisis. Urgent and sustained international support is crucial to provide aid, stabilize the situation, and help the people of Sudan navigate this devastating conflict and begin the long process of recovery. Understanding where Sudan is located geographically is only the first step; recognizing the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for assistance is equally vital.
