Sudanese Armed Forces

The Sudanese Armed Forces: A Historical Overview

Imagine a timeline stretching back over a century, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been like a river, flowing through the sands of time, shaped by the winds of history. From its humble beginnings in 1898 with six black soldier battalions recruited by the British to the complex political and military landscape it faces today, the SAF has undergone numerous transformations.

The Early Years

Back in 1898, when the British were recruiting soldiers for what would become the Sudanese Armed Forces, one wonders: Could anyone have predicted that these six battalions would grow into a force that would play such a significant role in shaping Sudan’s history?

The Formation of Modern Units

In 1922, when Egypt gained independence from Britain and created specialized units within the Egyptian Army called Al-Awtirah, which became the nucleus of the modern Sudanese Army, one can only imagine the excitement and anticipation among those soldiers. Little did they know that their legacy would continue for decades to come.

The British Influence

The British formed the Sudan Defence Force (SDF) as local auxiliaries in 1925, and during World War II, the SDF augmented allied forces. These early years laid the groundwork for a military that would be both a protector and a participant in Sudan’s tumultuous journey.

The First Civil War

The Equatoria Corps mutinied at Torit on August 18, 1955, prompting the formation of the Anyanya guerrilla movement and the First Sudanese Civil War. Was this a moment of betrayal or a cry for freedom? The aftermath saw Northern servicemen allowed to return to the forces, and recruitment expanded before independence.

The Post-Independence Era

On August 16, 1955, with all British troops gone by the end of that month, Sudan declared its independence. How did this newfound freedom shape the SAF’s character? By 1972, the army had expanded to around 50,000 personnel, and in 1989, over 50% of army units were staffed by soldiers from the South.

The Military Coup and Civil War

In 1958, two senior generals seized power in a military coup. The First Sudanese Civil War broke out in late 1963 and early 1964, with President Abboud forced to step down following demonstrations in mid-1964. Was this the beginning of a cycle that would continue for decades?

The Modern Era

In 2007, the SAF had 104,800 personnel supported by 17,500 paramilitary personnel. The army included infantry divisions, brigades, mechanized units, an armoured division, a Special Forces battalion, an airborne division, and engineer divisions. These components formed the nucleus of the future Sudanese National Armed Forces, should the result of the referendum confirm unity of the country.

The Joint Integrated Units (JIUs)

The JIUs were to consist of five infantry divisions with varying troop deployments and a total strength of 20,000. However, they faced serious breaches of the CPA’s permanent ceasefire and struggled to provide oversight and management.

Post-Referendum Developments

Following the Southern Sudanese independence referendum in 2011, the JIUs dissolved, with SPLA components either integrated back into the SPLA or demobilized. SAF components were seen as less of a concern than the SPLA components but faced the option of integration or demobilization.

The Recent Past

After Al-Bashir’s fall in 2019, the Sudanese Armed Forces launched a coup and carried out the Khartoum massacre. The August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration states that the Sovereignty Council is the head of state, symbol of sovereignty, and Supreme Commander of the armed forces.

Current Equipment

The Sudanese Armed Forces are equipped mainly with Soviet, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Sudanese manufactured weaponry. The IISS reported that in 2011, the SAF had 200 T-54/55 main battle tanks and 70 Type 62 light tanks. These are by far and away Sudan’s most modern and powerful tanks.

The Navy

Relations with the Soviets cooled in the late 1970s, and Sudan turned to China and Britain for training and equipment. In addition, Sudan received financing from Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, for the purchase of Western equipment. U.S. military aid to Sudan initially focused on training officers but was suspended after the Southern Sudanese civil war resumed in 1983.

Conclusion

The Sudanese Armed Forces have a rich and complex history, marked by both triumphs and challenges. From its origins as six black soldier battalions to the modern day, the SAF has played a pivotal role in shaping Sudan’s destiny. As it continues to navigate the complexities of post-referendum Sudan, one can only wonder what the future holds for this storied military force.