Why in News?
- A Sudanese airstrike on the Nyala airport in South Darfur reportedly killed dozens of foreign mercenaries and destroyed an aircraft. The incident highlights ongoing violence in Sudan’s civil war.
Country Profile
- Sudan is a northeastern African nation currently engulfed in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023.
- The capital, Khartoum, lies at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers, forming the longest river system in the world.
- Sudan shares borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Libya and the Red Sea.
Key Geographical Features
- Rivers: The White and Blue Nile converge in Khartoum. Western Sudan has seasonal rivers that often dry up before reaching the Nile.
- Mountains: The Marrah Mountains in Darfur are volcanic highlands reaching around 3,000 metres. The Red Sea Hills and Nuba Mountains are other notable ranges.
- Deserts and plains: The Nubian Desert and Qawz region feature rock and sand deserts. Fertile black‑soil plains are found along the Nile and seasonal streams.
Region in Focus – South Darfur
- Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, is currently controlled by the RSF. It is strategically important because of its airstrip, gold‑smuggling routes and proximity to the border with Chad.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has profound humanitarian and regional implications. Understanding the geography and key actors helps contextualise news from this war‑torn nation.