Sudan’s Chaotic Situation: Corruption and Crime Thrive Amid Opaque Governance

Khartoum, Sudan - The situation in Sudan remains chaotic and opaque, with corruption and crime thriving amidst a governance crisis. The country’s transitional government, dominated by the military, has failed to address the rampant corruption and organized criminal activity that has plagued the nation for years.

Corruption and Crime Thrive Amidst Governance Crisis

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), comprising former Janjaweed militias and linked to other mafia-style groups in Sudan, have been accused of facilitating various criminal activities, including human trafficking and corruption. The group’s leaders even participate in the transitional government, further entrenching their influence.

Private Sector Implicated in Organized Criminal Activity

Private sector companies, often with foreign involvement, have been implicated in organized criminal activity. Armed looting and kidnapping are rampant in the northern state, while gangs from Libya’s Toubou tribes operate in the desert west of the Nile, targeting lorries and kidnapping citizens for ransom.

Flawed Judicial System Hinders Combat Against Corruption

Sudan’s judicial system is also flawed, with a lack of training and resources hindering its ability to effectively combat corruption and organized crime. The country’s economic regulatory regime is inefficient, leading to a largely informal economy and perpetuating illicit financial flows.

Challenges for Civil Society and Journalists

Civil society organizations face harassment and intimidation from security agencies, while journalists are regularly arrested and media outlets shut down. Female journalists are particularly targeted for harassment and violence.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Strengthen Governance Institutions: Combat corruption and organized crime by strengthening governance institutions.
• Implement International Treaties: Ratify and implement international treaties on transnational organized crime to enhance cooperation and combat criminal activity.
• Enhance Judicial System’s Capacity: Develop the judicial system through training and resource allocation to improve its ability to combat corruption and organized crime.
• Develop Efficient Economic Regulatory Regime: Create an efficient economic regulatory regime to promote a formal economy and reduce illicit financial flows.
• Protect Civil Society Organizations and Journalists: Protect civil society organizations and journalists from harassment and intimidation, ensuring their safety and ability to operate freely.
• Promote Economic Diversification and Job Creation: Promote economic diversification and job creation to address high levels of unemployment and alleviate poverty.

Key Takeaways

• Corruption and organized crime thrive amidst Sudan’s governance crisis
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF) linked to mafia-style groups and participate in transitional government
• Private sector companies implicated in organized criminal activity
• Judicial system flawed, with limited resources and training
• Economic regulatory regime inefficient, perpetuating informal economy
• Civil society organizations face harassment and intimidation from security agencies
• Journalists regularly arrested and media outlets shut down