Sudan’s Descent into Chaos: Criminality and Corruption Run Rampant

Khartoum, Sudan - Governance Crisis Plunges Country into Turmoil

In the midst of a governance crisis, Sudan has descended into chaos, with organized criminal activity and corruption spiraling out of control. The country’s transitional government, dominated by the military, is struggling to assert its authority amidst widespread insecurity, escalating tribal violence, and deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions.

Organized Criminal Activity Runs Rampant

• Armed gangs, allegedly from Libya, are wreaking havoc in the northern state, looting lorries, kidnapping citizens, and demanding ransoms.
• The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group with ties to organized crime, is facilitating human trafficking, corruption, and other criminal activities, despite some leaders participating in Sudan’s transitional government.

Governance Crisis Deepens

• The military coup in 2021 has plunged Sudan into a governance crisis, with the transitional government dominated by the military.
• Protests have erupted, with activists demanding a civilian-led government. Critics claim that the recent agreement lacks a clear roadmap or detailed action plan, while the military and RSF are tightening their grip on power.

Criminal Justice System in Shambles

• Sudan’s judicial system is flawed, with a lack of specialized units to combat organized crime.
• Judges are often compromised by the arbitrary dismissal of qualified judges, lawyers, and law officers, making it difficult to hold criminals accountable.

Economic Environment Deteriorates

• The Sudanese economy remains in shambles, with poor governance, rigid labor markets, and a lack of rule of law hindering economic diversification.
• The IMF and World Bank have halted financial assistance due to the coup, while international governments warn companies about reputational risks.

Civil Society Under Siege

• Civil society organizations are facing harassment and intimidation from security agencies, with journalists and media outlets regularly arrested or shut down.
• Female journalists are particularly vulnerable to harassment and violence.

Cybersecurity Threats Emerge

• Sudan’s cybersecurity infrastructure is weak, with weaknesses in cooperative measures at the national, regional, and international levels.
• The country meets minimum technical requirements but lacks robust cybersecurity measures to detect and respond to threats.

As Sudan teeters on the brink of collapse, it remains unclear whether the transitional government can restore order and address the deep-seated corruption and criminality that has taken hold.