Burhan-Hemeti tensions apparent for months

Despite the apparently sudden explosion of violence that has taken place between the Sudanese army and the RSF in recent days, the tensions between Burhan and RSF leader Hemeti had been apparent to many Sudan-watchers for months.

In November 2021, just a month after Burhan seized control of Sudan with Hemeti's help, analysts predicted that their alliance always had the potential to collapse entirely.

Patrick Smith, editor of Africa Confidential, told MEE that the two leaders were "mutually treacherous", a situation exacerbated by the tensions between their international backers:

Read more: Hemeti emerges from the shadows to support Burhan's coup