why are you just now largely hearing about Sudan almost 3 years into an ongoing war?

Why are you just hearing about Sudan almost 3 years into an on going war?

The conflict in Sudan has evolved from a civil war into a full-scale proxy war. Now approaching its third year—just five months away—the war has only recently begun receiving significant international attention, particularly since late October 2025. Why now? Several major developments have taken place in recent months.

First, the UAE’s involvement with the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) has become increasingly apparent. While the UAE cannot openly admit to supporting the RSF, its actions have grown less discreet. After Sudan’s unsuccessful attempt to hold the UAE accountable through the International Court of Justice—and with credible reports accusing the UAE of complicity in war crimes and genocide going unpunished—Abu Dhabi seems to have concluded there will be no serious consequences. The UAE has since expanded its network of support through neighboring countries such as Chad, Libya, and the Central African Republic, using them as channels to move weapons and supplies to the RSF.

Second, a growing number of countries and non-state actors have recognized opportunities to benefit from Sudan’s chaos. The past few months have seen a surge in foreign mercenaries and private contractors entering the conflict. Forces loyal to eastern Libyan strongman General Khalifa Haftar have reportedly smuggled arms to the RSF. Colombian mercenaries have appeared in Darfur, Ethiopian tribal militias have joined battles to help the RSF capture territory, and the Wagner Group from Russia has provided intermittent assistance to both sides. Meanwhile, Iran and Russia have supported the Sudanese army with drones and intelligence, driven by ambitions to secure strategic access to the Red Sea through Sudan.

These developments underscore a larger reality: many nations and groups have only recently realized how much they stand to gain from Sudan’s vast resources—its gold, fertile lands, and strategic geography. It’s no coincidence that Sudan has suddenly become a hot topic in global media. The temporary “ceasefire” in Gaza has also shifted international focus, allowing the crisis in Sudan to finally gain broader visibility and attention