The Climatic Factor in Sudanese Conflicts: Challenges to Stability in Darfur

Abstract

The central theme of this article is the influence of climate change on the conflicts in Sudan, especially in Darfur. After gaining independence in 1956, Sudan has had to deal with disputes in both the southern region (culminating in the separation of South Sudan in 2011) and in Darfur, resulting in open conflict in 2003. In the last two decades, climate change has increasingly come to be seen as a potential factor exacerbating these local tensions. In the light of this, we seek to answer the following question: what are the implications of climate change for Sudan’s security panorama, particularly in Darfur? In theoretical terms, the article adopts a critical security perspective, with the objective of understanding the multidimensional nature of non-traditional sources of threat to the country's security, such as the climate threat. In methodological terms, a qualitative and hermeneutical approach was used, with the analysis of reports from International Organizations and documents from the Sudanese government, in addition to other academic works. Although climate phenomena have contributed to the exacerbation of instability in Sudan, especially the disputes in Darfur, it is concluded that their influence occurred indirectly, in conjunction with other social, economic and political elements. In our view, the inclusion of climatic aspects would be an important tool to reduce local instability.