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The Sudanese army is facing an unprecedented existential crisis due to a severe shortage of ground forces, forcing it to rely on foreign mercenaries and Ethiopian Tigray forces to compensate for this deficit. This is no longer a matter of speculation but a tangible reality supported by field reports and independent sources. Given this situation, the army’s ability to conduct military operations increasingly depends on external elements, raising fundamental questions about its future and ability to survive as an independent fighting force.

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The Collapse of the Sudanese Army’s Manpower

In past decades, the Sudanese army was one of the largest military forces in the region, with an estimated strength of around 200,000 soldiers at the beginning of the 2000s. However, this number has drastically declined in recent years, with unofficial estimates placing current troop levels between 50,000 and 70,000. This sharp decrease is due to several key factors:

• Battlefield attrition: The army has lost thousands of soldiers since the start of the conflict, with some estimates indicating over 20,000 fatalities.
• Desertions and defections: A significant number of soldiers and experienced officers have defected, creating a leadership vacuum.
• Declining recruitment and training: Political and economic instability has severely reduced recruitment rates, preventing the army from replenishing its forces effectively.

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The Use of Mercenaries: A Necessity or a Long-Term Strategy?

Facing this manpower crisis, the Sudanese army has turned to foreign mercenaries to reinforce its combat capabilities. These fighters come from various regions, including:

• West Africa: Mercenaries from Chad, Mali, and Niger, often former militia or armed group members.
• East Africa: Reports suggest the involvement of Eritrean fighters recruited with promises of financial rewards.
• Other regions: Some sources claim that fighters from the Middle East and Central Asia, experienced in irregular warfare, have also been deployed.

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It is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 mercenaries have been integrated into the Sudanese army.

Tigray Forces: A Military Alliance of Necessity

In addition to mercenaries, the Sudanese army has enlisted Ethiopian Tigray forces, known for their extensive combat experience.

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Why Does the Sudanese Army Rely on Tigray Forces?

• Battle experience: Tigray fighters have waged prolonged wars against the Ethiopian government, making them seasoned soldiers.
• Organization and discipline: The Tigray army is one of the most structured non-state forces in the region.
• Lack of local alternatives: The Sudanese army’s weakened capabilities left it with no choice but to depend on these forces.

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With manpower estimated between 3,000 and 7,000, Tigray forces are now at the front lines of combat.

The Erosion of Sudanese Military Sovereignty

The reliance on mercenaries and foreign forces has shifted from a temporary measure to a strategic necessity. This dependency raises serious concerns about the army’s ability to function independently, its financial sustainability, and its long-term viability as a national force.

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