All of the Sudan’s neighbours are enduring some degree of military instability, so it may be viewed as little wonder that what was Africa’s largest country by land area has also erupted in violence between rival army units. But it is the West’s interest in the conflict that suggests the conflict has other underpinnings.

Sudan was divided in two in 2011 at the West’s insistence and since, the oil-rich country has continued to bear interference from these dominant powers.

Is the strategic value of Sudan at the root of its woes?

Guest: David van Wyk, Benchmarks Foundation senior researcher