NatSec Matters Red Sea Rivalries - The Proxy War for Sudan and the Geopolitical Interests in East Africa: Josh Meservey
Feb 18, 2026
Josh Meservey, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and expert on African geopolitics and counterterrorism. He unpacks the Sudanese civil war and its ripple effects across the Red Sea. He explains Saudi and UAE rivalries, maritime choke points, and the Great Power competition as China expands in Africa. He argues the U.S. should prioritize trade and strategic engagement over traditional aid.
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Sudan's Deeply Polarized Civil War
- Sudan's civil war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces in a bitter, geographically split conflict.
- Both sides are backed by foreign powers, deepening and prolonging the fighting and humanitarian crisis.
Sudan As A Regional Proxy
- Saudi Arabia aligns with the Sudanese Armed Forces while the UAE backs the Rapid Support Forces.
- This foreign backing turns Sudan into a proxy arena for regional rivalries across the Red Sea.
Negotiate With External Stakeholders First
- Coordinate with key regional actors before addressing on-the-ground Sudanese problems.
- Engage Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE in a quad process to shape any viable diplomatic approach.