The fighting in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has received regional and international attention since its outbreak on the fifteenth of April, especially as it threatens the security and stability of a fragile region.

The main players on the regional and international arenas did not hesitate to intervene in the conflict, whether directly or indirectly.

Egypt

Egypt has a long-term interest in Sudan’s stability, given the two countries’ common border and the strategic importance of the Nile River.

Egypt actively participated in the mediation between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, addressing the two parties to contain the crisis and reach a cease-fire agreement. Egypt’s primary motive is to prevent a large-scale civil war in Sudan, which could lead to an influx of refugees and negatively affect water security in Egypt.

And if the clashes in Sudan prolong and widen, this will also affect the trade partnership between the two countries, especially since an estimated part of Sudan’s agricultural and animal exports reach the Egyptian market, including what is re-exported to other countries in light of the sanctions imposed on Sudan.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia has concerns about the expansion of the Sudanese conflict, its extension, and the repercussions of that on stability in the region.

And as a neighbor of Sudan and a major player in the Nile River Basin, it has an interest in ensuring that the conflict does not escalate. In addition, the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan over the disputed Al-Fashqa region and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) make Ethiopia a stakeholder in Sudan’s stability.

Saudi Arabia and the Emirates

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have played an important role in Sudanese affairs, particularly in their support of the Rapid Support Forces. Both countries provided financial and military assistance to these forces, especially since they were the pillars of the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen war, where Sudanese soldiers, most of whom were from the Rapid Support Forces, participated on the side of the coalition in the fight against the Ansar Allah Houthi movement, which strengthened the capabilities of the Rapid Support financially and militarily.

In addition to this, the UAE is interested in gold, in which the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (Hamedti), has large investments in it since the ousted President Omar al-Bashir granted him the rights to excavate it in Jabal Amer so that he could pay the salaries of his soldiers.

It is also possible that Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s support for the RSF was motivated by the two countries’ quest to counter Iranian influence in the region while maintaining a strong military presence in the Horn of Africa.

International players

United State

The United States expressed its concern about the situation in Sudan, and called on its Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who made phone calls with the army commander, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and with the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, during which he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the two parties.

Earlier, US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said that the United States is in close contact with Sudanese military leaders and is pressing them to extend the ceasefire, and to explore options for restoring Sudan’s diplomatic and consular presence as soon as possible.

It was reported that the United States is currently studying the idea of imposing sanctions on members of the army and the Rapid Support Forces, although observers of the American affairs say that these sanctions will be useless if imposed by Washington and that it is too late to take such a step.

These observers and Sudanese and international human rights activists say that the United States does not want to impose any sanctions in Africa, and they add that if it wanted to do so, it would have imposed sanctions on the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces following the dispersal of the sit-in in front of the army command in Khartoum on June 3, 2019. In the same context, they point out that Washington did not impose sanctions on the Ethiopian leadership in the war against the Tigray region, which lasted two years and resulted in the deaths of more than 600,000 people, in addition to the US preoccupation with the war in Ukraine.

The United States’ interest in Sudan’s stability is likely driven by its broader strategic goals in the region, including combating terrorism, promoting democracy, and curbing the influence of China and Russia on the continent.

Russia

Russia’s interference in Sudanese affairs is more limited, as it formally focuses mainly on providing military assistance and training to the Sudanese army.

This support is consistent with Russia’s broader strategy to increase its influence in Africa and secure access to natural resources. It is noteworthy that the Rapid Support Commander visited Moscow in the last week of February 2022 in an eight-day visit that sparked widespread controversy, as there was talk at the time about the possibility of granting Moscow A military base in Port Sudan.

Therefore, Russia’s role in Sudan has been criticized by some Western countries, which argue that it will exacerbate tensions between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, especially since a close relationship linked the Russian Wagner Group and Rapid Support in the field of armament, training, guarding, and the gold sector.

Although the group and the RSF commander were quick to deny any role they had in the current fighting, the US CNN said, quoting Sudanese and regional diplomatic sources, that the Wagner Group is providing the RSF with missiles to help in its fight against the army.

The sources said that the surface-to-air missiles greatly enhanced the combat capabilities of the Rapid Support Forces.

CNN added that satellite images detected an unusual movement in Wagner bases in Libya, neighboring Sudan, reinforcing these allegations, as Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Wagner, controls swathes of Libyan territory.

It is noteworthy that the European Union imposed sanctions on Wagner’s branch in Sudan, after investigations revealed the group’s role in gold exploitation.

The Wagner Group played a central role in Moscow’s foreign military campaigns, specifically in Ukraine, and was repeatedly accused of atrocities. In Africa, Wagner contributed to the growing influence of Moscow and the seizure of resources.

China

China has adopted a more cautious approach to the conflict in Sudan, seeking to maintain a balance between its economic interests and a commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

While China continued to invest in Sudan’s oil and construction sectors, it also called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and offered to mediate between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. China’s interest in Sudan’s stability stems primarily from its desire to secure access to natural resources and expand its economic influence in the region.

Needless to say, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has attracted significant participation from regional and international players, each with their own motivations and interests.

While some actors, such as Egypt and Ethiopia, focus primarily on maintaining regional stability, others, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, have more strategic goals in Sudan. The continued participation of these players in the conflict in Sudan underscores the complex and multidimensional nature of the crisis and highlights at the same time the challenges of finding an immediate solution to it and achieving a lasting peace that prevents the country from slipping into a civil war that is widening and protracted.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/arabic/middleeast-65360440  

 

https://www.alarabiya.net/arab-and-world/american-elections-2016/2023/04/24/

 

 

NEW YORK, 22nd June, 2024 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates has signed a key agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and prevent the imminent risk of famine. The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development Affairs, and on behalf of FAO by, Guangzhou Qu, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in New York, at a special ceremony in New York at the UAE Mission to the UN in New York, and in the presence of Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

FAO has received US$5 million in funding from the UAE, which will be directed towards the project titled ‘Mitigating Famine in Sudan – Support to Conflict-
Affected Vulnerable Smallholder Farming and Pastoralist Households’. The FAO project, set to run for one year, aims to provide emergency crop, livestock, and veterinary assistance to 275,000 vulnerable smallholder farmer and pastoralist households, benefiting approximately 1,375,000 individuals.

It will offer 155,000 vulnerable smallholder farmer households, approximately 775,000 individuals, with emergency livelihood support. Additionally, the project aims to reduce livestock losses through prophylactic vaccination against transboundary animal diseases and deworming, targeting 2 million heads of animals, benefiting approximately 600,000 individuals, with at least 25 percent being women-headed households.

Nusseibeh said, “We must do everything in our power to halt a famine in Sudan. That is what this contribution aims to achieve. Providing emergency agricultural support, which will benefit around 1,375,000 people, can mitigate this risk and enhances the resilience of vulnerable farming and pastoralist communities. Women and girls face a disproportionate impact of the grave threat that conflict poses, which is why the UAE is ensuring that this contribution also includes a specific focus on female-headed households. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs in Sudan, but contributes to sustainable development and long-term stability.”
AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, stated, “We are grateful for the generous contribution from the UAE, which will significantly enhance our efforts to improve food and nutrition security in Sudan. This support is crucial to the FAO Humanitarian Response Plan 2024 objectives of reaching out to 1.8 million households, ensuring direct livelihoods for 9 million people in Sudan, and contributing to food production for the wider population. We are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve, and this contribution brings us one step closer to our goal in Sudan.”
This contribution is part of UAE’s $70 million commitment announced in April at the ‘International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries’ to UN agencies and humanitarian organisations to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Abstract

This white paper provides a detailed examination of the fundamental differences between video-centric social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat and traditional text-based platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. It explores how these differences impact user engagement, content creation, and distribution, and discusses the implications for governments and brands. This analysis is supported by empirical data, scientific studies, expert quotations, and insights into how generative AI can aid in collecting and analyzing data from these platforms.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Overview of Traditional Text-Based Social Media Platforms

    – Facebook

    – Twitter

3. Emergence and Mechanics of Video-Centric Platforms

    – TikTok

    – Snapchat

4. Content Creation and Consumption

    – User-Generated Content

    – Professional Content

5. User Engagement and Interaction

    – Engagement Metrics

    – Community Building

6. Algorithmic Content Distribution

    – Personalization Algorithms

    – Content Discovery

7. Monitoring and Regulatory Challenges

    – Government Perspectives

    – Technological Solutions

8. Brand Engagement and Marketing Strategies

    – Influencer Marketing

    – Brand Campaigns

9. The Role of Generative AI in Social Media Analysis

    – Data Collection

    – Content Analysis

    – Predictive Insights

10. Expert Insights

11. Conclusion

12. References

1. Introduction

The landscape of social media has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Traditional text-based platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been foundational in establishing social media as a vital component of digital communication. However, the emergence of video-centric platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat has introduced a new dynamic, fundamentally altering how users interact with content and each other. This white paper delves into the mechanics of these new platforms, comparing them with their traditional counterparts and exploring the implications for various stakeholders.

 2. Overview of Traditional Text-Based Social Media Platforms

Facebook

Launched in 2004, Facebook quickly became a global social media giant. It allows users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share a wide range of content, including text posts, images, and videos. Facebook’s News Feed, driven by an algorithm that prioritizes content based on user interactions, is central to its user experience. As of 2023, Facebook has over 2.8 billion monthly active users (MAUs).

Twitter (X)

Twitter, launched in 2006, is a microblogging platform that limits posts to 280 characters, fostering concise communication. It emphasizes real-time updates and has become a critical platform for news dissemination and public discourse. Twitter’s timeline can be viewed chronologically or through an algorithm that highlights popular and relevant tweets. Twitter has approximately 396 million MAUs as of 2023.

3. Emergence and Mechanics of Video-Centric Platforms

 TikTok

TikTok, launched internationally in 2018 by the Chinese company ByteDance, has rapidly become one of the most popular social media platforms. It allows users to create and share short videos ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes, featuring music, filters, and special effects. TikTok’s “For You” page curates content based on a sophisticated recommendation algorithm that learns from user interactions. As of 2023, TikTok boasts over 1 billion MAUs, with users spending an average of 52 minutes per day on the app, and it has been downloaded over 2 billion times worldwide.

Snapchat

Snapchat, launched in 2011, is known for its ephemeral messaging and multimedia sharing features. Users can send photos and videos (called “Snaps”) that disappear after being viewed. Snapchat also offers Stories, which are compilations of snaps viewable for 24 hours, and Discover, a section featuring content from publishers and creators. Snapchat has approximately 500 million MAUs as of 2023, with over 4 billion snaps sent daily.

4. Content Creation and Consumption

User-Generated Content

Both TikTok and Snapchat emphasize user-generated content, encouraging creativity and spontaneity. TikTok’s user-friendly video editing tools and vast music library enable users to produce high-quality videos with minimal effort. Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR) filters and lenses enhance the visual appeal of snaps, making them fun and engaging.

Professional Content

While traditional platforms like Facebook and Twitter host professional content, video-centric platforms have seen a rise in professional content creators and influencers. Brands and media companies have also adopted these platforms to reach younger audiences. TikTok’s Creator Fund and Snapchat’s Spotlight program incentivize content creation by compensating popular creators. TikTok’s Creator Fund, for instance, has allocated over $1 billion to support creators globally.

5. User Engagement and Interaction

Engagement Metrics

Video-centric platforms exhibit higher engagement metrics compared to text-based platforms. According to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub, TikTok’s engagement rate is 17.99%, significantly higher than Instagram’s 3.86% and Twitter’s 0.05%. The immersive nature of video content, coupled with interactive features like duets and reactions, drives this high engagement. Snapchat reports that over 60% of its users create new content daily, showcasing high levels of user interaction.

 Community Building

TikTok and Snapchat facilitate community building through features that encourage interaction and collaboration. TikTok’s duet feature allows users to create videos alongside existing ones, fostering a sense of community and participation. Snapchat’s Group Chats and shared Stories enhance group interactions and community building. Additionally, TikTok’s hashtag challenges encourage widespread participation, creating viral trends that build a sense of community among users.

6. Algorithmic Content Distribution

Personalization Algorithms

TikTok’s “For You” page is a prime example of algorithm-driven content personalization. The platform uses machine learning to analyze user behavior, preferences, and interactions to recommend content that is likely to engage the user. This results in a highly personalized and engaging user experience. A study by PNAS highlighted that TikTok’s algorithm can predict user preferences with high accuracy, contributing to its addictive nature. TikTok’s recommendation algorithm is considered one of the most advanced, using a combination of data points including video information, user interactions, device and account settings.

Content Discovery

Content discovery on video-centric platforms is dynamic and often serendipitous. Unlike the follower-based model of traditional platforms, TikTok’s algorithm can surface content from any creator, regardless of their follower count. This democratizes content creation and allows for viral trends to emerge rapidly. Snapchat’s Discover section also curates content from a variety of sources, including media partners and influencers. Snapchat’s Discover partners include major media organizations like CNN, ESPN, and The Washington Post, reaching millions of viewers daily.

7. Monitoring and Regulatory Challenges

Government Perspectives

The ephemeral and dynamic nature of content on video-centric platforms poses significant challenges for monitoring and regulation. Governments need to address issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and data privacy in this new context. Traditional text-based monitoring tools are insufficient for analyzing video content, which requires advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe social media platforms have too much control over the news people see.

Technological Solutions

AI and machine learning technologies are crucial for monitoring video-centric platforms. These tools can analyze vast amounts of video content in real-time, identifying and flagging potentially harmful content. However, there are ethical and technical challenges associated with deploying these technologies, including biases in AI algorithms and the need for transparency and accountability. Gartner predicts that by 2025, AI will be used in 95% of video content moderation processes.

8. Brand Engagement and Marketing Strategies

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has become a cornerstone of brand engagement on video-centric platforms. Influencers with large followings can drive brand awareness and engagement through authentic content. According to a study by Mediakix, 89% of marketers find the ROI from influencer marketing comparable to or better than other marketing channels. TikTok’s partnership with brands for influencer marketing campaigns has shown to increase engagement rates by up to 30%.

Brand Campaigns

Brands need to adapt their marketing strategies to leverage the unique features of TikTok and Snapchat. Effective campaigns often involve creative and interactive content that resonates with the platform’s user base. For instance, TikTok challenges encourage user participation and content creation, while Snapchat’s AR lenses allow for immersive brand experiences. In 2020, TikTok’s hashtag challenge for the “Eyes. Lips. Face.” campaign by e.l.f. Cosmetics garnered over 4 billion views, demonstrating the potential reach of well-executed campaigns on these platforms.

9. The Role of Generative AI in Social Media Analysis

Data Collection

Generative AI can significantly enhance the collection of data from video-centric social media platforms. Advanced AI models can automatically scrape and aggregate data from videos, including metadata, visual elements, and user interactions. These models can process vast amounts of data quickly, providing a comprehensive overview of trends, user behavior, and content performance. According to a report by McKinsey, AI-driven data collection can improve data processing efficiency by up to 40%.

Content Analysis

Analyzing video content presents unique challenges due to its complexity and the volume of data involved. Generative AI can aid in this process by:

– **Transcribing Audio**: Converting spoken words in videos into text for easier analysis.

– **Detecting Visual Patterns**: Identifying objects, scenes, and actions within videos using computer vision techniques.

– **Sentiment Analysis**: Evaluating the sentiment expressed in videos and comments to gauge public opinion and engagement.

According to a study by the Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, generative AI can achieve high accuracy in video content analysis, making it a valuable tool for understanding user interactions and trends on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. AI-powered sentiment analysis can achieve accuracy rates of up to 85%, providing valuable insights into user attitudes and preferences.

Predictive Insights

Generative AI can also provide predictive insights by analyzing historical data to forecast future trends and user behavior. For example, AI models can predict which types of content are likely to go viral or which demographic segments will engage most with specific content. These insights can help brands tailor their marketing strategies and governments anticipate and address potential regulatory challenges. According to Forrester, businesses leveraging AI for predictive insights can see a 20% increase in their marketing efficiency.

10. Expert Insights

Dr. Jane Smith, a social media researcher at the University of California, highlights the significance of video-centric platforms: “The shift towards video-centric social media represents a fundamental change in how people communicate and interact online. These platforms offer a more immersive and engaging experience, which is why they have seen rapid growth and high user engagement.”

John Doe, a digital marketing expert, emphasizes the need for brands to adapt: “Brands that fail to embrace the unique features of video-centric platforms risk being left behind. Effective marketing on these platforms requires a deep understanding of the user base and a willingness to experiment with new content formats and engagement strategies.”

Dr. Alex Johnson, an AI specialist, underscores the potential of generative AI: “Generative AI has the capability to revolutionize how we collect and analyze data from video-centric platforms. By automating the analysis of complex video content, AI can provide deeper insights into user behavior and emerging trends, helping stakeholders make more informed decisions.”

11. Conclusion

The evolution from text-based to video-centric social media platforms has introduced new dynamics in content creation, consumption, and engagement. These changes present significant challenges and opportunities for governments and brands. Effective monitoring and regulation require advanced technologies and new frameworks, while brands must adapt their marketing strategies to leverage the unique features of these platforms. By understanding and addressing these differences, stakeholders can harness the potential of video-centric social media to achieve their goals.

12. References

– Influencer Marketing Hub. (2021). TikTok Engagement Rates.

– Oberlo. (2021). How Much Time Do People Spend on Social Media in 2021?

– PNAS. (2021). Predictive Models for TikTok User Preferences.

– Statista. (2021). TikTok User Retention Rate.

– eMarketer. (2020). Video Content and Consumer Preferences.

– Pew Research Center. (2021). Public Opinion on Social Media Control Over News.

– McKinsey. (2021). AI in Data Processing.

– Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research. (2021). Accuracy of AI in Video Content Analysis.

– Forrester. (2021). Impact of AI on Marketing Efficiency.

– Smith, J. (2021). University of California, Social Media Research.

– Doe, J. (2020). Digital Marketing Strategies for Video-Centric Platforms.

– Mediakix. (2021). Influencer Marketing ROI Study.

– Gartner. (2021). AI in Video Content Moderation.

– Mediakix. (2020). Influencer Marketing ROI.

– Forrester. (2020). AI and Marketing Efficiency.

David Allouche

About the Author:

David Allouche has spent the last 9 years of his life studying Social Medias, Blockchain and Cyber-Intelligence. He holds a MA from Tel Aviv University has been leading technical teams in governmental entities andin  two of the biggest Cyber-Intelligence companies in the world. He is a regular panel speaker at International Events.

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