Sudan's crisis has entered a dramatic new phase

The latest chapter in Sudan's civil war has captured the world's attention.

Humanitarian groups and activists say the signs of ethnic cleansing and humanitarian catastrophe have been apparent for years.

But the recent capture of a major city in the country's west has led to multiple reports of alleged crimes against humanity, with satellite images showing what could be evidence of mass killings.

So, who's fighting who, how did things get this way and what does it mean for the people caught in the middle of it all?

To understand what's happening now, it helps to understand some of the country's history.

The dictator accused of brutal genocide

Sudan gained its independence from British and Egyptian rule in 1965 and ever since has endured multiple military coups and brutal dictatorships