A Historical Overview of Coups, Wars, and Instability in Sudan

Sudan has a tumultuous history characterized by coups, wars, and civil strife. Recent developments include the army’s control over the Presidential Palace amid ongoing conflict with the RSF. Key historical events span from the ousting of President Nimeiri in 1985 to the current humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict between opposing military factions.

Sudan has endured a long history of coups, wars, and internal conflicts, now compounded by a two-year war between its army and a paramilitary group. Recently, the Sudanese army reported it has gained full control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant moment in its ongoing struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This report outlines critical historical events relating to political instability in Sudan, a nation with a population of approximately 50 million.

In 1985, President Jaafar Nimeiri, who came to power through a coup in 1969, was ousted by a popular uprising. A military leader assumed command, vowing to hold elections within a year. The elections of 1986 ushered in a brief three-year period of civilian governance.

In 1989, army general Omar al-Bashir executed a coup and ruled for three decades, supported initially by Islamist military officers and the influential politician Hassan al-Turabi. However, tensions arose, and Turabi and Bashir eventually parted ways.

In 1996, under pressure from the United States, the Sudanese government expelled Osama bin Laden, who had resided in Sudan for five years. Following this, in 1998, a U.S. missile strike targeted a medicine factory in Khartoum, suspected of producing chemical weapon components. Sudan, on the other hand, claimed it solely manufactured pharmaceutical products.

The conflict escalated in 2003, particularly in the Darfur region, as rebels fought against government forces supported by the notorious Janjaweed militia. This conflict claimed around 300,000 lives and displaced millions, with violence persisting even after a 2020 peace agreement. Bashir faced charges from the International Criminal Court for genocide and atrocities committed in Darfur.

A significant peace deal was signed in 2005 between the northern government and southern rebels, concluding two decades of civil strife and resulting in the eventual independence of South Sudan in 2011. In 2019, Bashir was removed from power following protests, leading to heightened tensions between military factions and civilian authorities over the country’s transition to democracy.

The current conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, amid protests against military actions, pitting the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), Burhan’s deputy. By 2024, this conflict resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, prompting famine across multiple regions and threatening to expand further.

Sudan’s history is marked by a pattern of coups and civil conflicts that have severely impacted its stability. The recent struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF underscores the ongoing instability, with roots tracing back to historical precedents of military takeovers and civil unrest. The humanitarian consequences of these conflicts, particularly the alarming state of famine in affected areas, highlight the urgent need for resolution and support in the region.

Original Source: www.usnews.com