Sudan has faced prolonged instability characterized by political turmoil, including military coups and civil wars. The recent conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis. Historical events from the 1985 coup to recent fighting in 2023 illustrate a tumultuous journey towards governance and peace.
Sudan is currently enduring a two-year-long conflict between its army and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation escalated recently, with the Sudanese army claiming full control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, a significant milestone amid the ongoing struggle. The country, home to 50 million individuals, has a tumultuous history marked by coups, wars, and political instability.
The timeline of Sudan’s instability includes several key events: In 1985, President Jaafar Nimeiri was ousted after a popular uprising, leading to a brief civilian rule initiated by elections in 1986. In 1989, army General Omar al-Bashir staged a coup, embarking on a thirty-year reign, initially supported by Islamist figures, including Hassan al-Turabi. However, relations soured between them, culminating in Turabi’s break from Bashir.
In the late 1990s, Sudan was under international scrutiny; the government expelled Osama bin Laden in 1998 due to pressure from the United States, which subsequently launched missile strikes against a facility allegedly linked to him. In 2003, the outbreak of conflict in the Darfur region, characterized by government-supported militia violence, resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement, with Bashir later accused of genocide by the International Criminal Court.
The 2005 peace agreement concluded a lengthy civil war, granting a referendum that led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. In 2019, following public demonstrations, al-Bashir was removed from power. The political transition proved challenging, with heightened tension between military and civilian factions.
As hostilities reignited on April 15, 2023, between army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the conflict further deteriorated into a humanitarian crisis. By 2024, this war has resulted in widespread famine, impacting several regions and threatening to affect more areas of the country.
Sudan’s history is characterized by military coups, civil wars, and enduring unrest, with a significant increase in violence in recent years. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF continues to create grave humanitarian issues. Sudan’s path to stability remains uncertain, as historical patterns of turmoil persist amidst a challenging political landscape.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
