Sudan has a long history of political instability characterized by coups, civil wars, and conflict. The current war between the army and the RSF highlights the volatility in the region. Landmark events from 1985 to 2024 depict a tumultuous political history, featuring significant uprisings and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Sudan has experienced ongoing turmoil marked by civil wars, military coups, and significant rebellions. Currently, the nation is embroiled in a conflict between the army and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has escalated in recent years. On a significant note, the Sudanese army recently declared it had secured full control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a critical point in the ongoing power struggle.
The timeline of political instability in Sudan highlights key events. In 1985, President Jaafar Nimeiri was deposed following a popular uprising, leading to a brief period of civilian rule initiated by elections in 1986. Subsequently, in 1989, General Omar al-Bashir seized power, supported by Islamist officers and politician Hassan al-Turabi, though their alliance later fractured.
In the late 1990s, Sudan faced international pressures, notably in 1996 when Osama bin Laden was expelled from the country after residing in Sudan for five years. In 1998, the United States targeted the El Shifa medicine factory, alleging it was linked to chemical weapons, an accusation Sudan denied.
The Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003, resulted in severe humanitarian crises, claiming around 300,000 lives and displacing millions due to the violence between government forces and the Janjaweed militia. Hardships continued even after a peace agreement in 2020, with Omar al-Bashir facing charges from the International Criminal Court for atrocities committed in Darfur.
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 ended two decades of civil war, facilitating a referendum that ultimately led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Bashir’s rule came to an end in 2019 due to public protests; however, tensions between military and civilian leaders regarding democratic transition escalated shortly thereafter.
Conflict erupted anew in April 2023, with Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF heralding a grim humanitarian situation by 2024, threatening famine across several regions and triggering concerns over further displacement and suffering.
In summary, Sudan’s intricate history is marred by cycles of coups, civil wars, and recent escalations of conflict. The ongoing battle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF illustrates a desperate humanitarian crisis, with millions affected. These developments reflect a profound instability in Sudan’s political landscape that continues to hinder progression toward peace and democracy.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
