Sudan is experiencing a two-year war between its army and paramilitary RSF, rooted in a history of coups, civil wars, and rebellions. Key historical events include the ousting of President Nimeiri in 1985, al-Bashir’s three-decade rule starting in 1989, the Darfur conflict from 2003, the 2019 uprising against Bashir, and the 2024 humanitarian crisis. The conflict continues to affect millions in the nation.
Sudan is currently embroiled in a war that has persisted for two years, marked by a conflict between the national army and a paramilitary group. Recently, the Sudanese army announced its capture of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, representing a significant achievement in its ongoing struggle against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This instability is rooted in a history of civil wars, military coups, and rebellions across the nation of 50 million people.
Several pivotal moments have defined Sudan’s turbulent political landscape:
– 1985: Following a popular uprising, President Jaafar Nimeiri, who had ascended to power in a coup in 1969, was ousted. His replacement, another military leader, pledged to hold elections within a year, leading to a brief period of civilian governance until 1986.
– 1989: Army General Omar al-Bashir executed another coup, beginning a 30-year regime bolstered by Islamist officers and the influential politician Hassan al-Turabi, who later distanced himself from Bashir.
– 1996: Under U.S. pressure, Sudan’s government expelled Osama bin Laden, who had resided in Sudan for five years as a guest before being forced to leave in May 1998.
– 1998: The U.S. launched missile strikes on the El Shifa medicine factory in Khartoum, alleging it produced chemical weapon components, although Sudan claimed it manufactured pharmaceuticals.
– 2003: The Darfur conflict erupted, with rebels confronting government forces and a militia known as Janjaweed. The conflict claimed approximately 300,000 lives and displaced millions, with violence continuing even after a peace agreement in 2020. The International Criminal Court subsequently charged Bashir with genocide.
– 2005: A peace agreement was reached between Sudan’s northern government and southern rebels, ending two decades of civil war that resulted in 2 million deaths. This agreement led to a referendum, culminating in South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
– 2019: Bashir was ousted following widespread protests. This opened a contentious chapter of political transition marred by conflict between military and civilian authorities.
– 2023: The conflict reignited on April 15, with fighting between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the ruling council, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who commands the RSF.
– 2024: The ongoing strife between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, with famine affecting five regions and potential expansion to ten others.
Sudan’s history is characterized by recurring cycles of political upheaval, military interventions, and civil strife, culminating in its current state of conflict. The recent seizure of key locations by the Sudanese army illustrates the ongoing turmoil between military factions and paramilitary groups. This complex history of governance, marked by notable events from 1985 to 2024, underscores the persistent challenges facing Sudan in its pursuit of stability and peace.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
