Sudan has been in a state of political and economic turmoil since October 25, 2021, when the country’s military leaders staged a coup, ousting the civilian-led transitional government. The coup has been met with widespread protests, and the country is now facing a humanitarian crisis.
The Coup
The coup was led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council. Burhan claimed that the coup was necessary to prevent a civil war, but many observers believe that it was an attempt by the military to maintain its grip on power.
The coup was met with widespread protests, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand the restoration of the civilian government. The protests have been met with a brutal crackdown by the security forces, with hundreds of people killed and thousands more injured.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The coup has had a devastating impact on Sudan’s economy. The value of the Sudanese pound has plummeted, and inflation is soaring. This has made it difficult for people to afford basic necessities, such as food and medicine. The United Nations has warned that Sudan is on the brink of famine.
The coup has also led to a surge in violence. There have been reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The United Nations has called on the Sudanese military to respect human rights and to allow for a peaceful transition to democracy.
The International Community
The international community has condemned the coup and has imposed sanctions on Sudan. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have all suspended their economic assistance to Sudan. The African Union has suspended Sudan’s membership.
The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting to discuss the coup, but it has been unable to agree on a resolution. Russia and China have vetoed a draft resolution that would have condemned the coup and called for the restoration of the civilian government.
The Future
The future of Sudan is uncertain. The military leaders have refused to step down, and the protests continue. The country is facing a humanitarian crisis, and the economy is in free fall. The international community is calling for a return to democracy, but it is unclear if the military leaders will heed this call.
The coup has been a major setback for Sudan’s transition to democracy. It has also raised concerns about the future of democracy in Sudan and the region. The international community must continue to pressure the Sudanese military to restore the civilian government and to respect human rights.
Some Facts and Figures:
- As of April 28, 2023, at least 400 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured in the protests.
- The United Nations estimates that over 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity.
- The World Bank has warned that Sudan’s economy could contract by 10% in 2023.
- The African Union has suspended Sudan’s membership until the coup is reversed.
Prime Events
October 25, 2021:
The Sudanese military stages a coup, ousting the civilian-led transitional government.
October 26, 2021:
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok is placed under house arrest.
November 21, 2021:
Hamdok is released from house arrest and reinstated as prime minister, but he is under the control of the military.
January 18, 2022:
Hamdok resigns in protest of the military’s continued control of the government.
February 2, 2022:
The Sudanese military declares a state of emergency and dissolves the Sovereignty Council.
February 14, 2022:
The United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting to discuss the coup, but it is unable to agree on a resolution.
March 8, 2023:
The Sudanese military releases a new political charter that outlines a roadmap for the country’s transition to democracy. However, the charter has been widely criticized by the Sudanese people and the international community for failing to meet their demands.
April 2023:
Fighting broke out in the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum and other parts of the country as strong rival military factions fought for control of the African country and its future.