In a notable turn of events, President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, who had ruled the country for three decades, was overthrown in a coup staged by the armed forces. The president was ejected from his position following a protracted period of protests sparked initially by the increasing costs of food and other necessities. However, the protest quickly morphed into bigger demands for the removal of President Omar al-Bashir and his government.
Reasons for Bashir’s Ouster
Bashir’s ousting did not happen in a vacuum; it was fuelled by a combination of economic hardships and civil war. Over his reign, Bashir presided over a debilitating 21-year war in South Sudan. In 2011, after a referendum, South Sudan was granted independence from Sudan. This referendum was part of a peace deal agreed upon between Bashir and rebels from South Sudan. However, this split came with severe financial implications for Sudan, as South Sudan ended up taking control of 75% of Sudan’s oil resources, leading to Sudan’s already struggling economy being hit mercilessly hard.
US Sanctions
It’s crucial to also note the crippling effect of U.S sanctions on Sudan’s economy. From 1993, Sudan endured prolonged periods of isolation after the United States added Bashir’s government to its list of terrorism sponsors for harboring Islamist militants. And as recent as December 2018, the government of Sudan attempted to stave off an economic collapse, triggered by years of US sanctions and loss of oil revenues, by implementing emergency austerity measures and a sharp currency devaluation.
Influence of Algeria
The political landscape in Africa also played a role in the Sudanese turnover, particularly the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, president of Algeria, after more than two decades in power. This set off a wave of protests throughout Sudan, adding to the mounting pressure on Bashir’s administration.
ICC Charges
To add legal pressure to his political woes, Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He is accused of perpetrating genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region during an insurgency that started in 2003. This led to the death of an estimated 300,000 people.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of Bashir's Rule | 30 years |
| Year South Sudan Gained Independance | 2011 |
| Loss of Oil Resources | 75% |
| Year US Sanctions Began | 1993 |
| Estimated Deaths in Darfur Genocide | 300,000 |
Sudan’s Future
In light of the recent upheaval, Sudan’s Defence Minister, Awad Ibn Ouf, announced that the army would oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections. Additionally, a three-month state of emergency has been declared. Despite these measures, protests persist as citizens demand for a civilian-led government rather than military rule.