Sudan's conflict, explained

Summary

The script recounts Sudan's political upheaval, beginning with the 2018 revolution against President Omar Bashir's military regime and the subsequent coup that saw military leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, or Hemeti, rise to power. Initially united, their power struggle led to a violent conflict, undermining Sudan's hope for democracy. Despite international pressure for a power-sharing agreement, their disagreement over military integration escalated into a civil war, leaving the nation divided and its people betrayed.

Takeaways

• 🏳️‍🌈 Sudan experienced a revolution in 2018, with civilians demanding democracy after decades of military rule under President Omar Bashir.
• 🔄 The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have historically held significant power, leading multiple coups and maintaining control over the country.
• 🛡️ Bashir implemented 'coup proofing' strategies to secure his rule, including bolstering the army and creating protectors like the Janjaweed militias.
• 🔫 The Janjaweed, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), were instrumental in the brutal suppression of rebellions, particularly in Darfur.
• 💸 Economic struggles and a severe budget allocation towards the security sector sparked widespread protests against Bashir's regime.
• 🤝 In April 2019, a coup by SAF commanders and Hemeti led to Bashir's removal, but protesters remained skeptical of the new military leadership.
• 🔄 A power-sharing agreement was established between the military and civilian protesters, with a transitional council led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemeti.
• 🔄 Tensions between Hemeti and Burhan escalated, leading to Hemeti's push for a more extended timeline for integrating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the army.
• 🔥 The disagreement over the power-sharing deal and the RSF's integration led to a rift, resulting in an ongoing conflict between Hemeti and Burhan.
• 🌍 International pressure and failed ceasefires have not resolved the conflict, leaving Sudan's path to democracy uncertain and its people feeling betrayed.

Q & A

What triggered the revolution in Sudan on December 19th, 2018?

The revolution in Sudan was triggered by decades of living under President Omar Bashir’s brutal military regime, with civilians pushing back for democracy.

Who were the two men instrumental in the coup against President Omar Bashir?

The two men instrumental in the coup against President Omar Bashir were Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a former regional commander in Darfur.

What is the significance of the term 'coup proofing' in the context of Bashir's regime?

Coup proofing refers to the strategy Bashir used to secure his power by surrounding himself with protectors while ensuring none had enough power to overthrow him, which included bolstering the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and maintaining a strong relationship with them.

How did the Janjaweed militias become a significant force in Sudan's political landscape?

The Janjaweed militias became significant when President Bashir decided to rely on them instead of the SAF to counter the rebellion in Darfur. Later, they were given official status as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Bashir's direct command.

What economic factors contributed to the protests in Sudan in 2018?

The economic crisis in Sudan, including the loss of oil resources to South Sudan and the government's budget allocating a large portion to the security sector while neglecting basic needs of the people, contributed to the widespread protests.

What was the role of Hemeti in the initial phase of the Sudanese revolution?

Hemeti, as the leader of the RSF, was initially a protector of Bashir. However, as the protests intensified and it became clear that Bashir's leadership was no longer useful, Hemeti collaborated with SAF commanders to remove Bashir from power in a coup.

What was the power-sharing agreement that was reached after the coup against Bashir?

The power-sharing agreement involved a transitional council with representatives from both the military and the protesters, where the military would have control for 21 months and civilians for 18 months, eventually leading to a civilian-led government.

Who was appointed as the prime minister following the power-sharing agreement?

Abdallah Hamdok was appointed as the prime minister following the power-sharing agreement.

What event led to Abdallah Hamdok's resignation as prime minister?

Abdallah Hamdok resigned following multiple military interventions by the leaders, including a staged coup in October 2021.

What was the disagreement between Burhan and Hemeti that led to their conflict?

The disagreement was over the integration of the RSF into Burhan’s army, which would limit Hemeti’s power. Burhan wanted this to happen in two years, while Hemeti proposed a 10-year timeline.

How has the conflict between Burhan and Hemeti impacted Sudan's path to democracy?

The conflict has interrupted the hopeful revolution, leading to hundreds of civilian deaths, thousands fleeing Sudan, and a breakdown in ceasefires and peace talks, leaving protesters feeling betrayed by the country's de facto leaders and the international community.