Explainer

From autocracy to military coup: A timeline of power in Sudan since 2019

Sudan’s military has seized power, throwing the country's transition to democracy into chaos. Here's a look at the events of the past few years.

Sudanese protesters hold the national flag and chant during a demonstration in the capital Khartoum, 25 October 2021

Sudanese protesters hold the national flag and chant during a demonstration in the capital Khartoum, 25 October 2021 Source: EPA

Sudan's military , with chaos engulfing the capital Khartoum.

The government had been heading the transition to full civilian rule following the April 2019 overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Here's a recap of events in Sudan since Mr Bashir was toppled more than two years ago.

Bashir ousted

On 11 April, 2019, four months after mass protests sparked by a hike in bread prices spiral into demands for wholesale reform, Sudan's army removes Mr Bashir from power.

He is replaced by a transitional military government.

Thousands camp in front of army headquarters demanding civilian rule.

Talks between the generals and protest leaders break down.
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir in 2018
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir in 2018 Source: AP

Bloody crackdown

Armed men move in on the protest camp on 3 June and dozens are killed in a days-long crackdown.

A feared paramilitary group that sprang from the notorious Janjaweed militia, accused of war crimes in the 2003 Darfur conflict, is blamed for the violence, but rejects allegations it was involved.

Power-sharing

After the African Union intervenes, civilian and military factions agree to share power in a three-year transition to full civilian rule.

On 17 August, a "constitutional declaration" is signed and a sovereign council comprised of leading military and civilian figures is formed three days later.

In October, the government and rebel groups who had fought Mr Bashir's iron-fisted rule for decades agree to a "permanent ceasefire" in the country's three war zones.
Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok
Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok Source: DPA
Bashir convicted

On 14 December, Mr Bashir is convicted of corruption and sentenced to two years in a correctional centre.

The toppled autocrat has long been wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague over charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the 2003 Darfur conflict in which 300,000 people were killed.

A Khartoum prosecutor rejects extradition as not "necessary".

Unrest spreads

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok survives an assassination attempt on 9 March, 2020, which many see as a bid to derail the transition.

Inflation skyrockets in April, with food prices soaring after borders are closed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

On 30 June, street demonstrations reiterate demands for justice for people killed under Mr Bashir and during the protests of recent years.

Bashir tried for coup

Mr Bashir goes on trial in Khartoum on 21 July over the 1989 coup that brought him to power.

The government announces it will devalue the currency in a bid to curb black market activity as it struggles with an "economic emergency".

Peace deal

In October, Sudan signs a landmark peace deal with an alliance of rebel groups.

Two key groups refuse to sign and tribes in Sudan's east also oppose the accord, saying it overlooks them.

Also in October, Sudan agrees to normalise ties with Israel, in what is seen as a quid pro quo for the US to remove the country from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list in December.

Ethiopia tensions

In November, conflict breaks out in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, sending tens of thousands of refugees into Sudan.

The fighting rekindles a decades-old dispute between Sudan and Ethiopia over the fertile border region of Al-Fashaqa. Khartoum sends troops to secure the area.

The two countries are also at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as Sudan - along with Egypt - are both downstream from Ethiopia on the Nile.

Fragile government

Sudan in February 2021 announces a new cabinet including seven ministers from ex-rebel groups.

In June, Mr Hamdok warns of fractures within the civilian alliance which spearheaded the anti-Bashir protests.

Military coup

Protests in eastern Sudan block trade through the key hub of Port Sudan from September into October.

Khartoum announces on 21 September that it has thwarted a coup attempt by civilian and military plotters linked to Mr Bashir's ousted regime.

Protesters take to the streets in Khartoum from 16 October to demand a military government, ostensibly at the behest of a splinter faction of the main civilian protest bloc.
In response, tens of thousands demonstrate on 21 October in support for the country's transition to a civilian-led democracy.

On Monday, the information ministry says armed forces have detained civilian members of the ruling council and ministers in the government, as well as Mr Hamdok, after he refused to support their "coup".

Sudan's top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declares a state of emergency, dissolves the authorities leading the transition and announces the formation of a new government.


Share
4 min read
Published 26 October 2021 12:56pm
Updated 26 March 2022 5:33pm
Source: AFP, SBS



Share this with family and friends