Civil war and ethnic cleansing are set to increase the instability in the country and the Horn of Africa
The military has taken over in Sudan. Here’s what happened
Ethnic cleansing is set to increase the instability in Sudan amid fears of renewed civil war. The country is divided into the south and the north. The south is represented by South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011.
Here’s a guide to the trouble spots and the region’s power-brokers:
Why are there so many conflicts in Sudan?
Overwhelming poverty makes poverty reduction the No 1 goal. These policies lead to marginalisation of farmers by elites in the north, south and in the tribal communities in the fertile peripheries of Sudan.
Why do the oil flows only northwards?
Northern Sudan has benefited from oil production for several decades but African countries north of the Nile and west of the great banks have generally prospered, with Kenya at the forefront.
What is the potential power-sharing agreement?
Following the independence of South Sudan and the war for independence in 2011, the current president, Omar al-Bashir, has taken control of the country. Bashir is believed to be about to bring the army in to control the south. Even Khartoum has to worry about any ceasefire.
What exactly has Bashir done?
His ruthless crackdown in Darfur in 2003 and his allegedly ongoing arrests of opponents during the struggle for independence shows Sudan has long been defined by his rule.
Why now?
The war for independence in the south has been costly for Bashir – the price is untold lives and livelihoods and another war could lead to Sudan losing territory.
Has Bashir been brutal in the past?
Yes. The fact that there are still bloody divisions in Darfur suggests all is not well. At the end of the war in southern Sudan Bashir claimed victory, but added he would only allow an elected government to take power in the north after solving outstanding problems in the south.
