Sudan, a country located at the crossroads of North Africa and the Middle East, has experienced a series of dramatic political, social, and economic upheavals in recent decades. From the 2019 revolution that ousted long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, to the ongoing civil conflict, the Sudanese people have endured cycles of hope, struggle, and uncertainty. As of 2025, Sudan remains a nation in flux, with deepening humanitarian crises, shifting political dynamics, and international attention focused on the question of whether peace can finally take hold.
A Brief History of Sudan’s Political Turmoil
Sudan's modern political history has been marked by instability. Since gaining independence from British-Egyptian rule in 1956, the country has been plagued by military coups, civil wars, and economic challenges. The most significant of these was the decades-long conflict between the North and South, culminating in the secession of South Sudan in 2011. This left Sudan grappling with the loss of oil revenues, a critical blow to an already fragile economy.
Despite this setback, Sudan remained under authoritarian rule, most notably under the leadership of Omar al-Bashir, who seized power in 1989 through a military coup. Bashir's regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including the Darfur genocide, and its increasing isolation from the international community. However, the mass protests that erupted in December 2018, sparked by rising bread prices and fuel shortages, ultimately led to Bashir’s ouster in April 2019.
The 2019 Revolution and Transition
The 2019 revolution was a pivotal moment for Sudan. After months of protests, the Sudanese military removed Bashir from power, and the country entered a transitional period. A power-sharing agreement was reached between the military and civilian leaders to establish a democratic government and create a new constitution. For many, this was a moment of hope for the future, as Sudan was seen as having an opportunity to rebuild its institutions and heal its deep divisions.
However, the transition has been far from smooth. The power-sharing agreement led to tensions between the military and civilian factions, especially over control of key security forces. The transitional government, led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, struggled to gain legitimacy and faced resistance from entrenched military leaders who had been in power for decades.
In October 2021, a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan upended the transition process. The coup ignited widespread protests and led to the killing of dozens of demonstrators. Despite international condemnation, al-Burhan and his military allies remain in control of the country, deepening the crisis.
The Humanitarian Crisis: A Devastating Impact on the People
The political turmoil has had devastating consequences for Sudan's population. The ongoing conflict, particularly in the Darfur region, continues to displace millions of people. The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions facing food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and the destruction of infrastructure. The United Nations has warned that Sudan could be on the brink of a famine if urgent aid is not provided.
In addition, Sudan’s economy is in freefall. Inflation has skyrocketed, the Sudanese pound has depreciated sharply, and unemployment rates have soared. Many Sudanese, particularly youth, face bleak prospects for the future. Poverty levels are at their highest in years, and a lack of basic services further exacerbates the suffering.
The Regional and International Dimensions of the Crisis
Sudan’s crisis is not just a domestic issue; it has regional and international implications. The political instability in Sudan has ramifications for neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan, all of which have longstanding ties to Sudan. The influx of refugees from Sudan, particularly into South Sudan and Ethiopia, has put a strain on regional resources and created further instability in an already fragile region.
Internationally, Sudan’s situation has attracted the attention of the United Nations, the African Union, and foreign powers such as the United States, China, and the Gulf States. While the international community has largely condemned the military coup, the response has been uneven, with some countries calling for sanctions and others seeking to engage with the military leadership.
In 2021, the U.S. removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a major step toward reintegration into the global economy. However, the country’s continued political instability has hindered its ability to secure foreign investment or meaningful debt relief. Many Sudanese see these international efforts as insufficient in addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Looking Forward: Can Sudan Achieve Peace?
The question on many minds is whether Sudan can ever achieve lasting peace and stability. The country has been through cycles of hope and despair, and the path forward is fraught with challenges. For Sudan to move forward, it will require a genuine and inclusive political dialogue that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders, including the military, civilians, and marginalized ethnic and religious groups.
It is also critical that Sudan receives sustained international support, not just in the form of humanitarian aid, but in the form of diplomatic efforts that encourage a peaceful resolution. A lasting peace will require addressing deep-rooted issues such as ethnic tensions, economic inequality, and the reform of Sudan’s security sector.
The Sudanese people remain resilient in the face of adversity. They have repeatedly shown their determination to seek a better future. Whether they can achieve this in the near future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the struggle for democracy, peace, and stability in Sudan is far from over.
Sudan's crisis is one of the most complex and protracted conflicts in modern African history. The path to peace remains elusive, with deep divisions and entrenched political structures holding back progress. However, Sudan’s journey is not unique in the broader context of the African continent, where many nations are grappling with similar struggles for democracy, justice, and development.
As the international community continues to watch Sudan’s developments closely, it is essential that any solution puts the needs and aspirations of the Sudanese people at the forefront. Only through genuine dialogue, international cooperation, and commitment to reform can Sudan hope to break free from its cycle of conflict and build a more stable and prosperous future.