Sudan

Synopsis

 

Sudan has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. After decades of civil war, rebel uprisings and power struggles, in 2011 it gave birth to the world's newest country - South Sudan. But it's not been an easy transition, and the secession that was meant to pave the path to peace, has plunged the region into further chaos.

 

In this updated edition of his ground-breaking investigation, Jok Madut Jok delves deep into Sudan's culture and history, isolating the factors that continue to cause its fractured national identity. With moving first-hand testimonies, Jok provides a decisive critique of a region in turmoil, and addresses what must be done to break the tragic cycle of racism, poverty and brutality that grips Sudan and South Sudan.

Summary

Chapter 1: A Torn Nation

Sudan, a vast and diverse country, has faced decades of civil war and political instability. The chapter provides an overview of the country's history, including the struggle for independence from British colonial rule, the 1983-2005 civil war between the north and south, and the 2019 revolution that led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir.

Example:
The protracted civil war in Sudan divided the country into two parts: the predominantly Muslim north and the Christian and animist south. The conflict left millions of people displaced and killed hundreds of thousands.

Chapter 2: The Oil Curse

Sudan is rich in natural resources, including oil. However, the discovery of oil has had devastating consequences for the country. The chapter explores the impact of the oil industry on Sudan's economy, environment, and society.

Example:
The oil revenues have been used to fund the government's security apparatus and suppress dissent, leading to increased corruption and authoritarianism. The oil extraction has also caused significant environmental pollution, displacing local communities and damaging their livelihoods.

Chapter 3: The Darfur Genocide

In 2003, a conflict broke out in Sudan's western Darfur region, resulting in a brutal genocide. The chapter examines the causes of the genocide, the role of the Sudanese government, and the international response.

Example:
The genocide was triggered by a complex mix of political, economic, and ethnic factors. The Sudanese government supported and armed the Janjaweed militia, which carried out systematic attacks on civilians. The international community failed to intervene effectively, allowing the genocide to continue for years.

Chapter 4: The Arab Spring and Revolution

In 2011, Sudan was part of the Arab Spring uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa. The chapter describes the protests, the response of the government, and the eventual overthrow of al-Bashir.

Example:
The protests in Sudan began in 2011 due to rising inflation and government corruption. The government responded with a violent crackdown, but the protests continued and eventually forced al-Bashir to step down in 2019.

Chapter 5: A New Beginning

After al-Bashir's overthrow, Sudan underwent a transition to civilian rule. The chapter analyzes the challenges and opportunities facing the new government, including the need for peace, economic recovery, and democratic reforms.

Example:
The new Sudanese government has faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis, and ongoing conflicts in various parts of the country. However, the government has also made progress in implementing democratic reforms and promoting peace and stability.