Omar Al Bashir and Africa's Longest War: A Comprehensive Examination of the Sudan Conflict

The Sudan conflict is considered the longest civil war in Africa, spanning over five decades and claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. At the heart of this conflict lies Omar Al Bashir, who ruled Sudan for 30 years before being overthrown in 2019. This article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of Omar Al Bashir's role in the Sudan conflict, exploring its causes, consequences, and international implications.

The Causes of the Conflict

The Sudan conflict has its roots in a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors. One of the main causes is the historical divide between the predominantly Arab and Muslim north and the Christian and animist south. This divide was exacerbated by decades of marginalization and discrimination against the south by the northern-dominated government in Khartoum.

Omar Al-Bashir and Africa's Longest War

by Paul Moorcraft

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Another factor that contributed to the conflict was the discovery of oil in southern Sudan in the 1970s. The wealth generated from oil further fueled tensions between the north and the south, as the government in Khartoum sought to control the oil revenues while the south demanded a greater share of the benefits.

Omar Al Bashir's Rise to Power and Role in the Conflict

Omar Al Bashir came to power in a military coup in 1989. He quickly established an authoritarian regime that suppressed dissent and violated human rights. Under his leadership, the Sudan conflict escalated into a full-blown civil war between the government and rebel groups in the south.

Bashir's government pursued a scorched-earth policy against the rebel-held territories in the south, leading to widespread destruction, displacement, and famine. His forces were accused of committing numerous human rights abuses, including mass killings, rape, and torture.

The Darfur Genocide

In 2003, a separate conflict erupted in the western region of Sudan, known as Darfur. The government-backed Janjaweed militia launched a campaign of violence against civilians from the ethnic minority groups in Darfur. The violence resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Bashir in 2009 and 2010, accusing him of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Darfur. However, Bashir remained in power for another nine years, largely ignoring the ICC's warrants.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement and International Involvement

In 2005, a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed between the government and the main rebel group in the south, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). The CPA ended the civil war in the south and provided for a referendum on independence for the region.

The international community played a significant role in mediating the CPA and supporting its implementation. The United Nations, the African Union, and other international organizations provided humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping troops, and financial support to Sudan.

South Sudan's Independence and Bashir's Downfall

In 2011, South Sudan gained independence through a referendum. The split between north and south Sudan was largely peaceful, but tensions have persisted over issues such as oil revenues and borders.

Bashir remained in power in northern Sudan, but his regime faced growing internal challenges. In 2019, mass protests erupted against his rule, demanding his resignation. Bashir was overthrown in a military coup on April 11, 2019.

The Legacy of Omar Al Bashir

Omar Al Bashir's legacy is one of violence, oppression, and war. He presided over one of the longest and deadliest conflicts in Africa, leaving a trail of destruction and misery. His downfall in 2019 marked a turning point in Sudan's history, but the challenges of peace-building and reconciliation remain.

The Sudan conflict has had a profound impact on the country and its people, as well as on the broader region. The war has caused widespread poverty, displacement, and human rights abuses. It has also destabilized neighboring countries and fueled regional conflict.

The Sudan conflict is a complex and tragic chapter in African history. Omar Al Bashir played a central role in this conflict, fueling the violence and prolonging the misery of the Sudanese people. His downfall marked a new chapter for Sudan, but the challenges of peace-building and reconciliation remain.

The international community has a responsibility to support Sudan in its efforts to build a just and lasting peace. This includes providing humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, and supporting the transition to democracy.

Image Gallery

Omar Al Bashir, former President of Sudan (Image: Wikipedia)

Mass protests in Khartoum led to the overthrow of Omar Al Bashir (Image: BBC)

Darfur refugees seeking shelter in Chad (Image: UNHCR)

References

• BBC News (2019). Sudan's Omar al-Bashir: A legacy of violence and oppression
• Reuters (2019). Omar al-Bashir's downfall leaves Sudan facing uncertain future
• Human Rights Watch (2020). Sudan

Omar Al-Bashir and Africa's Longest War

by Paul Moorcraft

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1491 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages
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