SUDAN

1. Introduction

Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is the third-largest country on the continent. It has a rich historical background, diverse culture, and a complex socio-political landscape that has been shaped by its history of colonialism, civil wars, and economic challenges.

2. History

Ancient to Medieval Era

• Ancient Kingdoms: Sudan was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Kingdom of Kush, which thrived around the Nile River from 1070 BC to 350 AD. The Kushites conquered Egypt and built pyramids at Napata and Meroë.
• Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, Islam spread to Sudan, leading to the establishment of various Islamic sultanates, such as the Makurian and Alodia kingdoms, which existed until the 16th century.

Colonial Era

• British-Egyptian Rule: In the 19th century, Sudan came under the control of the Ottoman Empire and later the British-Egyptian condominium in 1899. This period saw the introduction of modern education, infrastructure, and agriculture but also fostered significant resentment among the local population.

Independence and Civil Conflicts

• Independence: Sudan gained independence in 1956 but soon faced internal conflicts, mainly between the north and south, leading to the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972).
• Second Civil War: The discovery of oil in the south exacerbated tensions, culminating in the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), resulting in millions of deaths and displacements.

Recent History

• Darfur Conflict: The conflict in the Darfur region, which began in 2003, drew international attention due to widespread human rights abuses.
• South Sudan: In 2011, South Sudan gained independence after a referendum, but tensions remained high over oil resources and border disputes.
• Political Unrest: In 2019, mass protests led to the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for nearly 30 years. A transitional government was established, but the country continues to face political instability and economic challenges.

3. Economy

Overview

Sudan’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with significant contributions from the oil sector. However, the secession of South Sudan in 2011 resulted in the loss of three-quarters of oil production, significantly impacting the economy.

Key Economic Sectors

• Agriculture: Employs over 40% of the population and contributes significantly to GDP. Major crops include:
  • Sorghum: A staple food crop.
  • Wheat: Increasingly important for food security.
  • Cotton: Historically a major cash crop, particularly in the Gezira Scheme.
  • Livestock: Sudan has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, with cattle, sheep, and goats.
• Oil and Gas: Before the loss of southern oil fields, Sudan was a significant oil producer. Efforts to develop oil fields in the north continue, but challenges remain.
• Mining: Gold mining has become increasingly important as the government seeks to diversify the economy. Sudan has rich mineral resources, including gold, which is now the leading export.

Economic Challenges

• Inflation: Sudan has experienced hyperinflation, particularly following the economic sanctions and loss of oil revenues.
• Foreign Debt: The country faces significant foreign debt and struggles to secure international financial assistance.
• Corruption: Corruption is widespread and hinders economic development, leading to mismanagement of resources and funds.

Major Imports and Exports

• Major Imported Goods:
  • Machinery and Equipment: Essential for various sectors.
  • Foodstuffs: Particularly wheat and other staple foods.
  • Fuel and Chemicals: Necessary for industrial processes and agriculture.
• Major Exported Goods:
  • Gold: The primary export commodity, overtaking oil in recent years.
  • Agricultural Products: Including cotton, gum Arabic, and livestock.
  • Oil: Although reduced since the split with South Sudan, it still contributes to export revenues.

4. Infrastructure

Major Highways

Sudan has a limited but improving transportation network. Major highways include:

• Khartoum to Port Sudan Highway: A critical route for trade and transport.
• The Northern Corridor: Connects the capital to the northern border and facilitates trade with Egypt.

Airports

• Khartoum International Airport: The main international airport, serving as a hub for flights to the Middle East and Africa.
• Port Sudan International Airport: Important for connecting Red Sea trade routes.

5. Political Landscape

Major Political Parties

• National Congress Party (NCP): Formerly led by Omar al-Bashir, the NCP was the dominant party during his regime but has since lost influence.
• Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM): Primarily representing South Sudanese interests, influential in southern regions.
• Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC): An alliance of opposition groups that led protests against al-Bashir’s government and now forms part of the transitional government.

Major Leaders

• Abdalla Hamdok: Prime Minister of the transitional government, appointed after al-Bashir’s ousting. His government aims to implement reforms and stabilize the economy.
• General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan: Chairman of the Sovereignty Council and de facto leader, representing the military in the transitional government.

6. Demographics and Society

Major Ethnic Groups

Sudan is ethnically diverse, with several major groups, including:

• Arab Sudanese: Predominantly in the north.
• Nilotes: Including Dinka and Nuer in the south.
• Beja: Primarily in the eastern regions.
• Other Ethnicities: Including Fur, Zaghawa, and various others across the country.

Major Religions

• Islam: The predominant religion, with Sunni Islam being the most practiced.
• Christianity: Mainly in the southern regions and among certain ethnic groups.

GDP and Per Capita Income

• GDP: Approximately $40 billion (as of 2023), reflecting a struggling economy heavily reliant on agriculture and gold.
• Per Capita Income: Around $800, indicating significant poverty levels and economic disparity.

Major Sources of Income

• Agriculture: The primary source of income for the majority of the population.
• Gold Mining: An increasingly significant source of revenue.
• Remittances: Many Sudanese work abroad and send remittances back home, contributing to household incomes.

Corruption and Governance

Sudan ranks poorly on corruption indices, with widespread corruption affecting public services, governance, and the economy. Efforts to combat corruption have been initiated, but challenges remain significant.

7. Education and Major Universities

Major Universities

• University of Khartoum: The oldest and most prestigious university, offering various disciplines.
• Sudan University of Science and Technology: Known for engineering and technical programs.
• Al-Neelain University: Offers a wide range of courses and has a diverse student body.

Education Challenges

The education system has suffered from underfunding, particularly in rural areas. Access to quality education remains a significant issue, with efforts underway to reform and improve educational outcomes.

8. Major Cities

• Khartoum: The capital and largest city, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center.
• Omdurman: Located across the Nile from Khartoum, known for its historical significance and vibrant markets.
• Port Sudan: A key port city on the Red Sea, vital for trade and commerce.
• Nyala: The capital of South Darfur, significant for its role in the agricultural sector.

9. Conclusion

Sudan is a nation with a complex history, marked by rich cultural diversity and significant challenges. The journey towards stability and prosperity continues as the country navigates political transitions, economic difficulties, and social transformations. Efforts to foster unity, improve governance, and diversify the economy are essential for building a sustainable future for the Sudanese people.