Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a Northeast African country with a population nearing 50 million. Covering 1,886,068 square kilometers, it's Africa's third-largest country and the third largest in the Arab League. Bordered by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and the Red Sea, it was formerly the largest in both Africa and the Arab League until South Sudan's 2011 secession. Its capital and largest city is Khartoum.
1905: End of Resistance to British Rule
Sultan Yambio, a local chieftain, ceased resistance against British forces in Kordofan in 1905, ending lawlessness in the region.
1914: Sudan Under British Military Governorship
Following the end of Ottoman rule, Sir Reginald Wingate was appointed as Sudan's Military Governor in December 1914.
1924: British Policy of Separate Administration
From 1924 until 1956, the British implemented a policy of administering Sudan as two distinct territories: north and south.
1925: Formation of Sudan Defence Force
The Sudan Defence Force (SDF), established in 1925, played a significant role in the East African Campaign during World War II.
1927: Death of Saad Zaghloul
Saad Zaghloul, a prominent Egyptian nationalist leader who advocated for a unified Egypt and Sudan, died in 1927.
1928: Peak Revenue for Sudanese Government
The Sudanese Government's revenue reached its highest point in 1928, amounting to £6.6 million.
July 1936: Anglo-Egyptian Treaty
The Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, marking a new phase in Anglo-Egyptian relations, was signed in July 1936.
1940: Italian Occupation of Kassala
Italian forces, advancing from Italian Somaliland, occupied Kassala and other border areas in 1940.
1942: SDF's Role in Invasion of Italian Somaliland
The SDF participated in the British and Commonwealth forces' invasion of Italian Somaliland in 1942.
1951: Sudan Joins Refugee Convention
Sudan became a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, demonstrating its commitment to international refugee law.
1952: Egyptian Revolution
The Egyptian revolution of 1952 led to the overthrow of the monarchy and demands for British withdrawal from Egypt and Sudan.
1952: Egyptian Revolution and Path to Sudanese Independence
The Egyptian revolution of 1952 initiated the process leading to Sudanese independence.
1953: Abolition of Egyptian Monarchy
Egypt abolished its monarchy in 1953, with new leaders aiming to end British influence in Sudan.
January 1956: Sudanese Independence
In January 1956, Sudan gained independence after a polling process led to the formation of a democratic parliament with Ismail al-Azhari as the first Prime Minister. The Egyptian and British flags were lowered, and the new Sudanese flag was raised.
January 1956: Sudanese Independence
Sudan declared independence on January 1, 1956, following British agreement to end shared sovereignty with Egypt.
1956: Sudan Gains Independence, Documentary Filmmaking Flourishes
Following Sudan's independence in 1956, a vibrant documentary film tradition emerged, capturing the nation's early years of self-rule.
1956: Sudanese Independence
Sudan gained independence in 1956, marking the end of British colonial rule.
May 1969: Coup d'état led by Gaafar Nimeiry
On May 25, 1969, Col. Gaafar Nimeiry led a coup d'état in Sudan, overthrowing the existing government. Nimeiry became prime minister, abolished parliament, and outlawed political parties.
July 1971: Coup Attempt and Restoration of Nimeiry
In July 1971, a coup led by the Sudanese Communist Party briefly overthrew Nimeiry. However, anti-communist military elements quickly restored Nimeiry to power.
1972: Addis Ababa Agreement
The Addis Ababa Agreement, signed in 1972, granted self-governance to South Sudan. However, it failed to adequately address minority rights.
1972: Shift Towards Pro-Western Policies and Economic Challenges
In 1972, Sudan's government adopted more pro-Western policies and focused on exporting food and cash crops. However, declining commodity prices in the 1970s led to economic difficulties, compounded by rising debt servicing costs from agricultural mechanization.
1972: Addis Ababa Agreement
In 1972, the Addis Ababa Agreement brought a temporary halt to the north-south civil war in Sudan and granted a degree of self-rule to the south. This agreement also led to the end of American investment in the Jonglei Canal project.
1976: Ansar Coup Attempt
The Ansars, a prominent religious and political group, launched a coup attempt in 1976 against President Nimeiry. The attempt was unsuccessful and resulted in bloodshed.
July 1977: Nimeiry's Reconciliation Efforts
In July 1977, President Nimeiry initiated a reconciliation process with the Ansar leader, Sadiq al-Mahdi. This led to the release of political prisoners and a general amnesty for opposition figures in August.
1978: IMF Structural Adjustment Program
In 1978, Sudan entered into a Structural Adjustment Program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This program aimed to address economic problems by further promoting mechanized export agriculture but had adverse effects on pastoral communities.
September 1983: Introduction of Sharia Law
In September 1983, President Jaafar Nimeiri introduced sharia law in Sudan, which included the implementation of hudud punishments and the symbolic disposal of alcohol.
1983: Islamic Law Implemented
Sudan applied Islamic laws from 1983, marking a period of Islamist rule.
1983: Sudan Conducts Census
The 1983 census, encompassing present-day South Sudan, recorded Sudan's total population at 21.6 million.
1983: Imposition of Strict Sharia Law Impacts Sudanese Music
The imposition of a strict Salafi interpretation of sharia law in 1983 had a profound impact on Sudan's music scene, leading to the imprisonment of prominent artists and the suppression of traditional musical practices like Zār ceremonies.
1983: Second Sudanese Civil War and Famine
Beginning in 1983, Sudan experienced a devastating combination of civil war and famine. This resulted in the deaths of nearly two million people and an estimated 200,000 people being forced into slavery.
1984: Implementation of Islamic Economy
In early 1984, Sudan transitioned to an Islamic economy, which included eliminating interest and instituting zakat.
June 1989: Military Coup by Omar al-Bashir
On June 30, 1989, Colonel Omar al-Bashir seized power in a bloodless military coup. The new regime suspended political activities, introduced Islamic law, and repressed dissent.
1989: Start of Bashir's Rule
Omar al-Bashir's 30-year-long military dictatorship began in 1989, marked by human rights abuses.
1989: Omar al-Bashir's Regime Begins
Omar al-Bashir's rule in Sudan began in 1989, ushering in an era of restricted press freedom and government control over media outlets.
1990: Sudan Changes Educational Ladder
Sudan implemented a change to its educational structure in 1990, shifting away from the previous 6+3+3 system.
1991: Sudan Implements Penal Code Restricting Women's Clothing
A 1991 penal code in Sudan, known as the Public Order Law, prohibited women from wearing trousers in public, deeming it an "obscene outfit" and leading to potential punishments.
October 1993: Al-Bashir Assumes Presidency
On October 16, 1993, Omar al-Bashir consolidated his power by appointing himself as President and dissolving the Revolutionary Command Council. He assumed executive and legislative powers, further centralizing control.
1996: One-Party State and International Isolation
In the 1996 election, al-Bashir was the sole candidate, solidifying Sudan as a one-party state. During the 1990s, the government's association with Islamic fundamentalist groups, including Osama bin Laden, led to Sudan being designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States.
1998: Compensation for Embassy Bombings
As part of the deal to normalize ties with Israel, Sudan agreed to pay $335 million to compensate victims of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings.
2000: Suppression of Dissent and State of Emergency
In 2000, al-Bashir's attempt to reduce presidential powers through a bill proposed by Hassan al-Turabi was met with resistance. Al-Bashir responded by dissolving parliament, declaring a state of emergency, and later jailing al-Turabi on suspicion of plotting a coup.
2000: Post-2000 Growth Driven by Oil
While agriculture remained a significant sector, oil production became a major driver of Sudan's economic growth in the period after 2000.
2001: Endangered Wildlife in Sudan
By 2001, poaching posed a significant threat to Sudan's wildlife, resulting in the endangerment of 21 mammal species, 9 bird species, and 2 plant species.
2001: Flogging of Christians
In 2001, 53 Christians were subjected to flogging in Sudan.
2001: World Bank Estimates Primary and Secondary Enrollment in Sudan
In 2001, the World Bank estimated that 46% of eligible students were enrolled in primary education in Sudan, while secondary school enrollment stood at 21%.
2002: Exodus of Sudanese Researchers Begins
Between 2002 and 2014, over 3,000 Sudanese researchers left the country due to policies enacted by President Al-Bashir.
2002: Sentences of Crucifixion
In 2002, 88 people received death sentences for various crimes, with the possibility of execution by hanging or crucifixion, according to Amnesty International.
February 2003: Outbreak of War in Darfur
In February 2003, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) launched an armed rebellion in Darfur. They accused the government of oppressing non-Arab Sudanese, sparking the Darfur War, which has been characterized by widespread atrocities and labeled as genocide.
2003: Mohammed Wardi Returns to Sudan
Prominent Sudanese musician Mohammed Wardi, who had fled the country during a period of political repression, returned to Sudan in 2003.
2003: Genocide in Darfur Begins
The Darfur genocide, marked by widespread atrocities and ethnic cleansing, began in 2003 during Omar al-Bashir's regime.
2003: Focus on Civil War and Darfur Conflict
From 2003 onwards, Sudan's foreign relations centered on seeking support for ending the Second Sudanese Civil War and addressing condemnation of government support for militias in the Darfur conflict.
February 2004: Emergence of the Eastern Front
The Eastern Front, a coalition of rebel groups, emerged in eastern Sudan in February 2004, filling the void left by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) after the peace agreement.
2004: Human Rights Abuses Since Start of Darfur Crisis
Human rights abuses in Darfur, including violence against civilians, have been ongoing since the crisis began in 2004, as highlighted by reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch.
2004: Darfur Crisis Begins
The Darfur crisis began in 2004, marked by conflict between the Sudanese government, allied militias (including the Janjaweed), and rebel groups like the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA). The conflict resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis with a significant loss of life.
January 2005: Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement
On January 9, 2005, the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed the Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This agreement aimed to end the Second Sudanese Civil War and paved the way for the 2011 referendum on South Sudan's independence.
December 2005: Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara
Sudan became one of the few states to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2005.
2005: Sudan adopts Arabic and English as official languages
Sudan's 2005 constitution officially recognized both Arabic and English as the nation's official languages.
2005: Naivasha Agreement Provides Some Protections for Non-Muslims
The 2005 Naivasha Agreement, which ended the civil war between north and south Sudan, included provisions for the protection of non-Muslims in Khartoum.
2005: Chad-Sudan Conflict
The Chad-Sudan Conflict, triggered by the Battle of Adré, took place from 2005 to 2007. The conflict involved cross-border raids and military confrontations between the two countries.
May 2006: Darfur Peace Agreement
On May 5, 2006, the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed, aiming to resolve the three-year-long conflict in Darfur.
August 2006: Human Rights Watch Condemns Sudanese Government
In August 2006, Human Rights Watch issued a letter condemning the Sudanese government's role in the Darfur crisis, stating that the government was both unable and unwilling to protect its citizens and that its militias were complicit in crimes against humanity.
October 2006: Peace Agreement with the Eastern Front
The Sudanese government and the Eastern Front reached a peace agreement on October 14, 2006, in Asmara, aiming to end the conflict in eastern Sudan.
2006: New York Times Highlights Economic Growth
A 2006 New York Times article highlighted Sudan's rapid economic growth, largely driven by oil profits.
March 2007: US State Department Report Cites Abuses by All Sides
The US State Department's human rights report, released in March 2007, accused all sides in the Darfur conflict of committing serious human rights abuses. These included the widespread killing of civilians, the use of rape as a weapon of war, torture, robbery, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
May 2007: Chad-Sudan Agreement
On May 3, 2007, Sudan and Chad signed an agreement in Saudi Arabia to halt fighting along their shared border, which had erupted due to the Darfur conflict.
July 2007: Devastating Floods
In July 2007, Sudan experienced catastrophic floods that affected over 400,000 people, causing widespread damage and displacement.
2007: Economic Boom Fueled by Oil
Sudan experienced an economic boom in 2007, with a growth rate of about nine percent, driven by increasing oil revenues.
2008: UNICEF Reports Child Soldiers in Darfur
In 2008, UNICEF reported the presence of as many as 6,000 child soldiers in Darfur, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on children.
2008: Sudan Conducts Census
The 2008 census in Sudan revealed a population exceeding 30 million in the northern, western, and eastern regions, marking a significant increase from previous decades and highlighting the rapid growth of the Greater Khartoum area.
2009: Poverty Rate at 43%
The poverty rate in Sudan was 43% in 2009, indicating significant economic hardship for a large portion of the population.
2009: GDP Growth at 4.2 Percent
Sudan's GDP experienced growth of 4.2 percent in 2009.
2009: Woman Fined for Wearing Trousers in Sudan
In 2009, a Sudanese woman was found guilty of violating the 1991 Public Order Law by wearing trousers in public, resulting in a fine instead of the more severe punishment of lashes.
2009: Proposal for Unified Sudanese Sign Language
In 2009, a proposal was put forth to establish a unified Sudanese Sign Language, aiming to bridge communication gaps among the country's diverse deaf communities.
2009: Stoning and Flogging as Punishments
Between 2009 and 2012, several women were sentenced to death by stoning in Sudan. During the same period, numerous individuals received sentences of 40-100 lashes.
2009: Inter-Tribal Conflicts
Beginning in 2009, Sudan and South Sudan witnessed a series of ongoing conflicts between rival nomadic tribes. These conflicts resulted in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.
2010: Sudan's Economy Among Fastest-Growing
In 2010, Sudan's economy was recognized as one of the world's fastest-growing, fueled by oil revenues, despite facing international sanctions.
2010: World Bank Reports GDP Growth
The World Bank reported that Sudan's GDP grew by 5.2 percent in 2010, demonstrating continued economic growth despite internal conflicts.
July 2011: South Sudan Gains Independence, Impacting Oil Production
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, taking with it the majority of the oil fields. This significantly impacted Sudan's oil production, which fell from 450,000 barrels per day to under 60,000 barrels per day.
2011: Secession of South Sudan
South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011, making Sudan the third-largest country in Africa by area, after Algeria.
2011: South Sudan Independence Referendum
In 2011, a referendum was held in South Sudan, resulting in an overwhelming vote for secession from Sudan. This historic event marked the birth of South Sudan as an independent nation.
2011: Conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile
In 2011, conflict erupted in South Kordofan and Blue Nile between the Sudanese army and the Sudan Revolutionary Front. This conflict stemmed from disputes over the oil-rich Abyei region and was linked to the ongoing Darfur conflict.
2011: South Sudan Secedes
Following the secession of South Sudan in 2011, over 97% of the population remaining in Sudan adhered to Islam, primarily divided between Sufi and Salafi branches.
2011: Deposition of Ali Abdullah Saleh
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former President of Yemen, was removed from power during the 2011 uprising.
2011: South Sudan Independence
After a long civil war, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
2011: Distinction Between Sudan and South Sudan
Following South Sudan's secession in 2011, the term "North Sudan" emerged to distinguish it from the newly formed nation.
August 2012: Oil Transport Agreement Between Sudan and South Sudan
In August 2012, Sudan and South Sudan reached an agreement for the transportation of South Sudanese oil through Sudanese pipelines to Port Sudan. This agreement was crucial for landlocked South Sudan to export its oil.
2012: Stoning and Flogging as Punishments
Between 2009 and 2012, several women were sentenced to death by stoning in Sudan. During the same period, numerous individuals received sentences of 40-100 lashes.
2012: Heglig Crisis
In 2012, Sudan and South Sudan clashed in the Heglig Crisis, a conflict over oil-rich areas along their border. Sudan emerged victorious in this conflict, which became known as the Sudanese Intifada.
2012: Call for an African Space Agency
In 2012, Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir proposed the creation of a pan-African space agency, although the idea did not come to fruition.
2013: End of the Sudanese Intifada
The Sudanese Intifada, marked by protests and unrest, came to an end in 2013 following al-Bashir's promise not to seek re-election in 2015.
2013: Global Hunger Index Highlights 'Alarming Hunger Situation'
The 2013 Global Hunger Index assigned Sudan an alarming indicator value of 27.0, ranking it the fifth hungriest nation globally.
2013: UNICEF Reports High Rate of Female Genital Mutilation
A 2013 UNICEF report revealed that 88% of women in Sudan had undergone female genital mutilation, highlighting a critical human rights issue.
2013: Sudan's Researcher-to-Citizen Ratio Plummets
By 2013, Sudan had only 19 researchers per 100,000 citizens, a significantly lower ratio compared to neighboring Egypt.
August 2014: Deaths From Flogging
In August 2014, several Sudanese men died in custody after being subjected to flogging.
2014: Oil Production Recovers Slightly
By 2014, Sudan's oil production had recovered slightly to around 250,000 barrels per day after the significant drop following South Sudan's independence.
2014: Exodus of Sudanese Researchers Ends
By 2014, over 3,000 Sudanese researchers had left the country since 2002 due to policies enacted by President Al-Bashir.
2014: Economic Slowdown After South Sudan's Secession
Following South Sudan's secession in 2011, which took with it the majority of Sudan's oil fields, the Sudanese economy experienced a slowdown. GDP growth slowed to 3.4 percent in 2014.
2014: High Poverty Rate
In 2014, 45% of Sudan's population was living on less than US$3.20 per day, highlighting a high poverty rate.
2014: Reporters Without Borders Ranks Sudan Low in Press Freedom
In 2014, Reporters Without Borders ranked Sudan 172nd out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom, indicating severe restrictions on media and journalists.
2015: Participation in Yemen Intervention
Sudan joined the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen against Shia Houthis and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2015.
2015: Low Human Development Ranking
The 2015 Human Development Index ranked Sudan 167th, indicating a very low level of human development.
2015: Sudan's Scientific Output Stagnates
In 2015, Sudan published a mere 500 scientific papers, highlighting the country's limited research output compared to nations like Poland with similar populations.
2015: Al-Bashir's Re-Election
In 2015, Omar al-Bashir reneged on his promise and participated in the presidential election, winning amid an opposition boycott and low voter turnout. The opposition questioned the fairness of the election.
2015: Continued Economic Challenges and Inflation
Sudan continued to face economic challenges in 2015, with GDP growth at 3.1 percent and inflation remaining high at 21.8%.
2016: Projected Slow Economic Recovery
Despite ongoing challenges, Sudan's economy was projected to see a slow recovery in 2016, with GDP growth estimated at 3.7 percent.
2016: Infant Mortality Rate in Sudan
In 2016, Sudan recorded an infant mortality rate of 44.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.
January 2017: Partial Lifting of U.S. Sanctions
On January 13, 2017, U.S. President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order that partially lifted sanctions imposed on Sudan, including those on Sudanese government assets held abroad.
October 2017: Further Lifting of U.S. Sanctions
On October 6, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump took further steps to ease sanctions against Sudan, lifting most of the remaining restrictions, including those targeting the petroleum, export-import, and property sectors.
2017: GDP at US$123.053 Billion
Sudan's GDP reached US$123.053 billion in 2017.
2017: Wagner Group Begins Operating in Sudan
The Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor, commenced operations in Sudan in 2017.
December 2018: Protests Erupt in Sudan
In December 2018, widespread protests began in Sudan following the government's decision to increase the prices of goods, coupled with hyperinflation and a shortage of foreign currency. Protesters demanded the resignation of long-time President al-Bashir.
2018: Protests Against Bashir
Widespread protests erupted in 2018, demanding Omar al-Bashir's resignation due to human rights abuses.
2018: Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Abuses
A Human Rights Watch report in 2018 documented ongoing human rights violations in Sudan, including abuses against civilians in Darfur, southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile, and the suppression of activists and opposition members.
2018: Sudan Competes in CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
Sudan's national beach volleyball teams participated in the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, fielding both men's and women's teams.
2018: Significant GDP Decline
Sudan experienced a significant economic downturn in 2018, with its GDP falling to US$40.852 billion.
2018: Sudanese Budget Crisis
In 2018, Sudan experienced a significant budget crisis with over 70% of the budget allocated to civil war-related expenses, contributing to the country's economic instability.
April 2019: Coup d'état and Bashir's Imprisonment
Following protests in 2018, a coup d'état on April 11, 2019, led to Omar al-Bashir's imprisonment.
April 2019: Overthrow of President al-Bashir
In April 2019, after months of protests, President al-Bashir was overthrown by the Sudanese Armed Forces following a massive sit-in at their headquarters. A state of emergency was declared, and a Transitional Military Council was established.
April 2019: Military Coup and Dissolution of Government
In April 2019, President Omar al-Bashir's regime was overthrown in a military coup led by Vice President Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf. The constitution was suspended, parliament was dissolved, and the Transitional Military Council was established.
April 2019: Arabsat 6A Launch
On April 2019, the Arabsat 6A, a private-sector ground surveying satellite partially funded by Sudan, was launched into orbit.
April 2019: Coup d'état
A coup d'état took place in Sudan on April 11, 2019.
June 2019: Suspension from the African Union
Sudan was suspended from the African Union in June 2019 due to the lack of progress in establishing a civilian-led transitional authority following the April 2019 coup.
July 2019: Support for China's Treatment of Uyghurs
In July 2019, Sudan was among 37 countries whose UN ambassadors signed a joint letter to the UNHRC defending China's treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
July 2019: Political Agreement Signed
In July 2019, the Forces for Freedom and Change, representing the protesters, and the Transitional Military Council signed a political agreement, aiming to transition to civilian rule.
August 2019: Appointment of Prime Minister Hamdok
In August 2019, Abdalla Hamdok, an economist, was sworn in as Prime Minister, tasked with leading Sudan through a transition to democracy and addressing the country's economic crisis.
August 2019: Interim Constitution Omits Sharia Law
The interim constitution, signed in August 2019 following the ousting of al-Bashir, did not include any mention of Sharia law.
August 2019: Establishment of the Sovereignty Council
In August 2019, a new Constitutional Declaration was signed, and the Transitional Military Council was officially replaced by the 11-member Sovereignty Council. A civilian Prime Minister was also appointed.
August 2019: UNHCR Reports Refugee Population in Sudan
In August 2019, the UNHCR reported that Sudan hosted over 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Eritrea, and Syria.
August 2019: Draft Constitutional Declaration Signed
Following the July agreement, a draft constitutional declaration was signed in August 2019 outlining the framework for the transitional period.
September 2019: Sudan Launches Official Women's Football League
September 2019 saw the inauguration of an official national league for women's football clubs in Sudan, building upon the foundation laid by informal women's clubs that had been active since the early 2000s.
2019: Al-Bashir Ousted, Brief Period of Press Freedom
Following Omar al-Bashir's ousting in 2019, Sudan experienced a short period under a civilian-led transitional government, during which there was some degree of press freedom.
2019: Constitutional Declaration as Basis for Transition
The 2019 constitutional declaration continued to serve as the foundation for Sudan's political transition, as stipulated in the November 2021 agreement following the military coup and reinstatement of Prime Minister Hamdok.
2019: Life Expectancy in Sudan
In 2019, the life expectancy in Sudan reached 65.1 years according to data from macrotrends.net.
July 2020: Abolition of Apostasy Law and Other Reforms
In July 2020, Sudan abolished the apostasy law, public flogging, and the alcohol ban for non-Muslims. Female genital mutilation was also criminalized, with a penalty of up to 3 years imprisonment.
July 2020: Homosexuality Law Amended
In July 2020, Sudan amended its laws regarding homosexuality, making it no longer punishable by death. However, it remains illegal, with the maximum punishment being life imprisonment.
September 2020: Agreement to Separate Religion and State
In September 2020, the transitional government and rebel groups signed an accord agreeing to formally separate religion and state, effectively ending three decades of Islamic law rule. The accord also stipulated that no official state religion would be established.
October 2020: Normalization of Ties with Israel
In October 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sudan's agreement to normalize relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, making it the third Arab state to do so.
2020: Sudan Becomes a Secular State
Sudan transitioned to a secular state in 2020, ending the application of Islamic laws.
2020: Sudan Competes in CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
Sudan's national beach volleyball teams participated in the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, fielding both men's and women's teams.
2020: End of Genocide in Darfur
The genocide in Darfur, which began in 2003, ended in 2020.
August 2021: Joint Leadership of Sudan
As of August 2021, Sudan was jointly led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council, and Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.
September 2021: Failed Coup Attempt
On September 21, 2021, the Sudanese government reported a failed coup attempt by a group of military officers, resulting in the arrest of 40 individuals.
October 2021: Military Coup and Deposal of Civilian Government
On October 25, 2021, a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan overthrew the civilian government and deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Al-Burhan declared a state of emergency, solidifying military control.
November 2021: Formation of New Government
Following the October coup, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan established a new military-backed government on November 11, 2021, solidifying his position as the de facto head of state.
November 2021: Reinstatement of Hamdok and Political Agreement
In November 2021, Abdalla Hamdok was reinstated as Prime Minister following a political agreement with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The agreement aimed to restore the transition to civilian rule and released political prisoners detained during the coup.
2021: Sudan Women's National Football Team Debuts at Arab Women's Cup
The Sudan women's national football team made its debut at the Arab Women's Cup held in Cairo, Egypt, marking a historic moment for women's football in the country.
2021: Coup Reverses Press Freedom Gains
A coup in 2021 led to a rollback of the press freedom improvements witnessed after al-Bashir's removal, with the new military leadership imposing restrictions on media.
2021: Escalation of Dispute Over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The dispute between Sudan and Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam escalated in 2021, with an advisor to Sudanese leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan warning of a potential "water war."
January 2022: Resignation of Prime Minister Hamdok
On January 2, 2022, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned following a series of deadly protests, marking a setback in Sudan's transition to civilian rule. He was succeeded by Osman Hussein.
February 2022: Sudanese Envoy Visits Israel
A Sudanese envoy visited Israel in February 2022 to foster stronger ties between the two nations.
March 2022: Continued Violence and Detentions in Sudan
By March 2022, over 1,000 people, including children, were detained for opposing the coup in Sudan. The violence continued, resulting in numerous deaths, including those of children, and allegations of rape.
June 2022: Patricia Seif El Din El Haj Prepares for Olympics
In June 2022, Patricia Seif El Din El Haj, the first Sudanese woman to compete in an African wrestling championship, began preparations to represent Sudan at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
2022: Sudan's Human Development Index Ranking
As of 2022, Sudan ranked 172nd on the Human Development Index, reflecting its status as a least developed country.
April 2023: Power Struggle and the Rise of Tensions
In April 2023, a power struggle emerged between army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), jeopardizing the internationally-backed plan for a transition to civilian rule.
April 2023: Outbreak of Civil War
On April 15, 2023, the power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces escalated into a full-blown civil war, with fighting engulfing the streets of Khartoum. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and displacement, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
December 2023: Humanitarian Crisis and Mass Displacement
By December 2023, the ongoing civil war in Sudan resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. Over 5.8 million people were internally displaced, while over 1.5 million fled the country as refugees. The conflict led to widespread violence and massacres, particularly in the Darfur region, resulting in countless civilian deaths.
2023: Sudan Ranked Among Least Democratic African Nations
According to 2023 V-Dem Democracy indices, Sudan ranks as the 6th least democratic country in Africa.
2023: Reporters Without Borders Highlights Ongoing Press Restrictions
Reporters Without Borders, in their 2023 assessment, described the media landscape in Sudan as "deeply polarized," with journalists facing arrests and internet shutdowns used to control information, particularly following the outbreak of the 2023 civil war.
2023: Fighting Reignites, Prompting Evacuations and International Response
Fighting reignited in early 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the closure of embassies and evacuation efforts by the U.S. and other nations. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis.
February 2024: Widespread Hunger and Food Insecurity
The World Food Programme reported in February 2024 that the civil war in Sudan plunged the nation into a severe hunger crisis, with over 95% of the population unable to afford a daily meal.
April 2024: Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
By April 2024, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan reached catastrophic levels. The United Nations reported over 8.6 million people displaced, with 18 million facing severe hunger and 5 million on the brink of famine due to the ongoing conflict.
April 15, 2024: France to Host International Conference on Sudan Crisis
On April 15, 2024, France will host an international conference to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan, marking one year since the outbreak of war. The conference aims to raise global awareness and support for Sudan.
May 2024: Estimated Deaths and Risk of Genocide
In May 2024, US officials estimated that the death toll from the Sudanese civil war had surpassed 150,000. Concerns arose over the Rapid Support Forces' targeting of Black indigenous communities, particularly in El Fasher, raising alarms about a potential genocide in the Darfur region.
May 2024: US Congressional Conference on Sudan Crisis
On May 31, 2024, a US Congressional conference convened to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, focusing on the UAE's alleged role in supporting the Rapid Support Forces. Speakers called for an end to UAE's involvement, highlighting the group's role in the Sudanese conflict and urging for international pressure to stop arms sales to the UAE.
2024: Population of Sudan
As of 2024, Sudan has a population of nearly 50 million people.
2024: Patricia Seif El Din El Haj Aims for 2024 Olympics
Patricia Seif El Din El Haj set her sights on representing Sudan in wrestling at the 2024 Summer Olympics.