Political turmoil and violence have gripped Sudan since the 2019 ouster of long-ruling Omar al Bashir.
Intense fighting has gripped Sudan’s capital 18 months after a military coup, further derailing a transition to democratic elections and intensifying turmoil in the East African country.
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Leaders from Sudan’s army and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been at odds over integrating forces, part of a drawn-out process to install civilian-led rule following the 2019 ouster of long-ruling autocrat Omar al Bashir in a military coup after mass protests in the country.
Here are key developments since the October 2021 military coup:
Here's a closer look at how Sudan reached this level of turmoil: pic.twitter.com/OZWKqdtWDO
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) April 15, 2023
October 25, 2021: Coup
On October 25, 2021, a second coup takes place in Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, the head of the military council that has been in power since the 2019 coup.
The military dissolves the power-sharing transitional council and detained its leaders, including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
A state of emergency is declared and the coup is met with widespread protests and condemnation from the international community.
Security forces kill seven protesters and wound dozens in the violence.
The United States and the World Bank suspend vital aid to Sudan.
November 11: New ruling council
The African Union suspends Sudan.
The United Nations and the United States call on Sudan’s military rulers to restore a civilian-led government.
On November 11, Sudan’s de facto leader Burhan, forms a new ruling council.
Burhan leads the council. The main bloc demanding a transfer to civilian rule is excluded.
November 21: PM returns
On November 21, Burhan agrees to restore the transition to civilian rule, with elections slated for July 2023.
Hamdok is reinstated as premier. Several civilian leaders are released.
Protests continue and are harshly repressed.
January 2, 2022: PM quits
As the death toll from the protests mounts, Hamdok resigns on January 2, 2022.
UN-brokered negotiations, boycotted by the main civilian groups, start in early June but are quickly broken off.
July 4: Military to step aside
On July 4, Burhan says the army will quit the talks in order to allow civilian groups to form a government.
The main civilian bloc says it suspects a ruse.
The World Bank earmarks $100 million in aid for Sudan.
December 5: Preliminary deal
Sudan’s military, paramilitary and most civilian leaders sign an interim deal on December 5 aimed at restoring the civilian transition within two years.
Protesters take to the streets, complaining the accord ignores demands for justice for the more than 120 pro-democracy demonstrators killed since Burhan’s coup.
January 2023: Negotiations
Military and civilian leaders meet in early January 2023 to discuss key contentious issues such as transitional justice, accountability and security reforms, including the integration of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the regular army.
April 13: ‘Dangerous’ tensions
Tensions emerge between the army and RSF over the proposed integration.
Burhan’s deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF, says the 2021 coup was a “mistake” that has invigorated remnants of Bashir’s regime, remarks seen as referring to Burhan.
The planned signing of a final deal on democratic transition is twice postponed.
On April 13, the army warns Sudan is at a “dangerous… turning point”.
April 15: Fighting in Khartoum
On April 15, explosions and gunfire rock the capital Khartoum, with the paramilitaries and army exchanging accusations of attacking each other’s bases.
The RSF says it controls Khartoum airport and the presidential palace, claims denied by the army. Sudan’s air force targets RSF bases.
Civilian leaders call for an immediate ceasefire, as well as the African Union, United Nations and others.
