Sudan's National Emergency Declaration in 2019

Name: Sudan's National Emergency Declaration in 2019
Start: 1944-02-23
Location: Unspecified

The Crucial Moment: National Emergency in Sudan

On February 22, 2019, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir made a shocking announcement as he declared a national emergency. This declaration came in the wake of months of intense protests against his government, which had been marred by corruption, economic decline, and a swift increase in the cost of living. The protests, originating from rising bread prices, quickly grew into widespread calls for regime change.

As part of this declaration, al-Bashir not only imposed a national emergency but also took decisive steps to consolidate his grip on power by dismissing the existing federal government and sacking all state governors. This move aimed to quash the unrest and restore stability, yet it only intensified the public's resolve to demand political change.

Omar al-Bashir's Leadership

Omar al-Bashir had been in power since a coup in 1989, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. Initially welcomed for the promise of stability, his rule faced increasing opposition over the years due to allegations of human rights abuses and corruption. The February 2019 national emergency was his final attempt to maintain control amidst growing unrest.

The Protests and Public Response

The decision to declare a national emergency was met with widespread backlash from the Sudanese population. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens took to the streets, undeterred by the government's efforts to stifle dissent. This nationwide uprising was fueled by a desire for democracy and human rights, marking a pivotal moment in Sudan's political landscape.

The Aftermath of the National Emergency Declaration

The declaration of a national emergency did not have the desired effect of suppressing protests. Instead, it galvanized the opposition forces, leading to a significant uprising that contributed to the eventual ousting of al-Bashir later in April 2019.

The Role of the Military

The military, initially a supporter of al-Bashir, eventually played a crucial role in the regime change. As protests escalated, the military faced mounting pressure. On April 11, 2019, they arrested al-Bashir, signaling a dramatic shift in power dynamics within the country. This underscores the complicated relationship between the Sudanese government and its armed forces during this turbulent period.

The Formation of a New Government

Following al-Bashir's ousting, a power-sharing agreement was established between the military and civilian leaders. This transition was far from simple and was met with various challenges, but it provided a glimmer of hope for Sudan's future. The formation of a new government was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Sudanese people in seeking change.

Fun Fact

Omar al-Bashir’s Interesting Fact

Despite being one of the most notorious figures in Sudanese history, Omar al-Bashir was the first sitting president to be indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with charges stemming from the Darfur conflict.