Famine threatens several million people, particularly in…
1984 CE to 1995 CE
The Sudanese regime is trying to hide the situation internationally.
In March 1985, the announcement of the increase in the prices of basic necessities, at the request of the IMF with which the regime was negotiating, triggered the first demonstrations.
On April 2, eight unions call for mobilization and a "general political strike until the abolition of the current regime".
On the 3rd, massive demonstrations shake Khartoum, but also the country's main cities; the strike paralyzes institutions and the economy.
On April 6, 1985, a group of military officers, led by Lieutenant General Abd ar Rahman Siwar adh Dhahab, overthrows Nimeiry, who takes refuge in Egypt.
Three days later, Dhahab authorizes the creation of a fifteen-man Transitional Military Council (TMC) to rule Sudan.
In June 1986, Sadiq al Mahdi forms a coalition government with Umma Party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the National Islamic Front (NIF), and four southern parties.
Unfortunately, however, Sadiq proves to be a weak leader and incapable of governing Sudan.
Party factionalism, corruption, personal rivalries, scandals, and political instability characterize the Sadiq regime.
After less than a year in office, Sadiq al Mahdi dismisses the government because it has failed to draft a new penal code to replace the sharia, reach an agreement with the IMF, end the civil war in the south, or devise a scheme to attract remittances from Sudanese expatriates.
To retain the support of the DUP and the southern political parties, Sadiq forms another ineffective coalition government.
In 1989, the government and southern rebels begin to negotiate an end to the war, but a coup d'état brings into power a military junta that is not interested in compromise.
The leader of the junta, Omar al-Bashir, consolidates his power over the next few years, declaring himself president.
Regions
The Near and Middle East
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