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Map of Sudan 1956
Map of Sudan 1956
Map of Sudan Current
Powermap of Connections in Sudan
Presentation
Sudan Presentation-2
Sudan Presentation on Crisis Data
The Sudanese Constitution
From Revolution to Occupation, Sudan
Overview
Sudan's history has been marked by internal conflict, outside interference, and political instability, leading to the current humanitarian crisis. The 1980s saw economic mismanagement under Gaafar Nimeiry, the Second Sudanese Civil War, and the rise of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Nimeiry's economic policies led to famine, inflation, and resentment among southern Sudanese citizens. Sadiq al-Mahdi's rule in the late 1980s armed tribal groups, causing ethnic tensions and escalating bloodshed. The RSF has continued systematic violence, displacement, and ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Despite human rights violations, the international community has implicitly recognized the RSF, despite their breaches. The current humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the prolonged occupation, resulting in starvation, infrastructure destruction, and uprooting millions.
Sudan's Current Occupation and Humanitarian Crisis.
The world's worst humanitarian disaster is currently ravaging Sudan, which was once Africa's largest country and a supplier of minerals, petroleum, raw materials, and crops. The complicated cultural and historical fabric of Sudan, a country of about 50 million people and more than 500 ethnic groups, is being ripped apart by persistent violence, displacement, and a failing healthcare system.
Learning Objective:
Students will investigate the historical causes, sociopolitical dynamics, and catastrophic effects of the ongoing conflict as they critically analyze the humanitarian and medical crises in Sudan. Students will learn about the following during this lesson:
Sudan's economic, historical, and cultural significance.
The extent of the effect of the current occupation on the healthcare and displacement.
How international dynamics/imperialism and institutional failures contribute to Sudan's suffering.
Discuss:
- What are the underlying reasons behind the current crisis in Sudan?
- In what ways does Sudan's cultural and historical background inform its current issues?
Research and Presentation:
- Research particular topics (historical context, starvation, healthcare, or relocation) and presenting your results, split up into groups of at least 3.
Critical Questions:
- What effects have external factors, such as resources, colonialism, and imperialism, had on Sudan's circumstances?
Take Home Assignment:
- Send a letter to global organizations urging them to take particular steps to deal with the situation.
- Make suggestions for policy changes or humanitarian needs.
The Sudanese Government: The Constitution vs. Reality
Sudanese Consitutional Structure of Governance:
- Sudan is intended to operate as a federal republic with a distinct division of powers.
- The executive branch is in charge of carrying out laws and policies and is led by the president with assistance from the council of ministers.
- The legislative branch is a bicameral institution that oversees the executive branch, drafts legislation, and maintains checks and balances. It has representatives from every region.
- Judiciary: An autonomous judiciary charged with defending citizens' rights and enforcing the constitution.
- The constitution places a strong emphasis on giving states and regions more authority while maintaining local representation and governance, especially in traditionally underprivileged regions like South Kordofan and Darfur.
- The constitution guarantees fundamental rights such equality before the law, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion. The governance paradigm is not complete without accountability and transparency mechanisms.
- The constitution asks for an inclusive government that upholds the rights of minorities and fosters unity amidst diversity, acknowledging Sudan's ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity.
The Reality of Government in Sudan:
- High centralized governance, with power concentrated in military leaders or autocratic rulers.
- Military factions prioritize personal interests over constitutional mandates.
- Judiciary often co-opted or sidelined by military regime, weakening constitutional enforcement.
- Widespread arbitrary arrests, lack of due process, and human rights abuses.
- Marginalized regions, particularly Darfur, underrepresented and heavily impacted by conflict.
- Promises of regional autonomy and inclusive governance unfulfilled.
- Civil liberties routinely suppressed, with crackdowns on protests and targeted violence against activists.
- External actors and domestic elites exploit Sudan's natural resources with minimal accountability, perpetuating economic inequities and undermining national sovereignty.
Sudan Under British Colonialism
Due to its advantageous location along the Nile River and its proximity to East African trade routes, Sudan became a focal focus of the aggressive European colonization that characterized the late 19th-century Scramble for Africa. Through the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium, which was founded in 1899, the British Empire consolidated its grip over Sudan's resources and government, motivated by imperial rivalry and economic interests.
Learning Objectives:
Students will examine the long-term sociopolitical and economic effects of British colonial rule in Sudan, emphasizing how past colonial tactics like resource exploitation and "divide-and-rule" have influenced current issues like social inequality, political instability, and tribal conflicts.
Examining Sudan's Legacy of British Colonialism Assignment
Directions: Write a thorough examination of British colonial tactics in Sudan and their lingering impacts on Sudanese culture. The components of this project is a written one-page double spaced paper.
- Select a topic from the list below:
- Indirect rule and the function of tribal chiefs.
- the Darfur annexation and its effects.
- the linguistic, educational, and religious gap between the north and south.
- Describe how Sudan's ethnic, religious, and regional divisions were worsened by "divide-and-rule" strategies.
- Examine the socioeconomic effects of resource exploitation by the British.
The Republic of Sudan 1956-1969
The complicated interaction of historical grievances, economic potential, and regional aspirations is reflected in Sudan's path to independence. Its advantageous location as a link between Africa and the Arab world presents chances for cooperation and growth. Unresolved internal conflicts and outside exploitation, however, draw attention to the continuous fight for just governance and long-term development.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the significance and historical background of Sudan's 1956 independence.
- Examine the sociopolitical forces that influenced Sudan's government after gaining independence.
- Examine how Sudan's resources, especially Gum Arabic, are being exploited economically and culturally.
- Consider the North-South divide as one of the elements causing internal tensions in Sudan.
- Consider how colonial legacies have affected Sudanese governance and society over time.
In-Class Debate Activity:
- The following claim will be discussed in a debate among students: "The rebranding of 'Gum Sudan' to 'Gum Arabic' reflects ongoing cultural and economic exploitation of Sudan by external powers.
A Period of Political Turmoil Sudan 1969-1983
The leadership of Nimeiry wavered between Islamist conservatism and communist modernity. Through the Addis Ababa Agreement, his actions brought about temporary stability, but Arabization, religious persecution, and human rights abuses caused long-term societal tensions. These conflicts influenced Sudan's political course and planted the seeds for future hostilities.
Learning Objective:
- Using Arabization, human rights, brain drain, and the application of Sharia law as the main themes, students will examine the political, social, and cultural effects of Gaafar al-Nimeiry's presidency in Sudan.
Take-Home Activity:
- Watch the videos below about al-Nimeiry.
- Write a reflection on them, at least 250 words.
A Period of Political Turmoil Sudan 1980-1989
Under the direction of Gaafar al-Nimeiry and Sadiq al-Mahdi, this summary of Sudanese history from the late 1960s to the late 1980s documents significant periods of societal disintegration, political unrest, and economic difficulties.
Learning Objective:
- With an emphasis on the leadership of Sadiq al-Mahdi and Gaafar al-Nimeiry, students will examine the political and social landscape of Sudan between the late 1960s and the late 1980s. Themes like governance, economic difficulties, militia growth, the role of international involvement, and the social repercussions of famine and Sharia law will all be covered.
In-Class Assignment:
- Based on historical and societal categories, each student will be given a role, including:
- A participant in the SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement)
- An official from the Janjaweed militia
- A civilian Darfuri who was displaced
- A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) member
- An economist worried about brain drain and inflation
- A religious figure who supports or opposes Sharia law
- An elder in a non-Arab tribal group
- A military general
- In order to comprehend the viewpoints, complaints, and objectives of their group, students will investigate the role they have been allocated.
- Write a one-page position statement outlining the primary goals and concerns of their stakeholders.
- Stakeholders will present their perspective and then break into smaller groups to discuss possible compromises and alliances.
- The class will then work together to create a National Amendment that includes tactics for economic change, resource management, governance, and conflict resolution.
From Revolution to Occupation, the Current Actors in Sudan's Occupation
Foreign mercenaries, especially the Janjaweed, who have transformed into the Rapid Support Forces under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, are currently occupying and controlling Sudan. The Janjaweed, a prominent paramilitary group infamous for their violent methods and human rights abuses, were first armed and trained by the governments of Libya and Sudan for the purposes of domestic repression and regional instability.
The United Arab Emirates, in particular, contributes financial and logistical support to the RSF's operations in exchange for strategic partnerships and access to Sudan's gold resources. With the help of this finance, the RSF has been able to increase the scope of its activities, stifling resistance and solidifying its hold on strategic areas while creating an atmosphere of instability and dread.
Some members of the international community, especially Western countries, have given the RSF implicit legitimacy in spite of its recorded atrocities, which include ethnic cleansing in Darfur and continuous violence against civilians. This takes the shape of minimal denunciation and political engagement, which is frequently excused under the pretense of resolving migratory issues or ensuring peace in Sudan. A force recognized for sustaining systematic violence and exploitation is strengthened by this legitimization, which also threatens Sudanese sovereignty.
Learning Objective:
- With an emphasis on the Janjaweed's ascent and transformation into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), their effects on Sudanese sovereignty, and the broader consequences of neocolonial meddling, students will examine the historical and current roles of foreign mercenaries and external powers in Sudan.
Assigment:
- Each student will produce an infographic that details the RSF's history, ties with outside forces, effects on Sudan, and the worldwide ramifications of international legitimation.
- Also watch the video below and be ready to discuss it in class. Open captions to understand the Arabic.
Bibliography
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