Who won the Sudan civil war? This question has been a topic of debate and scrutiny for many years. The Sudanese Civil War, which lasted for over two decades, was a complex conflict with numerous actors and shifting alliances. Understanding the outcome requires a closer look at the various stages of the war and the forces that ultimately brought it to an end.
The Sudanese Civil War began in 1983 and ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. The conflict primarily pitted the Sudanese government, led by President Omar al-Bashir, against the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). The SPLM/A represented the predominantly Christian and animist populations in the southern part of Sudan, while the government was predominantly Muslim and Arab.
The war was characterized by a series of military campaigns, human rights abuses, and the displacement of millions of people. The SPLM/A initially sought greater autonomy for the south, but as the conflict progressed, their demands evolved into a quest for full independence. The government, on the other hand, aimed to maintain unity and suppress any form of separatism.
Several factors contributed to the eventual victory of the SPLM/A. Firstly, the international community, particularly the United States and other Western countries, exerted significant pressure on the Sudanese government to reach a peaceful resolution. This pressure included sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and support for the SPLM/A.
Secondly, the SPLM/A’s military strategy proved effective in the long run. The movement employed hit-and-run tactics, guerrilla warfare, and alliances with various ethnic groups to wear down the Sudanese army. Additionally, the SPLM/A received military aid from neighboring countries and international organizations.
Lastly, the CPA itself played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. The agreement provided for the establishment of an autonomous government in southern Sudan and a timeline for a referendum on independence. The referendum, held in 2011, resulted in a majority of southern Sudanese voting for independence, leading to the creation of the Republic of South Sudan.
In conclusion, while the Sudanese Civil War was a complex conflict with multiple actors, it can be argued that the SPLM/A and the southern Sudanese population ultimately won the war. The combination of international pressure, effective military strategies, and the CPA’s provisions for a referendum on independence all contributed to the SPLM/A’s victory and the subsequent creation of South Sudan.
