What is Sudan?
Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest. Sudan has a rich history, being home to several ancient civilizations such as the Kingdom of Kush. Sudan was formerly the largest country in Africa until the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Despite its historical significance and cultural wealth, Sudan has faced numerous challenges, including civil wars, political instability, and humanitarian crises.
Administrative Divisions
Sudan is divided into 18 states, each with its own governor. The states are:
- Al Jazirah
- Al Qadarif
- Al Wadi al Nil
- Blue Nile
- Darfur (comprising North Darfur, South Darfur, and West Darfur)
- Gharb Bahr al Ghazal
- Kassala
- Khartoum
- Kordofan (comprising North Kordofan, South Kordofan, and West Kordofan)
- Northern
- Red Sea
- River Nile
- Sennar
- South Kordofan
- South Darfur
- West Darfur
- West Kordofan
- White Nile
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Sudanese Pound (SDG)
- Symbol: £
- Subunit: 1 Sudanese Pound = 100 piastres
- Central Bank: Bank of Sudan
Type of Government
Sudan is a federal republic, although it has experienced political instability and frequent changes in government. The country has undergone a series of transitions following the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Sudan’s government is a combination of military and civilian leadership, under a transitional agreement that aims to guide the country toward democratic elections.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
- President: The head of state and government. Responsible for overseeing the executive functions, national security, and foreign relations.
- Prime Minister: The head of government, responsible for the daily running of the government and policy implementation.
- Council of Ministers: Comprising the Prime Minister and other ministers, this body is responsible for administering government departments such as education, health, defense, and finance.
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch consists of the Transitional Legislative Council, which was formed as part of the peace agreement. The council is responsible for lawmaking and oversight of the executive branch.
Judicial Branch
The judiciary in Sudan is independent, with a legal system based on civil law and Sharia law. The judiciary includes the following:
- Supreme Court: The highest court in the country, responsible for constitutional matters.
- Constitutional Court: Deals with issues related to constitutional law.
- Courts of Appeal: Handle appeals from lower courts.
- Sharia Courts: Deal with issues related to Islamic law, particularly in matters of family and personal law.
International Memberships
Sudan is a member of various international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- African Union (AU)
- Arab League
- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Military Structure
Sudan has a large and significant military, which has historically played a major role in the country’s political landscape. The military is structured into:
- Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): The main branch, tasked with national defense and security.
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group that has been involved in internal conflicts, particularly in Darfur.
- Police Forces: Responsible for internal security and law enforcement.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 999
- Medical Emergency: 911
- Fire: 998
SWOT Analysis of Sudan
Strengths
- Rich history and cultural heritage, with ancient civilizations and a diverse population.
- Abundant natural resources, including oil, minerals, and agricultural land.
- Strategic geographic location, with access to both the Red Sea and Africa’s interior.
Weaknesses
- Ongoing political instability, including conflicts between the military and civilian factions.
- Economic difficulties, exacerbated by the loss of oil revenues following the secession of South Sudan.
- Human rights challenges and lack of social services in many regions.
Opportunities
- Economic recovery through oil exports and investment in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
- Political transition to democracy, supported by international organizations and peacekeeping missions.
- Regional cooperation with neighboring countries through the African Union and IGAD.
Threats
- Internal conflicts and ethnic tensions, particularly in Darfur and South Kordofan.
- Economic challenges, including inflation and a reliance on external aid.
- Ongoing humanitarian crises, with large numbers of displaced persons and refugees.
Additional Information
- Official Language: Arabic, English
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT) – UTC +2
- National Anthem: “Nahnu Jund Allah Jund al-Watan” (We Are the Soldiers of God, Soldiers of the Homeland)