Sudan is Africa’s largest country, populated by a large number of ethnic groups. Most of them make a living on agriculture and cattle breeding. Hundreds of languages are spoken in the country.
The country has enormous development potential thanks to its natural resources. In recent times, oil deposits have strengthened the national economy in some areas, especially in the larger cities and the areas around the capital, Khartoum.
But Sudan has also suffered from constant civil wars. Since its independence from the United Kingdom and Egypt in 1956, the country has had just 11 years of peace.
One of the reasons for the conflicts is that large parts of the country are without political and economic influence. Many people lack the ability to influence and improve their situation.
Climate changes lead to conflicts
In 2003, a conflict broke out in the Darfur area of western Sudan. The fighting has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and about two million people were forced to flee their homes.
The fighting in Darfur was initially said to have been caused by hostility between Arab and African groups. But in recent times, people including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon have claimed that the conflicts began as a result of an ecological crisis, partly caused by climate change. Droughts meant there was less land to cultivate and to rear cattle.
The years of fighting and regular droughts have put many in severe poverty in many areas of the country. There are few resources for education and medical care and malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions are reducing resistance to illnesses.
Today, there is a large gap in the welfare between the wealthier northern Sudan and the south. Women and girls are among the most vulnerable. In 1989, Islamic Sharia law was introduced in northern Sudan, which has led to restrictions for women. Female circumcision is common.
Oil income to be divided equally
In January 2005, a peace agreement was signed after more than 20 years of war between the north and south. The agreement represented a historic opportunity for peace and sustainable development. A transitional constitution has been established, where southern Sudan has gained a certain amount of autonomy. The referendum in 2011 resulted in a decision on dividing the country and southern Sudan will be an independent state.
Sida’s work in Sudan includes long-term support and humanitarian contributions.
