Omar al-Bashir

Al-Bashir intensified the war against the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in southern Sudan. His government pursued a policy of Islamization and Arabization, leading to widespread human rights abuses, including mass displacement, famine, and the targeting of civilians.

Omar al-Bashir, then a colonel, led a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi. Bashir established the Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) and suspended the constitution, beginning 30 years of authoritarian rule.

Al-Bashir's government responded to a rebellion in Darfur by arming Arab militias (Janjaweed) who committed mass killings, rape, and destruction of villages against non-Arab ethnic groups. The International Criminal Court (ICC) later charged Bashir with genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Al-Bashir signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with the SPLA, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. The agreement granted southern Sudan autonomy for six years, followed by a referendum on independence, which ultimately led to South Sudan's secession in 2011.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. He became the first sitting head of state to be indicted by the ICC. Sudan refused to cooperate, and Bashir remained in power until 2019.

After months of mass protests against his rule, al-Bashir was overthrown by the Sudanese military on April 11, 2019. He was arrested and later convicted on corruption charges. His removal ended 30 years of authoritarian rule and led to a transitional government.