Sudan: Introduction

This research paper provides an introductory overview of Sudan's development potential and the systemic barriers that have hindered its progress. It details the country's geographical advantages, natural resource endowments, and a history of political instability and conflict, culminating in the current civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

• Sudan possesses significant geographical and natural resource advantages, including a land area of approximately 1,868,000 square kilometres and access to the Red Sea, which could allow it to function as a logistical hub for East and Central Africa. Its mineral deposits include gold, uranium, chromite, gypsum, mica, marble, and iron ore, while its arable land and livestock provide potential for regional leadership in food value chains.
• Despite its resources, Sudan's economic development has been constrained by poor governance, authoritarian rule, and a lack of diversification. Prior to the 2011 secession of South Sudan, the country was a petro-state where oil exports provided roughly 50% of government revenues and 90-95% of total export earnings; however, the loss of these revenues led to a contracting economy characterized by high inflation, debt, and unemployment.
• Sudan has experienced a cycle of political instability, including the removal of President al-Bashir in April 2019 following food price hikes and demonstrations, and a subsequent military coup on 25 October 2021 led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which ended a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian forces.
• A civil war beginning in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused a near-total collapse of state institutions and a severe humanitarian crisis. Reported impacts include over 150,000 deaths, nearly 15 million displaced persons, 24 million people facing food insecurity, and 19 million people lacking access to safe water and sanitation.
• Sudan ranks 170 out of 193 countries in the 2023-2024 Human Development Report (HDR), reflecting severe constraints in health, education, and economic equality. The current conflict is expected to cause further regression in household welfare and service delivery.

APA

Aikins, E. R. (2026). Sudan: Introduction. Institute for Security Studies. https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=SD&topic=01-introduction

Chicago

Aikins, Enoch Randy. Sudan: Introduction. Institute for Security Studies, 2026. https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=SD&topic=01-introduction.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Aikins |first1=Enoch Randy |title=Sudan: Introduction |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=15 June 2026 |url=https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=SD&topic=01-introduction |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{aikins2026sudan, author = {Aikins, Enoch Randy}, title = {{Sudan: Introduction}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2026}, month = jun, url = {https://futures.issafrica.org/geographic/guide.pdf?geography=SD&topic=01-introduction}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }