The Blue Wave in Sudan: How India Rides the Tide?

The recent conflict in Sudan was born of a fervent desire for something India considers the essence of her existence: Democracy. This article elucidates the timeline of events following the fall of the 30-year-long Bashir regime, the conflict between the civilians and the military that followed, and India’s stake in the issue. It is too soon to predict the Blue wave in Sudan as the start of another Arab Spring, but the conflict has now culminated in a power-sharing agreement which may ultimately lead to the formation of a civilian government.

By Saira Banu

The blue wave sweeping the Internet in solidarity with Sudan reflects the support of the international community following the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir after nearly four months of protests, and multiple deaths and casualties at the hands of the security forces. Bashir’s rule of three decades was characterised by war and famine, multiple civil wars and the secession of South Sudan in 2011. His stint as the President of the vast nation of Sudan witnessed protests over the rise in prices of bread, among other grievances experienced by the people residing in the country. Elation that sprouted upon the removal of Bashir from rule quickly gave way to dismay and then frustration, upon learning that the military were to now helm the nation. This was accompanied by a two-year transitional period led by the military, immediate suspension of the Constitution and the imposition of curfews upon the state, followed by restricted Internet access.

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Saira Banu is a Research Intern at CPPR-Centre for Strategic Studies. Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of Centre for Public Policy Research.