In Sudan, a Transition to Democracy? Foreign Policy

After four months of nationwide protests, the Sudanese military ousted President Omar al-Bashir, ending three decades of dictatorial rule. The dethronement of al-Bashir, under house arrest due to his 2009 indictment by the International Criminal Court for the Darfur genocide, leaves a power vacuum. Defense Minister Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf, under US sanctions for his role in the Darfur genocide, failed to provide concrete plans for his proposal of creating a two-year council to rule during the transition period. The lack of political opposition against al-Bashir meant that the military could potentially take over the transition process. International human rights organizations and Sudanese activists welcome the toppling of al-Bashir but caution against a long military takeover. – YaleGlobal