Sudan: Race and Religion in Civil War

Abstract

This case study explores the background and bases for Sudan’s two civil wars (1955-1972 and 1983-2005), which pitted the powerful Muslim Arabs in the North against the Christian and indigenous Black Africans of the South. The case study addresses four primary questions: What are the historical origins of the conflict in Sudan? How were domestic religious forces and identities involved? How important were international religious and political forces? What role did socioeconomic factors play? Along with its core text, this case study also includes a timeline of key events, a guide to relevant religious groups, political organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, and a list of recommended further readings.