Overview
The year 2015 in the Republic of Sudan was marked primarily by the conduct of a presidential election, continued conflict in the Darfur region, significant humanitarian challenges related to flooding and food insecurity, and ongoing political and economic developments following the secession of South Sudan in 2011.
Political developments
Presidential election – A national presidential election was held on 13 April 2015. Incumbent President Omar al‑Bashir, who had been in power since 1989, stood for re‑election under the National Congress Party (NCP). The election was contested primarily by opposition parties that largely boycotted the vote, alleging a lack of transparency and fairness. Official results announced by the National Elections Commission gave Bashir 86 % of the vote, with a reported voter turnout of approximately 74 %. International observers, including the African Union, noted irregularities and restrictions on political freedoms, but the election was generally recognized as legitimate by the Sudanese government.
Domestic governance – Following the election, Bashir appointed a new cabinet in May 2015, retaining key figures in defense and finance. The government continued to pursue policies aimed at stabilizing the economy amid the loss of oil revenue after South Sudan's independence.
Security and conflict
Darfur – Armed conflict persisted in the western Darfur region, where government‑aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the allied Janjaweed militias continued operations against various rebel groups, including the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). In August 2015, the United Nations‑African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) reported several cease‑fire violations and civilian casualties in the areas of Geneina and El Fasher.
Human rights – Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented ongoing concerns over arbitrary arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the use of excessive force by security forces during public demonstrations, particularly those related to the election and opposition activities.
Humanitarian situation
Flooding – From July to September 2015, Sudan experienced severe flooding, especially in the eastern states of Kassala and Red Sea, as a result of unusually heavy rainfall in the Nile basin. The Sudanese Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 500,000 people were displaced, with at least 30 confirmed deaths and extensive damage to agricultural lands and infrastructure. International aid agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), coordinated emergency relief operations.
Food insecurity – The combined effects of reduced agricultural output due to flooding, persistent drought in parts of the Sahelian north, and the economic repercussions of the loss of oil revenues contributed to heightened food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) placed several regions in Sudan at IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) during the latter half of 2015.
Economic context
Oil and finance – By 2015, oil production had largely shifted to South Sudan, leaving Sudan reliant on transit fees, gold mining, and agriculture. The government sought to diversify revenue sources, issuing new sovereign bonds in September 2015 to raise capital for infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation in the central and eastern regions.
International relations – Sudan maintained strained relationships with several Western nations over human rights concerns and alleged support for extremist groups. Nevertheless, the government pursued diplomatic engagements with regional partners, including a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia in November 2015 to enhance trade through the Port of Port Sudan.
Social and cultural notes
Sports – Sudan participated in the 2015 African Games held in Brazzaville, Congo, sending athletes in athletics, boxing, and weightlifting.
Media – The year saw continued restrictions on independent media outlets. In December 2015, the Sudanese government suspended the broadcast license of Radio Dabanga’s Sudanese FM service, citing alleged violations of broadcasting regulations.
References
- National Elections Commission, Sudan (official election results, April 2015).
- United Nations‑African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) – Situation Reports, 2015.
- Human Rights Watch, “World Report 2015: Sudan.”
- OCHA Sudan – Humanitarian Flash Updates, July–September 2015.
- Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – Sudan Country Brief, 2015.
Note: The information presented reflects data from publicly available reports and reputable international organizations. Where precise figures or details were not disclosed in source material, the entry refrains from speculation.