Sudan: Race and Religion in Civil War

This case study explores the background and bases for Sudan’s two civil wars (1955-72 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 socio-economic 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 non-governmental organizations, and a list of recommended further readings.