Introduction

This chapter outlines a brief history of constitution-making and rights protection in Sudan, situating it in the context of constitutional developments in the region. The diversity and location of Sudan at the interface of Africa and the Middle East account for its rich history and a number of fundamental challenges of religious, cultural and ethnic identities it has been grappling with. Sudan’s turbulent postcolonial history has been marked by political instability, oscillating between authoritarian regimes and short-lived democratic interludes, as well as conflict between the centre and the South, and other marginalized regions including Darfur, Blue Nile, the Nuba Mountains and east Sudan. Sudan is uniquely situated as an African country that has a Muslim majority and close links to the Middle East. South Sudan’s secession from Sudan, and its independence, is an important foundational moment in Sudan’s history, with apparent constitutional implications. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.