ChRonoloGy 3211981 Nimeiri introduces stringent economic measures on
recommendation of IMF. Railway-workers strike in Atbara;
riots in Khartoum.
1983 Southern troops in Bor mutiny when ordered to transfer
north. Nimeiri abrogates the Addis Ababa Agreement,
abolishes Southern Regional government, redividing
south into three sub-regions. Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement/Army is formed in Ethiopia under the
leadership of John Garang. Second civil war begins. Nimeiri
introduces sharia criminal law.
1984 Chevron leaves Bentiu and work on Jonglei Canal ceases,
following SPLA attacks. Fighting in Upper Nile and Bahr
al-Ghazal. Nimeiri declares state of emergency. Drought
leads to famine in Darfur prompting mass migration east
to Khartoum and other urban centres.
1985 Nimeiri executes Mahmoud Mohamed Taha, leader of the
Republican Brothers, on the charge of apostasy. Popular
demonstrations and general strike. Senior army officers
overthrow Nimeiri’s government and form Transitional
Military Council, led by General Abdel Rahman Siwar al-
Dahab, which pledges a return to civilian rule within one
year. The SPLA expands the war out of the south with first
incursions in southern Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains.
Chevron suspends operations.
1986 Following elections, Sadiq al-Mahdi becomes prime
minister of an Umma–DUP coalition, restoring
parliamentary government; the SPLM/A and most
southern parties boycott the elections.
1987 Displaced Dinka in Ed Daein, in South Darfur, killed by
Rizeigat civilians. Army massacres civilians in Wau. Fur-
Zaghawa conflict escalates in Darfur. Truce between SPLA
and Anyanya II.
1988 Most of Anyanya II incorporated into the SPLA. Famine in
Bahr al-Ghazal.
1989 SPLA makes major advances in the south and Nuba
Mountains, seizing and holding several towns. Operation
Lifeline Sudan begins. Government of Sadiq al-Mahdi
agrees to negotiate with the SPLM/A, but negotiations
The Sudan Handbook, edited by John Ryle, Justin Willis, Suliman Baldo and Jok Madut Jok. © 2011 Rift Valley Institute and contributors are brought to a halt by a military coup led by Omar al-
(www.riftvalley.net).