Following years of economic hardship and political unrest, Sudan experienced a significant upheaval when a coup d'état took place, orchestrated by the National Islamic Front under the leadership of Omar al-Bashir. Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi, along with President Ahmed al-Mirghani, was deposed as military forces effectively took control of the government. The coup was part of a broader strategy by the National Islamic Front to implement its vision of Islamic governance in Sudan, reflecting a growing influence of Islamist movements in the region.

In the lead-up to the coup, Sudan faced increasing division and violence, with various factions vying for power. Al-Mahdi’s government struggled to address the underlying socio-economic issues, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. The military, supporting the ideologies of the National Islamic Front, capitalized on this unrest to initiate the coup, declaring that the actions were taken to restore order and stability. In the aftermath, Omar al-Bashir emerged as the head of state, leading Sudan towards an authoritarian rule and introducing policies heavily influenced by Islamic law.

The coup significantly altered the course of Sudan's history, effectively ending years of attempts at democratic governance and steering the country into decades of military dictatorship. The subsequent regime faced accusations of human rights violations and exacerbated existing conflicts, particularly in regions like Darfur. The civil, social, and economic repercussions of the coup extended far beyond Sudan's borders, influencing geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa and affecting relations with Western nations, which often criticized the regime's repressive measures.