Omar al-Bashir

Guide Note

Omar al-Bashir is the current President of Sudan who has been in office since 1993. He comes from a military background, and holds the rank of Field Marshal. Al-Bashir's administration has been internationally criticized due to internal conflicts like the ongoing Darfur genocide as well as suspected ties to terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.

Fast Facts

1. Born: January 1, 1944 in Sudan
2. Current President of Sudan
3. Political party: National Congress Party (NyP)
4. Assumed office: June 30, 1989
5. Religious affiliation: Islam
6. Seized power in a military coup
7. Holds the rank of Field Marshal, the highest rank for infantry
8. Received military training in Egypt
9. Fought for Egypt in the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel

Al-Bashir joined the Sudanese Army at an early age and trained in Egypt. Eventually, he served with the Egyptian army during the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel. When he returned to Sudan, he led a military campaign that suppressed political and social dissidents.

In 1989 he led a coup that successfully seized control of the government. In 1993 he was appointed president and assumed full control over the country's legislative and executive functions. He was officially elected in 1996 and in 1998 enacted a new constitution ensuring his control over the government. Though some opposition was allowed to form after 1999, the growth of these groups was limited and they failed to have a significant influence.