Sudan: The Nation's Struggles
The north-eastern African nation of Sudan has seen decades of political unrest and violence. Power battles between various groups have been a recurring problem in this country due to its varying population and tribal ties, which have been worsened?by economic hardship and a history of colonial domination. This article explores the causes and repercussions of the ongoing political crisis in Sudan as well as the initiatives taken by the international community to put an end to it.
Background:
The political climate in Sudan has been characterised by a tumultuous history since its emancipation from Anglo-Egyptian governance in 1956. The nation has been beset by internal conflicts, particularly the protracted battles between the northern and southern regions, culminating in the separation of South Sudan from the motherland in 2011. The ongoing Darfur conflict, which commenced in 2003, has resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and the displacement of millions.
The political landscape of Sudan has undergone a series of transformations in recent times. The April 2019 uprising marked a significant turning point in Sudanese politics. It resulted in the removal of the autocratic regime of Omar al-Bashir, who had held the reins of power for over three decades. In August 2013, the former leader of Sudan established the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) purportedly for self-protection before his eventual overthrow. However, it is widely known that most RSF fighters are notorious and have been implicated in war crimes. The militant group is led by a former camel trader, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti. Then In a bid to open the way for democratic elections, a transitional government has been instituted, comprising both civilian and military components.
Not happy ending:?
The transitional government, once lauded as a promising move towards democratic governance, has encountered a multitude of challenges and reversals. The ongoing power struggle between civilian and military factions has impeded progress and resulted in violent confrontations. The Sudanese security forces' violent dispersal of a peaceful sit-in protest in Khartoum on June 3, 2019, resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 lives and left hundreds more injured. This incident stands out as a stark reminder of the need for greater respect for human rights and the rule of law in Sudan.
The ongoing tensions between the military and civilian factions in Sudan can be attributed to their divergent visions for the future of the country. The Transitional Military Council (TMC) has been accused of engaging in a power grab and seeking to exert its authority over the political arena. The military's actions have been viewed by some as an attempt to consolidate its hold on power and maintain its grip on the country's political landscape. As the political landscape in the region continues to evolve, the civilian opposition factions, led by the esteemed Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition, are steadfast in their pursuit of a truly democratic framework that prioritises civilian governance and accountability over military influence.
There is a multitude of factors that have contributed to the current state of affairs
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Economic/social factor:
The correlation between economic factors and social unrest has been a topic of great concern among political analysts. The economic conditions of a society can have a significant impact on the level of social unrest experienced within it. It is widely acknowledged that economic inequality and poverty can lead to social unrest. Individuals who feel economically marginalised may become disillusioned with the political system and take to the streets to voice their grievances. This is what happing in Sudan daily.?
The precarious state of Sudan's economy has served to intensify the ongoing political strife. The current state of the nation is plagued by a trifecta of challenges: soaring inflation rates, a pervasive poverty crisis, and a dearth of essential infrastructure. The prevailing issues have ignited widespread public dissatisfaction and societal turbulence, resulting in intermittent demonstrations that stem from economic grievances. Moreover, the economic ramifications of South Sudan's secession have been dire for Sudan, with the loss of oil revenue leading to a substantial reduction in government expenditure on public services and a concomitant deterioration in the standard of living.
Ongoing tension:
The current political climate is characterised by heightened ethnic and regional tensions, which have been a source of concern for many citizens. The issue of ethnic and regional identity has become increasingly salient in recent years, with various groups vying for recognition and representation in the political sphere. This has led to a polarised political landscape, with competing interests and agendas often clashing in public discourse.?
The persistent political strife in Sudan has been exacerbated by the ethnic and regional schisms that exist within the country. For years, marginalised ethnic and tribal factions, particularly those residing in outlying areas such as Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile, have harboured deep-seated resentments towards the governing authorities. The systematic marginalisation and violent repression of these groups have resulted in the emergence of armed rebel movements that seek to challenge the legitimacy of the government's authority.
The formation of an armed militia by Al-Bashir, which is not associated with the Sudanese army, has further complicated the political landscape in Sudan. This move is reminiscent of other groups, such as the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq and Hizbullah in Lebanon and has only served to intensify the ongoing power struggle in the country.
Interventions:
The ongoing political turmoil in Sudan has garnered significant attention from the international community, which has been actively engaged in efforts to bring about a resolution to the crisis. The involvement of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) in the mediation process between the civilian opposition and the Transitional Military Council (TMC) has been instrumental in achieving progress towards a resolution. The Constitutional Declaration, which was signed in August 2019, laid the foundation for a power-sharing agreement and a well-defined timeline for the transition to democracy. Despite the agreement's ratification, the pace of its implementation has been sluggish, with several components of the accord still outstanding, such as the formation of a legislative council and the conduct of democratic elections. The involvement of prominent global players, including the United States, the European Union, and the AU.
The outbreak of the current conflict is not strange, but it is expected due to the country's bad conditions. General Al-Burhan and the Sudanese army on the one hand, and General Hemeti and his forces on the other side, and each side has international sponsors and supporters. As the Sudanese landscape is rife with significant actors, ranging from regional powers to major global players with vested interests in the region. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has garnered international attention, with various nations taking sides in the matter. While some countries have thrown their support behind Hamiti's forces, others have pledged allegiance to the Sudanese army commander, General Burhan. As such, Egypt views any instability in Sudan as a direct threat to their national security and has thus been heavily involved in the country's political affairs.
No one knows how things will finish in Sudan, despite my own anticipation of a victory for the Sudanese army and a quick resolution in its favour, but the Sudanese people are undoubtedly the largest losers in this battle.