“The top priority for Sudanese national security is the establishment of an effective civilian political system.
By: Mus’aab Bereir
When examining the history of Sudanese civil politics, both from the right and left perspectives, it is evident that external influences have played a significant role in shaping their goals, programs, composition, approaches, and even funding.
This influence extends even to tribal liberation factions and armed regions, which emerged before and after independence, and underwent reproduction, multiplication, and rifts during the reigns of May, Sadiq Mahdi, and al-Bashir. The involvement of external entities, along with their financial support, has been crucial in the formation, encouragement, aid, and expansion of these movements, as well as in their decline as desired by their sponsors.”
“The civil political system and its elites in Sudan prioritize democracy under the threat of conflict, known as ‘either framework or war.’ However, upon closer examination, the implementation of democratic practices within this system is disappointing, as its essence seems nonexistent. Given this reality, it becomes difficult to expect Sudanese party leaders, without exception, to step down from their positions unless compelled by a higher power. In the unfortunate event of a leader’s demise, their sons often inherit their positions in the majority of major parties—a discouraging trend. Under such circumstances, it looks improbable to anticipate the endorsement of a regular citizen to lead a major political party and govern Sudan, mirroring the feats achieved by President Obama in the United States. Alternatively, parties may choose to split, as evidenced by the emergence of the Wingah Party, which has contributed to the proliferation of Sudanese parties, reaching an observed count of approximately 188 parties. It is worth noting that the Islamic Renaissance Movement, proclaimed by some members of the rapid support, is introduced as either a rival or an alternative to the Islamic Movement. Among these parties, various descriptions emerge—a party headed by a single individual, a family-oriented party (considered the best), and a faction or gang party (deemed the worst). This historical precedence, unprecedented in the domain of civilian political systems globally, is unique to Sudan – a planet of wonders.”
“The situation is like a carbon copy in Sudan, where armed movements are proliferating at dawn on a daily basis. In Darfur alone, over 100 armed movements have emerged, and there are dozens more in other states across Sudan. Some claim to have established a full government in the liberated area, but reports indicate that vehicles of armed movements, whose leaders hold high-ranking positions in the Sovereign Council, have recently fallen into ambushes set up by militias consisting of 10 armed cars. It is concerning that the possession of merely 10 armed land-cruisers can allow anyone in Sudan to declare themselves an armed movement. Moreover, many of these movements are suspected to have undisclosed affiliations with civil political parties. We must address this situation promptly. Thanks god!
“If the current civil political system, in its current state, poses a serious threat to Sudanese national security by depriving the Sudanese people of their legitimate aspirations to build a country where the principles of “freedom, peace, and justice” are upheld in both words and actions, then there is no hope for a rational and sustainable democratic practice within this system. This political system is burdened with animosity, exploitation, mercenarism, and the accumulated political ailments resulting from the failures of the prevailing political elites in Sudan. Additionally, the weak laws governing the establishment of Sudanese political parties and the regulations for enforcing democratic practices within them contribute to the problem. It has become apparent that anyone with access to a microphone in a public space, satellite, or radio channel can claim to represent the Sudanese people. This results in a mix of truth and falsehoods that confuses the nation, with each group claiming to be the protector of Sudan and its people. It is important for the people to recognize that Khartoum remains undivided and that extermination is not the solution.”
Another dimension:
Therefore, one of our main priorities for the next stage is to address the imbalances within our current civil political system. I suggest adopting the American civil political system as a reference for the formation and legitimacy of new Sudanese parties. This system puts the American people as the ultimate authority in deciding the continuity or dissolution of political parties, ensuring democratic practices. As we know, the American political parties have undergone changes over time, consolidating from more than 80 parties to only two. In light of this, we should embrace the principle of the late president Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Mahgoub, who once said, “There is no alternative to democracy except more democracy.”
May Allah be all we need, and may He be the best protector.
Oh Allah, protect us from the influence of those who do not fear You or show us mercy. You are the Most Merciful.
musapbrear@gmail.com