The Face of Truth: The American Elections from the Sudanese Perspective
Ibrahim Shaglawi
Today, Sudanese people followed the American election results with great interest, which concluded in favor of Donald Trump. Cautious anticipation dominated the atmosphere and served as a source of hope. These elections are among the most prominent political events capturing the attention of many nations worldwide, both negatively and positively. Sudanese interest was therefore positive, as they are a peace-loving people who seek to live in safety. However, the forces of history have drawn them into a brutal war due to international and regional conspiracies against their country, which would not have succeeded without the political backing from certain political groups that have long aspired to govern the country without electoral authorization.
Consequently, these forces resorted, in mid-April of last year, to a military coup to seize power using the Rapid Support Forces militia. This unfortunate reality, which they saw as a “progressive option,” was described by Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi as follows: “We will develop our alternative options” to confront those obstructing the implementation of the Framework Agreement and the Lawyers’ Constitution, which was drafted to govern the country for years to come in alignment with the International Quartet. This Quartet lacked any international or regional mandate, deriving its authority solely from those ruling the country at that time. Thus, they gathered and began weaving the conspiratorial threads that enabled the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) alliance to seize power in the country, supported by the UN mission led by UN envoy Volker Perthes.
The United States was not distant from this strategy; in fact, it led it, despite celebrating its democracy, which we celebrate with it. Unfortunately, it made no genuine efforts to support our country in strengthening democracy to ensure stability by rejecting this plan and pushing the political and military leadership toward elections, allowing Sudanese people to determine their own leaders. Perhaps this political shortcoming from the previous American administration, led by President Joe Biden, is what caused events in our country to spiral into a war now approaching its second year, during which widespread civilian violations have occurred, thousands have been displaced, and atrocities such as rape and killings based on identity and political affiliation have been committed. For this reason, observers believe that the previous American administration was neither fair nor genuinely concerned about Sudanese security.
They may have even turned a blind eye to the crimes of the Rapid Support Forces and failed to assist Sudanese people in classifying it as a terrorist organization, nor did they work to prevent the flow of arms from this group’s regional allies. Observers argue that had the United States exercised its influence, it could have significantly helped Sudanese people in halting the war. When it succeeded, together with Saudi Arabia, in achieving the Jeddah Agreement for security and humanitarian arrangements on May 11 last year between the army and the rebellious Rapid Support Forces to stop the bloodshed of Sudanese people and restore security and peace, it failed to exert the necessary pressure on the rebel forces and their regional supporters to implement the agreement.
All this disappointment and betrayal by the Biden administration, representing the Democrats, makes Sudanese people welcome the new administration led by President Donald Trump, representing the Republicans. They hope that he will at least take a different direction from his predecessor by working to restore security and achieve peace for Sudanese people, given the previous stance of Republicans in the U.S. Congress, who tended to classify the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization. Additionally, a rapprochement between the United States under the new administration and Russia, a Sudanese ally, is anticipated.
It is also essential to consider what Trump stated in his victory speech today: that he will work to stop wars, will not start them, but will end them, and that he will succeed in this as he did in his first term. These clear words and promises, which carry significant political and ethical value, give Sudanese people hope in the arrival of the new White House resident, expecting him to approach peace seriously and not simply as rhetoric to sway regional and international public opinion.
The previous administration, led by President Joe Biden, has faced severe criticism from Sudanese people, despite the essential role the U.S. plays in promoting democracy and human rights. With Donald Trump assuming the presidency of the United States, Sudanese people hope to see a positive transformation in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Despite the challenges facing Sudan, they remain optimistic for a better future and hope that the United States will play an active role in supporting their country’s stability and achieving comprehensive peace and development. Nevertheless, observers see American foreign policy as unchanging, promoting its interests at the expense of other nations. Despite this, let us remain hopeful, as the whole world now feels the threat and importance of peaceful coexistence and the mutual exchange of benefits and interests in a way that preserves each nation’s sovereignty. We in Sudan are no exception in our desire to keep our country free and sovereign, strengthening our interests with others to ensure the welfare of our people and guarantee peace and security.
Conversely, we will continue to defend our country to affirm our freedom and will, which do not accept compromise or submission. This is the face of truth that reflects the Sudanese perspective on the results of the American elections. Through this perspective, we aim to emphasize the importance of respecting Sudanese people’s desire for peace, which preserves their country and ensures their security away from regional and international ambitions.
Stay well and healthy.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Shglawi55@gmail.com