The Face of Truth: Sudan gains its independence twice
Ibrahim Shaglawi
On the anniversary of Sudan’s independence in 2025, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the country’s history. This commemoration is not just a reminder of the departure of the colonizer, but it comes at a time when Sudan’s modern path is being shaped on new foundations. Sudan did not gain its independence only once in 1956, but for the second time during the War of Dignity, when there were plans to hijack the Sudanese state. The honorable stood firm against attempts to dismantle and divide the country, which threatened its sovereignty and national unity. Today, the Sudanese army reaffirms its determination to protect this independence, which still forms the cornerstone for building the future of a united Sudan. On this occasion, national solidarity around the army and the preservation of national unity is a necessity that cannot be overlooked.
Since the outbreak of the war in mid-April 2023 by the Rapid Support Forces militia and its local and regional supporters, the Sudanese army has been at the forefront of defending the country against the risks of fragmentation and division. This battle was not just a response to a group trying to hijack the state, but also a defense of the Sudanese state’s identity from internal and external attempts to tear the country apart. In this context, the victories of the Sudanese army, whether on the ground or in various other fields, are a sign of the will of the Sudanese people to resist conspiracies aiming to destabilize the country and tamper with the people’s resources.
The battle Sudan is fighting today is not just a political or military battle, but a battle for national sovereignty, which decides that Sudan will remain free from foreign domination and interventions. Therefore, it requires the Sudanese people to renew their commitment to national unity, which forms the foundation for rebuilding the country and achieving its aspirations. On the anniversary of independence, every Sudanese must remember that this land, which witnessed the struggle against colonialism, must today witness another struggle against internal divisions that seek to fragment its entity.
Today, Sudan is going through a dangerous turning point that requires all of us, as individuals and institutions, to be at the forefront of defending sovereignty and national unity. There is no doubt that the duties imposed on Sudanese citizens go beyond the traditional boundaries of national or political affiliations. At this time, all Sudanese, from various ideologies and political orientations, must rise above their differences and work together for the welfare of the nation.
The awareness of the importance of this historical moment, and prioritizing the national interest over any partisan or individual agendas, is what will determine Sudan’s future. There is no doubt that political parties play a central role in influencing the future of the country. However, at a time when Sudan is facing an existential crisis that threatens its unity, these parties are expected to rise to the challenges. The zero-sum partisan conflicts that have long divided the country must be abandoned in favor of a common goal, which is the stability of Sudan and its protection from external and internal threats.
In this context, political parties must adopt political programs based on strengthening national cohesion, rejecting violence, promoting peace values, and fostering coexistence among the various components of the Sudanese people. Political parties are called upon today to rise to the level of national responsibility, working through an inclusive political dialogue that transcends narrow divisions and enhances national consensus.
The youth of Sudan, who have risen to defend the country and who are now in the battlefield, will not allow the country to regress into conflicts, fragmentation, and false delegations. Therefore, to face the complex challenges the country faces, there must be a comprehensive reform project that rebuilds the Sudanese state institutions on modern and strong foundations. This reform is not limited to political institutions. It requires reforming the educational system, developing the healthcare system, building advanced infrastructure, in addition to enhancing transparency in the management of national resources. Reform must be a comprehensive process that takes into account citizens’ rights and seeks to improve their economic and social conditions. This reform project should also pay special attention to building independent judicial institutions.
The reform project must involve everyone, including the government, political parties, and civil society, to ensure that it is inclusive and effective. Preserving national sovereignty requires Sudan to make independent decisions, free from any external intervention. It is essential for Sudan to work on enhancing its regional and international relations in a way that preserves its national interests and secures the support it needs at this stage. In light of the challenges at hand, Sudan must strengthen its leadership role in regional issues and seek to form strategic alliances that enable it to interact with the world more effectively.
Strengthening national sovereignty also requires regulating the relationship with major powers to ensure Sudan’s decision-making independence and prevent interference in internal affairs. At the same time, Sudan must work on building balanced relationships with its neighbors and the Arab and African states, contributing to the enhancement of its national security.
Therefore, from the perspective of truth, the battle for national sovereignty on the anniversary of independence remains a top priority, as Sudan stands at a crossroads. It imposes serious challenges on the Sudanese people and army, but there is also a real opportunity to rebuild the state on strong and sustainable foundations. The Sudanese army has proven its competence in protecting national unity, and it now needs full support from the entire Sudanese people across all their factions. The current moment requires transcending narrow agendas. Building the new Sudan can only be achieved through national unity and joint action between all political and social parties. Together, we can build a better future for Sudan, based on justice, stability, and peace.
Wishing you good health and well-being.
January 1, 2025
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