Introduction
Sudan has been a country that has undergone significant political transitions due to civil war, military coups, and power shifts. However, June 2019 marked a turning point in Sudan’s political history as protests erupted in the capital city, Khartoum, and across the country, calling for overthrowing the dictatorial regime of President Omar al-Bashir. The mass protests, led by young activists and opposition groups, eventually forced the military to oust Bashir in April 2019 and form a transitional government, leading to Sudanese transition to democracy.
Background
Sudan is a country located in northeastern Africa and is home to around 40 million people. The country has experienced a turbulent history, marked by civil war, power struggles between different ethnic and religious groups, and political instability.
After gaining independence from the British in 1956, Sudan faced a crisis of identity, with two distinct cultural and religious groups - the Arab-Islamic north and the southern, African Christian-animist south. The tensions between these two groups peaked in the late 20th century, leading to the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), in which around two million people died.
In addition to the civil war, Sudan has experienced frequent military coups and political unrest. President Omar al-Bashir came to power in 1989 through a military coup d’etat and ruled for over three decades, using authoritarian tactics and suppressing any form of opposition.
The Sudanese Revolution
The Sudanese revolution began in December 2018 when a group of activists and opposition groups called for mass protests across the country against the high cost of living, fuel and bread shortages, and the authoritarian rule of President Omar al-Bashir.
The protestors, led mainly by Sudanese youth and women’s groups, demanded the ousting of Bashir and the establishment of a transitional government. In April 2019, after months of protests and negotiations, Bashir was finally overthrown in a military coup led by the Sudanese Military Transitional Council (TMC).
However, the military junta quickly lost support due to its brutal crackdown on protestors and slow progress in establishing a civilian-led transitional government. Mass protests continued, with protestors camping outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, demanding that power be transferred to civilian leaders.
Sudanese Transition to Democracy
In August 2019, after months of protests, negotiations, and international pressure, the Transitional Military Council and the opposition signed a power-sharing agreement to establish a civilian-led transitional government. The agreement stipulated the formation of a Sovereign Council, a legislature, and a government, with a 39-month transitional period leading up to free and fair elections.
The Sovereign Council would consist of six civilians and five military officials, with a civilian president rotating every 21 months. The legislature, the Council of Sovereignty, would consist of 300 members, 67% of whom would be from the opposition. The government would be appointed by the Prime Minister, who would be nominated by the opposition.
The agreement also included provisions for peace talks with rebel groups in the Darfur region and other parts of the country, the formation of a commission to investigate human rights abuses committed during the Bashir regime, and the establishment of a new constitution.
Challenges and Way Forward
The Sudanese transition to democracy has faced significant challenges, including negotiating with rebel groups, economic reforms, and addressing human rights abuses committed during the Bashir regime.
The transitional government has made progress in releasing political prisoners, establishing the commission investigating human rights abuses, and signing a peace agreement with rebel groups in Darfur. However, the government has faced criticism for its slow pace in implementing economic reforms, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country also faces challenges with poverty, corruption, and a lack of infrastructure, which has led to protests and strikes by civil servants and workers. The transitional government must address these issues and provide solutions that benefit the country’s citizens.
Conclusion
The Sudanese transition to democracy is an ongoing process, marked by progress and challenges. The mass protests that ousted President Bashir and the subsequent negotiations that led to a power-sharing agreement between the military and civilians demonstrate the country’s determination to establish a democratic government.
The transitional government must continue to work towards building inclusive institutions, promoting human rights, and addressing the various challenges facing the country. The international community should support Sudan in its transition to democracy by providing financial and technical assistance, promoting peace and stability, and holding the government accountable for its commitments.
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