Sudan’s Fight for Democracy is Far From Over

On October 25th, Sudan experienced another setback in its struggle for peace. A military coup, led by General Abdel Fatta al-Burhan, seized power, removed civilian political leaders, and placed President Hamdok under house arrest. The country is in the midst of a transition that is intended to lead to a system of democratic reforms. In fact, Sudan was set to hold elections toward the end of 2023, following a transfer of power from military to civilian rule. Unfortunately, this hiccup may push that date back even further. 

From 1989 to today, Sudan has known only coups, wars, and authoritarian leadership. The citizens of Sudan want more. After the fall of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, protesters across the country took to the streets, earnestly pleading for a new form of government. Following months of intense pressure, military and civilian leaders came together to build the framework for a new government structure. The framework is designed to create an efficient transition to civilian rule while still maintaining positive relationships with the military. 

This military takeover has erupted in a chaotic power grab, threatening the stability of this new framework. Both international and regional actors have made statements condemning the coup. From President Biden to the World Bank to the Arab League, it seems everyone has an opinion. Even Russia’s Maria Zakharova commented on the coup, calling it the “result of the interim government’s failed policy.” These statements particularly stress the need for civil discourse, a sign that many world leaders believe the military will honor some democratic principles.  

Weeks ago, the military came to an agreement with transition leaders. The military has released Prime Minister Hamdok from his house arrest and has begun to tilt back to the path of democracy. Unfortunately, there is little hope that will last. Arguably, the only reason the military leaders relented was because of the intense international pressure. Many nations called for sanctions, including the United States. This seems to be a distraction as the military dangles the carrot in front of the people, secretly plotting their next move. Despite this agreement, the protests are still raging on. 

The military is already taking measures to ensure dissent is stifled. Mysteriously, Internet and phone services in Sudan are failing during many of the demonstrations that are taking place in major cities. In fact, estimates claim that there would have been even more protesters had the organizers had access to proper Internet service. They argue that if more people had seen the demonstrations online, they would have joined in. Many people did not know about the demonstrations until it was too late. This is yet another example of the autocratic crackdown that al-Burhan and his fellow coup organizers are pursuing ,and it is only the beginning. Additionally, In Khartoum, demonstrators were met with tear gas and were forced to abandon their activities. Of those dispersed, 100 were rounded up and placed in jail. The Sudanese military, it seems, is not paying heed to the world leaders who pleaded the case of the protesters. 

Voices from across the globe assume that Sudanese citizens will give up and relent to the autocratic pushback. They are wrong. This is not the first time that Sudan has undergone a challenge to its principles, nor is it the first time that the people of Sudan have been hounded by military forces. The Sudanese people are fed up and they will not accept the rule of the military generals. No more proof is needed than the sight of the protests that have erupted since October 25th. 

Now is not the time to count Sudan out. The war against autocracy is not one that can be won indefinitely. Rather, it is a battle that must be fought by every generation that yearns for freedom and liberty. No nation knows this better than Sudan. Indeed, the people of Sudan inspire others to pay heed to the challenges against democracy. The Sudanese activists are not done fighting. The democratic allies of Sudan are not done fighting. Most importantly, the people of Sudan, who beg for democracy, are nowhere near done fighting. Civil society organizations have begun their movement and are already striking fear into the leaders of this coup. While it may look grim now, Sudan has been a light for all of Africa to see the growth of democracy and this coup is only a roadblock in the path of the brave fighters for freedom. 

The United States, NATO, and their democratic allies in Africa must continue to support the people of Sudan with words and actions. In order to achieve success, the Sudanese people will need outside actors advocating on their behalf. The IMF, World Bank, and other economic organizations must continue to punish the military leaders by use of sanctions and market restrictions. The leaders of democracy should continue with their statements of support for the Sudanese people and their lack of recognition of the military coup organizers as a sovereign government. Only then will the people of Sudan have a fighting chance to take back control and return to the path to democracy. Sudan is still in this fight and so are all who have faith that democracy will prevail.