BY PAUL DHEL GUM

Juba 06/10/2023

Sudan suffers from the historical injustices from 1821-1885 Turkish-Egyptian rule, to mahdist revolution of 1885-1898 to condominium rule to independence 1956. Looking critically into the history, its undeniable that the elites in the north colluded with the colonial powers to inherit power and resources in a total disregard to the vast majority population that constitute the Sudan. This marginalization led to so many revolutionary movements in the country. The consequence of which South Sudan opted to form an independent state. The scenario continue in the western, eastern and southern part of the modern Sudan. The Arabs and Islamic nations in support to an imposed Sudanese Arab identity and Islamic ideology are yet to réalise that such an imposition of national identity has come to an end.

After deposing the notorious Islamic dictator, Omer Albashir, complex interests from the international community, Arab and Islamic world emerged. The competition over the political and ideological control on Sudan quickly plugged the nation into a destructive and devastating conflict never experience in the northern and central Sudan. This conflict has taken shapes both military and politically and likely to slide into an ethnic war. The SAF who identify with Arab and islam is directly or indirectly getting the support from the Arab nations. RSF, though largely made of notorious Islamic fundamentalists, has taken upon itself to preach for a secular/democratic transformation and civil rule in the Sudan. However, the skepticism remain for the fact that RSF was formed by the National Islamic Front to advance the Islamic ideology on the Darfur people where the force committed worst human right abuses. The training, armament and ideological orientation of this force cast doubt whether they will abide by their pronouncements if they were to take power in the Sudan.

With the level of conflict, the complex interests vested in Sudan, it’s unlikely that the country will regain stability so soon. This means the human suffering will prolong, destruction will continue and the likely of disintegrating into many countries will emerge.

In my view, any possible negotiation should be based on the regional approach. Eastern Region, Western region, Southern Region, Northern region and Central region. These five regions have unique cases to present on governance, distribution of national resources, security arrangements national identity. The submissions from the regions will form the basis for the New sudanese state structured on the will of the people. A federated Sudanese state will enhance good governance and provide a sustainable stability.