Sudan must take the path to compromise
Sudan must carefully manage the transition to a civilian government, a promise the military dispensation made to the people who are ready for democracy after decades of misrule by leaders who pursued their own interests. The country’s interim rulers now have a responsibility to prevent unrest while forging a unity government with civilian leaders before elections are called. Stability is, therefore, vital for Sudan in this critical phase and all sections of society should have a stake in the transition. That said, the Sudanese people deserve credit for the restraint they have shown during their protests against the erstwhile regime. They chose non-violence while persevering to achieve their democratic goals. They refused to be provoked and they can hold their head high. Indeed, it was a people’s movement, for rights and dignity. The victory was sweet but their fight should not be allowed to go in vain. It is imperative that the army have the people on their side when they embark on crucial long-term electoral and democratic reforms. It is also important that extremist elements are kept at bay.
The UAE has made it clear that Sudan’s civilian and military leaders must find common ground. UAE
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash tweeted: “Totally legitimate for Arab states to support an orderly and stable transition in Sudan. One that carefully calibrates popular aspirations with institutional stability. We have experienced all-out chaos in the region and, sensibly, don’t need more of it.” The events that followed the Arab Spring protests are still fresh in the mind. While Tunisia transitioned to a democracy after pro-democracy demonstrations broke out in 2011, Libya and Syria went down the bloody road to repression and violence. Sudan has a chance to make a success of its uprising by learning from the past. The UAE will deposit $250 million in Sudan’s central bank this month which will ease the economic crisis. Meanwhile, military and civil leaders should come to an understanding on the composition of the interim government. This is no time for one upmanship but for compromise.
It is imperative that the army have the people on their side when they embark on crucial longterm electoral and democratic reforms