Freedom, peace, and justice\u2014these three principles became the rallying cry for the Sudanese population, leading to the downfall of a 30-year dictatorship characterized by corruption, religious fanaticism, oppression, and turmoil.<\/p>\n
It is disheartening to reflect that seven years after the celebrated December revolution, Sudan now teeters on the brink of collapse. Years of indiscriminate violence have brought the nation to a critical juncture. Today, Sudan is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions forced to flee their homes. The question remains: for what purpose?<\/p>\n
This vast African nation, the third largest on the continent, has been devastated by those obsessed with power, showing little regard for the plight of its citizens. Individuals who exploit famine or deploy chemical weapons against their own people cannot be the architects of our liberation. Recent assaults on civilian areas in East Darfur and North Kordofan serve as a stark reminder of this reality.<\/p>\n
From the onset of hostilities, it became clear that neither the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nor the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) could achieve a decisive military victory. The notion of a complete military triumph is a myth, perpetuated by those who gain from the ongoing conflict.<\/p>\n
However, the irrationality of this war does not warrant inaction. Sudan still possesses the potential for a brighter future. In the absence of an effective government, civilian groups are emerging across the nation to provide essential food and medical supplies while coordinating peace efforts.<\/p>\n
The Sudanese populace has not abandoned their aspirations for a functioning state. For the first time since the outbreak of this war, a viable plan has emerged that could pave the way for peace and break the destructive cycle of violence, wars, and coups that have afflicted Sudan for many years.<\/p>\n
Since the conflict began, there have been notable attempts to resolve it. Unfortunately, many of these initiatives have been biased or lacked the necessary support to successfully engage all parties in dialogue.<\/p>\n
The roadmap introduced in September by the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt\u2014collectively referred to as the Quad\u2014offers a new approach. This plan is endorsed by the populace and possesses the leverage required to halt the ongoing war.<\/p>\n
This renewed commitment has been particularly important, as demonstrated by the RSF and SAF’s willingness to consider a ceasefire proposal, indicative of a significant shift in dynamics.<\/p>\n
Importantly, this roadmap transcends a mere temporary cessation of hostilities; it acknowledges the imperative for an independent, civilian-led government. Implementing this plan necessitates three critical actions: an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire agreed upon by all conflict parties, the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and civilian protection, and a national dialogue involving representatives from all sectors of Sudanese society.<\/p>\n
The primary focus should be on determining the governance structure for Sudan, rather than who holds power. This decision ought to be left to the citizens themselves.<\/p>\n
These three aspects must be addressed concurrently, not sequentially. A ceasefire without a political dialogue holds no value. Repeatedly over the last three years, both sides have agreed to ceasefires while simultaneously continuing to inflict violence on the Sudanese people.<\/p>\n
Each such instance has plunged the nation back into disarray.<\/p>\n
Tackling these issues collectively provides a pathway to break the cycle of violence. Involving all segments of society that advocate for peace, democracy, and civilian governance will enable us to forge a sustainable path to peace that addresses the underlying issues of this conflict.<\/p>\n
A ministerial conference scheduled for April 15 in Berlin presents an opportunity to advance this process. This meeting should serve to unify international efforts and consolidate political will into a framework that can effectively deliver peace. It is essential to integrate the various initiatives regarding Sudan from the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States, the UN, European Union, and others, in support of the Quad\u2019s peace roadmap. The proliferation of these mediation efforts only weakens our chances of achieving an end to the war.<\/p>\n
A cohesive international community in Berlin could significantly expedite the journey from ceasefire to humanitarian assistance and ultimately towards a civilian-led political solution.<\/p>\n
While I acknowledge the enormity of the challenge ahead, like many Sudanese, I hold onto the belief in a brighter future. We have triumphed over three decades of dictatorship and the division of our nation.<\/p>\n
Now, we have a credible plan to restore peace to Sudan, bolstered by international support. It is crucial that we seize this opportunity before it slips away.<\/p>\n
Abdalla Hamdok is the former prime minister of Sudan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Freedom, peace, and justice\u2014these three principles became the rallying cry for the Sudanese population, leading to the downfall of a 30-year dictatorship characterized by corruption, religious fanaticism, oppression, and turmoil. It is disheartening to reflect that seven years after the celebrated December revolution, Sudan now teeters on the brink of collapse. Years of indiscriminate violence […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9336,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[639,638,641,230,578,2158,88,571],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk-africa","category-uk-conflict-and-arms","category-uk-global-development","category-uk-human-rights","category-uk-middle-east-and-north-africa","category-uk-sudan","category-uk","category-uk-world-news"],"yoast_head":"\n