Sudan’s government of national dis-unity
By Odongi IbaluKiram*
Mar 20, 2006 — Sudanese are none-too-pleased with the state of affairs in the country! Now a year since the conflict-relieving award was bestowed, the touted IGAD brokered CPA, a security formula purported to bring much-desired peace, political stability and responsible government upon the inhabitants of Sudan. It is no surprise, however, following this guarantee much is yet being desired.
Recent events testify the old dangerous fallacy perpetuated over the years as a norm is much in evidence, that the running of the country is exclusively an elected affair of few and the silent majority should unquestionably submit to their idiosyncrasies without the slightest hesitation. The consequence of this misplaced reasoning has rightly seen the prohibition of democracy, peace, human rights culture among other societal ideals as a luxury totally unfit for Sudan citizenry, in recent times by Bashir regime, couple with constant agitation for national hatred.
It is a truism that Sudan fate is undoubtedly at their mercy, often than imagine with their acts politicians dictate the function of society. It is against this backdrop that we in Sudan are held to ransom by a crass ideology and self-centred individuals who relegate the utmost good of a nation below their lofty selfish ambitions. For long our enemy, in essence, has been a system, an ideology, political Islam, in the person of Bashir ever-refashion (National Congress Party) along with others of its kind ensuring Sudan rolls down a trajectory befitting only their wishes.
While the government of national pseudo-unity coming to being was a welcome event, considering it to pave the way for a reform process, the inconsistencies it is fraught with warrants concern. Right from the beginning, it was obvious the process of constructing a peaceful Sudan is fraudulent, international community apparently appear to endorse rather implausibly Sudan archenemies to direct the nation as they see fit.
The world was witness to Omar El-Bashir inaugural knee-jerk speech. Accordingly: “Sudan will never be the same again … the first ever government of national unity has been born.” Without more ado Darfur crisis and the eastern conundrum obviously bellied such insensitivity. This rather disturbing pronouncement bordering political romanticism at its ugly best is enough reason for eternal concern; it indicates too that something is amiss in Sudan. Even more so it hasten the call for absolute reform.
Bahsir (NCP) sees itself as a regime of choice, and it despises Sudanese as fools incapable of thinking out solutions to their problems. Its outlook is further bolstered by international community cavalier attitude towards Sudan’s future. What Sudan needs, really, is a complete change in politico-military policies and the cleansing of mindsets.
It is inconceivable to have a government of national unity amidst war and politically orchestrated disharmony. But Bashir and SPLM take pride in their politics of self-deceit by insisting they have blessed the country with peace and unity. Wounds have not been healed, needs or grievances have not been redress and unity is only a dream to be realized still. Why then boast of a bogus peace?
We will only have true peace and unity in Sudan when those in leadership become truly born-again politicians; when no one from south to north and from east to west feel alienated, oppressed, abused and despised; when arm conflict become not a resort for settling issues; when interests of the people are elevated above vested interests; when someone accepts and realizes mistakes have been made and decides to right all wrongs.
According to a short-sighted SPLM thinking, charity begins in the neighbouring countries not at home in Sudan. It is not only now illogical it is suicidal to bank on SPLM as the sole organization with considerable following and support thus with potential of dismantling the inherent system, for it shall deliver Sudanese from no evil, but shall lead … into further bondage, unless otherwise some honest radical changes are introduce very soon rather than latter.
Two decades in its making, to all dismay the SPLM remain mechanical in character and at worse economically illiterate. It is an act of crass and wanton disregard for … lives to offer US$1 million to Kenya. It would be justified to extend a hand of solidarity to, if some degree of development has occurred in southern Sudan. Responding to questions at the African Institute expert seminar in Pretoria, South Africa, GoSS Chief Justice Ambrose Riing Thiik said, “… Kenya did a lot for Sudanese … it follows that we must reciprocate”, but quite logically that reward ought not be immediate prior to southern establishment. Such remarks coming from a high profile GoSS member indicates a disconnection with reality at the top level of leadership.
Base on confirm reports and talks with senior SPLM members and others in the know, the contribution to Kenya was prompted to cover up a series of corrupt activities and reckless financial embezzlement. SPLM certainly is asking for trouble and with time should receive its share of punishment befitting its idiosyncrasy.
It seems safe to postulate that SPLM now joins the notorious NCP in ensuring the development of Sudan remain the last thing to be bothered with. The NCP/SPLM lead interim government risk loosing its credibility, albeit it has done so already. It is worth affording those in authority an opportunity to fool themselves if they so desire. Sudanese, however, must be vigilant and should rise to the occasion when their lives and future is treated as totally unimportant.
If the wanton neglect of all Sudanese wellbeing is a priority, it must stand to reason that those charge with the nation management must by popular demand be instructed to:
1) streamline objectives and policies in place;
2) consult widely with civil society groups as a matter of ensuring efficiency and meeting correct targets; and
3) if arrogance together with vested-interest and pigheadedness is a preferred approach in addressing issues of national concern, a final solution should be invoke i.e. to wipe them off by any means necessary, for it is a necessity for Sudanese to have decent life, a peaceful and prosperous future in a climate of tolerance and mutual co-existence.
It is folly entertaining these inconsiderate gentlemen bent on perpetuating war, social injustice, massive suffering and pulling of Sudan apart for their own good.
* Odongi IbaluKiram is a freelance researcher, journalist and a Media & communications consultant based in South Africa.