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Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

Achieving Civilian Political Leadership in Sudan

Anti coup protests

A man flashes the victory sign during a protest to denounce the October 2021 military coup, in Khartoum, Sudan, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 AP photo

Esther Sprague
The future of Sudan and its transition from decades of dictatorship to democracy are in the hands, hearts and minds of the Sudanese people, and yet, the international community has a role to play in creating an environment conducive for genuine change.

The UNITAMS initiative has done important work in gathering information from the grassroots Resistance Committees, civil society, professional associations, the Diaspora and political parties regarding their political, social and economic objectives now and in the future.  The compilation of this information by UNITAMS can help inform the next steps of the transition.

We know, however, that UNITAMS, does not have the necessary leverage or will, given its member states, to pressure those who are resistant to change to comply with the demands of the people.  The UN Security Council was blocked from even making a statement as it witnessed an increase in atrocities and arbitrary detention of civilians by coup leaders.  With each passing day, coup leader positions of power are further entrenched, and the vision of freedom, peace and justice becomes more distant.

Just as the Troika, in cooperation and coordination with the UN and IGAD, played a pivotal role in securing Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it can again, play a direct role in creating a conducive environment for democratic transformation in Sudan.  The Troika can lead efforts to apply the right pressures on coup leaders to relinquish power rather than accepting their involvement and acquiescing to their demands.  This would not be easy, but it is an essential and complementary role in support of the courageous and determined struggle of the Sudanese people.
The author is the Founder of Sudan Unlimited