Sudan‘s fragile Revolution Collapses into Civil War
Khartoum, Sudan – Intense fighting between the Sudanese army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the nation into a brutal civil war, shattering hopes for a democratic transition following the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. What began as a power struggle between the two generals leading the country – Abdel fattah al-burhan, head of the SAF, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, commander of the RSF – has escalated into widespread violence impacting civilians and threatening regional stability.
The conflict represents a devastating setback for Sudan, a nation that just years ago inspired optimism with its popular uprising. The current crisis stems from a deeply flawed international effort to integrate the SAF and RSF into a unified military, a process neither Burhan nor Hemeti were willing to genuinely concede power within. This attempt mirrored failed unification processes in South Sudan in 2013 and 2016, both of which resulted in bloodshed, and ultimately succumbed to the pressure of unresolved tensions.
Prior to this weekend’s outbreak of clashes, the plan to create a single army was already proving contentious. The core issue wasn’t the idea of unification itself, but the unwillingness of either Burhan or Hemeti to relinquish the authority they had accumulated. This dynamic, coupled with the inherent instability of a transitional government, created a volatile habitat ripe for conflict.
The situation underscores a critical lesson: revolution is merely the opening chapter of change, not its conclusion. While recent uprisings in countries like Myanmar, Tunisia, Egypt, and Sudan may appear to have faltered, the struggle for a nation’s political future is a continuous and active battle. Sudanese activists have demonstrated that political progress is not guaranteed,but requires sustained effort and vigilance.
Currently,the immediate priority for the Sudanese people is survival amidst the escalating violence. While the dream of a democratic Sudan remains, it is overshadowed by the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder that building a stable and democratic society requires more than just removing an authoritarian regime; it demands a genuine commitment to power-sharing,institutional reform,and inclusive governance.
