The unfolding political scene in Sudan has seen troubled times in the last year with a military coup followed by the civil unrest and a tumultuous transition towards democracy. Following the June 3rd military uprising and the forced removal of long-held Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, regional and international powers alike have continued to show support for the Sudanese people’s underlying desire for freedom and democracy.
The latest news in the country has been the announcement of the rulers of Sudan’s transitional military council to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok who was removed from power two weeks ago by self-proclaimed ‘mediator’ Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, commonly known as Hemeti.
The Sudanese people have made headlines internationally since the overthrow of their long-time leader in April 2019, leading to a military-led transitional council (TMC) to preside over Sudan’s multi-partied democratic transition period. Yet in the ensuing months, frustration and resentment have been present with the Sudanese people having to manage movements that threaten the impartiality of the transition.
This unrest took form in the controversial appointment of Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who declared himself to be the sole mediator of the Sudanese transition, despite not having been consulted by the remaining transitional council members. His appointment came with the swift decision to sack the appointed Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, from office and replace him with himself, seeking to raise his own military’s political authority in the process.
The Cure for Contention
The reinstatement of Abdalla Hamdok as prime minister was met with a sense of contentment among the Sudanese people, many having been disheartened by what they saw as another display of military power while they, the people, had no real choice in the process. With the international community placing attention on the former president, U.S President Donald Trump, the African Union and the United Nations Security Council all spoke out in support of Hamdok’s reinstatement.
The announced reinstatement was followed by a swift attempt to clarify the transitional process, for which Hemeti, the self-designated ‘sole mediator’, has called for a review of agreements made and a renewed commitment to a lasting transition agreement, peace and security for the Sudanese people. Though Hemeti’s position of power pushed teeters on the borderline of the constitutional articles, the effort to bring transparency and accountability to the transition is something that cannot be faulted.
Background of the Transition Process
Though a long way from being completed, the TMC-led democratic transition of Sudan has seen some tangible outcomes of late. The abolition of the death penalty by the Sovereignty Council and the changes to agricultural taxation are steps in the right direction, along with the suspension of censorship and the disbandment of presidential militias.
The clash between the people’s desire for democratic transition and the influence of the military councils is something that will likely continue to be a point of contention in Sudan. It remains to be seen whether the reinstatement of Prime Minister Hamdok and the renewed commitment of Hemeti will result in a more transparent and peaceful transition for the Sudanese people, or if this is simply another case of military interference.
The Transitional Council and Its Powers
The Transitional Military Council (TMC) is the ruling body of Sudan that has vowed to take Sudan through the transition to a civilian-led government in a two to four year span. The TMC is comprised of seven military leaders from Sudan’s military, chosen to lead the country during the transition. The council has a responsibility of protecting the country and maintaining security, whilst working towards a nonviolent democratic transition.
The power of the TMC lies in its ability to appoint or dismiss officials, enact laws, and make executive decisions on public services, such as healthcare, education and salaries. Whilst the primary mandate of the council is to steer the country towards civilian governance, it is clear that it has been exercising its powers unconstitutionally.
The Military’s Role in the Transition
The TMC has been known to take unilateral decisions, ignoring the authority of the parliamentary appointed Prime Minister or Presidential nominees. In the latest case of Prime Minister Hamdok’s reinstatement, this goes to show the power of the military during the transition.
The TMC has sought to control the transition process in its own favor, trying to exclude as many political forces as possible from the new government. Since the military coup in April 2019, the council has gone from being a side actor in Sudan’s politics to a major political force determining the future of the country. It holds the power to make decisions on key matters of national security, the budget, draft and constitutional reforms, and foreign policy, not to mention its control over corruption investigations, human rights records and civil society.
The implications of this restraining of power for the country’s transition is becoming increasingly clear to the international community. To date, numerous requests have been made for the TMC to step down in favor of forming an independent civilian government, allowing for a true transition towards democracy.
Inclusion of Civil Society in the Transition
The reinstatement of Prime Minister Hamdok is a positive step to bolster the incremental progression of Sudan’s promising democratic transition. It serves as a reminder that, with the help of international guidance and a unified voice, challenges faced by the Sudanese people can be overcome.
The next step in the transition must be taken with a strategic, inclusive approach to ensure unity among the Sudanese people and a reestablishing of trust between the civilians and the TMC. One such recommendation is the recognition of civil society as a key partner in the transition that can help reduce the level of discontent in the country by ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and acted on.
International Partnerships in the Transition
On the international front, the United Nations, African Union and the United States of America can all continue to play a part in bringing about the much-needed and long-awaited resolution. The involvement of international governments and organisations can help to guarantee a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.
The US, in particular, has reiterated its support and offered to provide assistance to the Sudanese people. US Special Envoy Don Yamamoto has spoken in favour of the reinstatement of Prime Minister Hamdok and has also assessed the situation, calling for Sudan to release detainees, to protect the impending new chapters of Sudan’s democratic transition, and to ensure an inclusive and transparent election process.
The reinstatement of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and the renewed calling of Hemeti to bring more transparency and accountability to the transition are positive developments as Sudan’s civil society continues to strive for a lasting, democratic change.
It is clear that any advancement in the transition process relies on a balanced, inclusive approach that ensures unity and avoids one- faction decisions. The inclusion of international actors, especially key figures such as the United States, African Union, United Nations and other global institutions, has the potential to bring continued guidance to Sudan’s process of redefining itself politically, ultimately leading to a peaceful future for the people of Sudan.