by Redazione
A ceasefire is no longer a political option—it is a vital necessity to save what remains of the state and society. This obligation rests entirely on the warring Sudanese parties, who must completely halt military and political maneuvers.
By Dr. Nidal Shoukeir
Professor of Strategic Communications and Governmental Relations
Sudan is currently facing one of the darkest moments in its modern history—a moment where human tragedy intertwines with state collapse and social fragmentation. Since the outbreak of war in the spring of 2023, the country has become an open arena for violence, hunger, and displacement, while the most basic necessities of life are rapidly disappearing. Essential services have collapsed, cities have been besieged, and families are left to face the unknown in a desperate struggle for survival. Amid this accelerating breakdown, the humanitarian crisis in El Fasher and other regions is intensifying, raising the urgent question: what does Sudan truly need at this critical moment?
Three Urgent Steps to Save Sudan from Collapse
In practical terms, Sudan today urgently needs a roadmap built on three fundamental steps:
1. Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire
A ceasefire is no longer a political option—it is a vital necessity to save what remains of the state and society. This obligation rests entirely on the warring Sudanese parties, who must completely halt military and political maneuvers. Only then can a minimum level of security be established, paving the way to stop the collapse and pull the country back from the path of death and destruction.
2. Urgent and Widespread Humanitarian Assistance
Sudan urgently needs food, medicine, water, electricity, and fuel, as well as the restoration of essential services that have completely ceased in many regions. This step is pivotal for healing wounds and creating the conditions necessary for a transition from war to peace. Here, the international community and Sudan’s friends play a crucial role in showing utmost responsibility and providing the required support to help the country overcome its crisis and restore its rightful place regionally and internationally.
3. Launching a Serious National Dialogue to Restore Democracy
Sudan cannot recover or rise without a comprehensive political process that allows all national forces to sit at the same table, away from the logic of arms and narrow interests. Such a dialogue would restore the state and its institutions, establish a stable civilian political system, block extremist ideologies, and place Sudan’s national interest above the ambitions of the warring factions.
Building a united state for all Sudanese and establishing institutions capable of ensuring security, driving development, and reunifying the country is essential to initiating national recovery.
Sudan also needs a fair process to hold accountable those responsible for grave violations in the past. While difficult to implement immediately and not a top priority, such accountability is crucial to closing the chapter of suffering and building a future founded on justice. This process must be thorough and impartial, encompassing all Sudanese parties who committed crimes and terrorized innocent civilians.
The responsibility to save Sudan today rests primarily on every free Sudanese citizen who aspires to a safe and stable future. Every Sudanese must place the country’s interest above all else and align solely with Sudan—not with any faction whose conflict has torn apart this ancient land.
Sudan also needs the support of all regional and international efforts aimed at putting the country back on the right path, foremost among them the work of the International Quartet. The country must say “yes” to a new, stable Sudan that reflects its people, and “no” to chaos, dictatorial oppression, and extremist ideologies.
Between War and Peace: The Responsibility of Sudanese Citizens
It has become clear that no military solution will end this war, and that supporting one side over the other will only prolong the crisis and deepen the suffering of millions of Sudanese. Sudan today needs a courageous and responsible decision from its citizens—a firm decision not to side with either of the warring parties, both of which represent two faces of the same coin: the destruction of Sudan and its departure from the path of peace.
Sudan also needs, more than ever, friends—many friends from Africa, the Arab world, and beyond. In these difficult circumstances, every effort must be made to increase Sudan’s circle of friends, so the country can rise again, even if this requires extending goodwill toward adversaries and attempting to turn them into partners. This is a national duty for every patriotic Sudanese, unlike the approach of some parties that attack their closest friends and turn them into enemies simply because they did not provide support in this destructive war.
Sudan also needs the sincere mobilization of all its citizens across public platforms and fields against the military coup that overthrew civilian authority and the state project. However, it does not need politicized mobilization against friendly countries that have contributed and continue to contribute greatly to the Sudanese people, even if there is a disagreement with them. Such actions only deepen division and harm.
Sudan stands today at a historic crossroads, where the future of generations to come will be decided. The source of this tragedy is known, its perpetrators are known, and the victims are the sons and daughters of this land who have paid the full price. It is clear that continuing the war will only bring more destruction, and that waiting for solutions from abroad will change nothing unless Sudanese themselves take decisive action.
The moment Sudan needs today is one of awareness and honesty with itself—a moment when everyone realizes that the country’s salvation will not come from weapons, fleeting alliances, or narrow alignments, but from Sudanese citizens’ agreement to rescue their homeland from this suicidal path. Only Sudanese themselves can open the door to peace, end this senseless war, and rebuild a just state worthy of future generations.
The fundamental question that will determine Sudan’s fate remains:
Will Sudanese choose the path of statehood and peace, or will they let war decide their future?
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati
L’articolo Nidal Shoukeir: “What Does Sudan Need Today?” proviene da Associated Medias.
