Editor’s Note: Justin Lynch is a researcher and analyst in Washington, DC. He is co-author of the book “Sudan’s Unfinished Democracy.” The views expressed here are his own. Read more opinion at CNN.
CNN –
Sudan faces a potential collapse four years after the ousting of Omar al-Bashir, mirroring the chaos in Yemen and Libya. Recent clashes in Khartoum between rival military factions have left 180 dead and 45 million Sudanese trapped indoors.
The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both sides have committed human rights violations, leading to the current crisis.
The challenges in Sudan arise from the struggle to translate grassroots activism into political power post-revolution. The failure to establish leadership hierarchy and negotiate effectively with the military resulted in a transition that favored military control.
The recent outbreak of violence highlights the power struggle between the military factions, compounded by international policies that failed to unify the army. The ongoing turmoil underscores the fragile nature of democracy in Sudan and the need for sustained efforts to achieve lasting change.
While hopes for democracy in Sudan remain alive, the current focus is on survival. The lesson from Sudan is clear: a revolution is just the beginning of a long journey towards lasting change.