Military junta and pro-democracy group sign agreement, but crisis far from over
Sudanese demonstrators in Khartoum demand the return to civilian rule. AP Photo/Marwan Ali.
Supporters and friends,
Earlier today Sudan's coup plotters and civilian leaders signed a framework agreement in an attempt to end the junta’s illegal rule that has pushed the country to the brink of collapse. Signatories include the military, the Forces of Freedom and Change umbrella civilian movement, and a smattering of political parties, rebel groups, and tribal leaders.
The agreement signed today paves the way toward a supposed two-year transitional period that begins with civilian groups appointing a new prime minister. The military’s formal role is set to become a defense council headed by whomever the new prime minister is. Elections are supposed to occur at the end of the two year period.
Critical issues such as transitional justice, security sector reform, and plans to uproot and end corruption and state violence —all of which are critical to securing the buy-in of protesters in the streets— were not included in the agreement. Many pro-democracy Resistance Committee leaders, who have been critical in organizing protests over the last year, are already calling for demonstrations against this agreement. Some protesters are back in the streets as a result.
As we have said for years, agreements such as these are only ink on paper. They neither guarantee sustained progress nor ensure the safety of the Sudanese people. The military has a three decades-long history of breaching and destroying agreements just like these when they feel their power is even marginally threatened. At today’s signing ceremony, Sudan’s defacto dictator General Burhan warned that this dynamic has not changed:
“The army will go back to its barracks but the political parties have to aim for the elections, instead of ruling in the moment. We are committed to exit from politics and stop interfering in the political life and we expect the politicians to stop interfering with the army.”
So, what does all this mean?
Sudan has been ruled at gunpoint by the military and a plethora of brutal security and paramilitary forces since the generals overthrew a fragile transitional government in October 2021. As we mentioned several weeks ago, the abuses of the resurgent junta over the past year have been horrifying. Over 7,000 peaceful protesters have been seriously wounded by junta forces. Regime-backed violence continues to surge in the country’s oppressed hinterlands. The economy is in tatters and a third of Sudanese children cannot even attend school.
While we sincerely hope that this is a more permanent turning point to a better Sudan, we have serious doubts about this arrangement because many of the Sudanese people have serious doubts. Operation Broken Silence has always acted on the belief that it is up to the Sudanese people to determine the future of their country. Our secondary role as their determined ally and helper remains unchanged. There are now so many unresolved and worsening issues in Sudan that no single agreement can set the stage for fixing everything.
But any agreement worth serious consideration should address at least some of the core issues so there is more buy-in from the people. This one appears to have not gone far enough.
There is of course a real chance that a future agreement will address more issues. But that will require civilian leaders “interfering” with the army. Military and security sector reform is required for Sudan to move in the direction the people want and the head of the military is already shooting that idea down. It doesn’t bode well for the future.
But the courage of the Sudanese people remains unfazed, which means we must remain unfazed. They are still protesting. Their voices are relentless in the face of the junta’s intransigence. They are proof that a different Sudan is possible in our lifetime. And it falls to us to deliver the support they need to reach their aspirations.
Get Involved
Operation Broken Silence has been working next to our Sudanese partners on the ground for over a decade. Our mission has always been focused on the long run, which is why empowering local solutions in the oppressed Nuba Mountains region is our top priority.
Building clean water infrastructure goes beyond ensuring basic health needs. Clean water improves security by keeping people closer to the safety of their communities. It empowers women by putting time back into their day. And clean water means children can go to school instead of spending hours searching for dirty water.
We’re taking on this water project because we listened to the people living here and because no one else will serve them. The fastest way to help is to make a quick one-time donation online or setup a monthly gift. Your gift will be matched by a private donor!
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Start a fundraising page and ask friends and family to give! These last few months of the year are the perfect time to fundraise.
Join The Renewal, our monthly giving family that never stops fighting for change.
Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Water in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900
Thank you again for being a part of this movement. As we enter these final days of the year, I hope you will join us as we wrap up fundraising for this critical clean water project.
Onward,
Mark C. Hackett
Executive Director
