Skip to main content

Unraveling the Main Drivers behind the Scramble for Power in Sudan 2023

 

Sudan, a nation plagued by a history of conflict and political instability, grapples with a scramble for power in 2023. As various factions vie for control, it is essential to understand the primary reasons driving this power struggle. This article explores the key factors shaping Sudan's current political landscape and sheds light on the complexities that have fueled the ongoing scramble for power.

                                                                                                          photo by Times Israel 

Political Transition and Fragile Democracy: Following the ousting of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan embarked on a delicate political transition toward democracy. However, the transition has been marked by challenges and setbacks, including disagreements over power-sharing arrangements and the slow pace of reforms. This fragile political landscape has created a power vacuum, enticing competing factions to vie for influence and control.

                                                                                               Image from BBC 

Economic Crisis and Resource Competition: Sudan faces a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by high inflation, soaring unemployment rates, and a scarcity of basic commodities. Economic instability often serves as a catalyst for political unrest, as different groups vie for control over scarce resources and financial opportunities. The scramble for power in Sudan can be partly attributed to the competition for access to economic resources and the desire to shape economic policies in favor of specific interests.


                                                    Image from Anadolu Agency 

Ethnic and Regional Divisions: Ethnic and regional divisions have long been a source of tension in Sudan. The country is home to diverse ethnicities and tribes, each with its own interests and aspirations. Political actors have often exploited these divisions seeking to mobilize support along ethnic or regional lines. In the scramble for power, ethnic and regional considerations play a significant role, with various factions aligning themselves to secure the support of particular groups.

                                                                                                                 Omar Al Bashir Image from CNN

Security Challenges and Armed Groups: Sudan continues to grapple with security challenges, particularly in regions such as Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. The presence of armed groups and ongoing conflicts create a volatile environment that hinders stability and provides opportunities for power-seeking actors. Some factions may exploit these security challenges, aligning with armed groups to bolster their position and influence within the country.

                                                                          Image from middle east monitor 

External Interference and Geopolitical Interests: Sudan's strategic location and natural resources make it a subject of interest for external powers. Various international actors, including neighboring countries, may seek to exert influence over Sudan's political trajectory to further their own geopolitical objectives. External interference can exacerbate existing divisions and intensify the scramble for power, as different factions align themselves with external supporters to secure their interests.


                           Sudanese protesting against foreign interference,  Image from middle east monitor 

All in all, the scramble for power in Sudan in 2023 is driven by a complex interplay of factors. The fragile political transition, economic crisis, ethnic and regional divisions, security challenges, and external interference all contribute to the ongoing power struggle. Resolving these issues will require concerted efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, address economic disparities, promote inclusivity, and foster peace and security. Only through a comprehensive and sustainable approach can Sudan hope to overcome its challenges and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rising from the Shadows: How the World's Poorest Nations Can Rewrite Their Economic Future

  Most often we economists are very often studying the poorest countries in the world not simply to analyze grimy statistics but to find ways by which these countries could embark on paths toward transformation. Think about it for a second: Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Central African Republic, Niger, Chad, Mali, Yemen, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone-all have held the title of "poorest," though with so much potential and resources lying under their feet. They stand at the threshold of transformation, notwithstanding that heavy burden of poverty, political instability, and infrastructure deficits. By reinventing their economies and leveraging even modest strengths, these countries can break free from the chains of poverty. What helps knit them together is their shared heritage of turmoil: political turbulence, continuing conflict, and economic precariousness have been nothing short of traveling companions. The resulting turbulence discourages foreign investment, disrupts e...
Post a Comment
Read more

When Employees Go to Court: Lessons for Rwanda's Accounting Sector

  The auditing profession thrives on the trust, reputation, and expertise of its human resources. The current research topic was brought to light through an incisive paper, entitled "When Employees Go to Court: Employee Lawsuits and Talent Acquisition in Audit Offices," that appeared in the Journal of Accounting Research and a collaboration between authors Jade Huayu Chen. Whereas this study investigates U.S.-based firms, it would seem there is much herein for teachings that may relate to what transpires in Rwanda's emerging accounting industry. Chen's study addresses the impact of employee lawsuits on audit offices. The findings indicate that these incidents damage an office's reputation and diminish its ability to attract superior professionals. An employee lawsuit, often filed for reasons such as wage disputes, discrimination, or wrongful termination, serves as an information intermediary reflecting inadequate workplace culture and mismanagement. It means, stud...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can the Global South ever escape the debt trap? The economist's view

  With the heavy debt burdens that the Global South faces, questions of economic sovereignty and equitable growth have gained increased urgency. Both the present-day global financial architecture and trade orientation provide significant barriers but also potential opportunities for these countries to break out of their debt crises. Here, this paper discusses ways through which the Global South could surmount such challenges with concrete examples that might illustrate possible pathways. The Challenge of Debt in the Global South The accumulation of debt in the Global South is no doubt linked to structural issues such as dependence on commodity exports, reliance on foreign financing, and exposure to external shocks like fluctuating exchange rates or a rise in global interest rates. The global financial architecture, dominated by institutions like the IMF and World Bank, often conditions loans on structural adjustment policies, which are then implemented with austerity measures...
Post a Comment
Read more