In 1989, there was renewed optimism and a promise of progress when Sudan President Omar Hassan al-Bashir took reins of power in the resource-rich nation. Africa and indeed the world congratulated the accidental ‘leader’ of a revolution in the Islamic nation. Many hoped Sudan would join the league of civilised nations and offer her people a decent shot in life and economic prosperity.
Sudan had vast oil fields and large tracks of land that could alleviate hunger and abject poverty for millions of Sudanese. But the hope was short-lived. Within a few years, President al-Bashir transformed into a dictator wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. It is estimated that over 300,000 Sudanese have been killed since 2004 under a government that never took any kind of dissent. The feared Janjaweed militia displaced over 2.7 million people, further impoverishing the Sudanese.
Now that another revolution has driven out al-Bashir out of power, we urge the military and those who will take charge of the nation, to help the country transition into a better place for all citizens. Should the country opt for democracy, let those in charge now allow for fair elections as soon as possible for normalcy to return. Public institutions in charge of health, education and economy should be facilitated to deliver to a long-suffering population. Children, women and the elderly must be assured of their safety and progress. Greedy and selfish leaders should keep off the transition and avoid another false start.
