Escalating Violence in Sudan: Warnings of Increased Extremism and the Importance of Civilian Rule

 Amid the escalating political and security crises in Sudan, serious warnings have emerged from Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, head of the Sudanese Civil Forces Coordination (Taqadum). He cautioned that ongoing violence could bolster the presence of extremists throughout the country. In his interview with the Financial Times, Dr. Hamdok emphasized that the only solution to stop Sudan’s descent into violence and maintain its unity is the formation of a government led by civilians. He also accused the military of ruining the country for over 50 years, asserting that the future of Sudan should not be entrusted to the army.

A History of Violence and Conflict in Sudan

Sudan has long been a battleground for political conflicts and armed clashes, with the roots of internal strife stretching back decades due to persistent military intervention in politics. Since gaining independence in 1956, the country has experienced a series of military coups that have hindered the establishment of a stable democratic system, exacerbating economic, social, and political crises.

The Sudanese military has dominated the political landscape for extended periods, playing a central role in shaping the country’s future. However, these periods were marked by waves of violence and internal instability, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment, and creating an environment conducive to the growth of extremist ideologies and the spread of armed groups across the country.

As violence continues and state institutions collapse, the risk of extremist groups gaining ground increases. Experts suggest that the current security chaos provides fertile ground for extremist recruitment, particularly due to the power vacuum left by the weakening of the state. According to Dr. Hamdok’s warnings, violence in Sudan could fuel the presence of extremists nationwide, a dangerous development that threatens both national and regional stability.

The Rising Threat of Extremism

Historically, analysis shows that crises and violence often create environments where extremist groups can thrive. As the crises deepen, disillusioned and marginalized youth find themselves with limited options, making them more susceptible to joining armed groups as an alternative that offers them purpose through conflict. Sudan, which has long suffered from deteriorating economic and political conditions, may face a similar trajectory to other nations in the region where internal conflicts have opened the door to extremism and terrorism.

The Solution: Civilian Rule

In his remarks, Dr. Abdalla Hamdok underscored that the only way out of the current crisis is to form a civilian government capable of steering the country away from military dominance. Hamdok believes that continued military involvement in politics will only exacerbate the situation, pointing to the military's role in ruining the country over the past 50 years. He added that the military cannot be trusted with determining the future of Sudan.

This stance reflects the broader view of many Sudanese political and civil forces, who argue that a transition to civilian-led governance is the optimal path to achieving lasting stability. The Sudanese military, which has led several coups over the decades, is widely seen as a major obstacle to building a democratic state that offers all Sudanese citizens the opportunity to participate in decision-making.

A civilian government, according to Hamdok’s vision, has the potential to rebuild state institutions on democratic foundations that ensure widespread participation and meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people for peace and development. Civilian rule may also be the only way to restore the international community’s confidence, which watches Sudan's escalating violence with growing concern.

Challenges to Democratic Transition

Although the civilian solution proposed by Dr. Hamdok is crucial, achieving it faces significant challenges. First, Sudan is burdened by a long history of military conflicts and foreign interventions, complicating any efforts toward a democratic transition. Second, the Sudanese military remains a powerful and influential force in the political scene and is unlikely to relinquish its role easily. A successful democratic transition requires broad consensus among political and civil forces, as well as support from the international community. Solutions must address not only political restructuring but also comprehensive economic and social reforms that tackle poverty and unemployment, which are major drivers of violence and extremism. Additionally, internal crises in marginalized regions such as Darfur and Blue Nile must be addressed. These regions have long suffered from neglect and poverty, and ignoring them would only deepen the conflict and prolong the crisis. Therefore, any political solution must be inclusive and cater to all Sudanese, regardless of their backgrounds. The Role of the International Community The international community’s role in supporting Sudan’s transition to civilian rule cannot be underestimated. Major powers and international organizations must provide political and financial support to the forthcoming civilian government to ensure its success. Mechanisms for accountability and oversight should be put in place to ensure that the military adheres to its commitment to staying out of political affairs, which will require strong international backing. Moreover, the international community can play a crucial role in providing economic and developmental aid to Sudan, aimed at alleviating the crises that fuel conflict. Supporting sustainable development and creating job opportunities for the youth will have a significant impact in curbing extremist recruitment efforts in the country. In light of the grave warnings about escalating violence in Sudan and the growing threat of extremist groups, the only sustainable solution lies in the formation of a strong civilian government capable of leading the country toward stability and development. The Sudanese military must step back from political affairs, allowing civilian forces to shape a brighter future for the nation. However, this transition will not be easy and will require both internal political consensus and international support to rebuild Sudan after decades of conflict and division.