The military antagonists are meeting in Jeddah, while civilians actors are in Addis Abeba. To make peace in Sudan, Dr. Ahmed Gumaa Siddiek argues that Abdalla Hamdok should be recognized as the legitimate leader of Sudan.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to devastate the country, it becomes increasingly evident that alternative approaches are needed to address the crisis and bring about peace. The unwillingness of the negotiating parties to make significant concessions has left civilians marginalized and voiceless in these crucial discussions. Despite the national and international efforts, the negotiations in Jeddah under the facilitation of the USA and Saudi Arabia have failed to yield a resolution.
The International Community’s Recognition of Hamdok’s Legitimacy: Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has been recognized by the international community as the legitimate leader of Sudan. This recognition stems from his appointment as Prime Minister during the transitional period following the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir. The international community’s support for Hamdok’s leadership provides a solid foundation for exploring the possibility of a government in exile. It suggests that there is widespread acknowledgment of Hamdok’s legitimacy and the potential for his government to play a vital role in resolving the crisis in Sudan.
Challenges and Opportunities of a Government in Exile: While forming a government in exile led by Prime Minister Hamdok offers a potential solution to the Sudanese crisis, it is not without its challenges. But despite challenges, a government in exile presents several opportunities:
- International Advocacy: Hamdok’s government could leverage its international recognition to advocate for Sudan’s interests on the global stage. This includes seeking support from the United Nations, the African Union, and other peace-loving communities.
- A Unified Leadership: A government in exile could serve as a unified leadership entity that represents the legitimate government of Sudan. This unity could strengthen the position of Sudan in international negotiations. This government can lead negations with the warring parties as representative of the civilian faction.
- Coordination of Humanitarian Aid: With international support, the government in exile could coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict, alleviating the suffering of civilians.
- Preserving Constitutional Order: Hamdok, as the constitutional Prime Minister of Sudan, has a unique opportunity to uphold the principles of constitutional governance by leading a government in exile. His position as PM is commissioned to speak directly to the international community of the Sudanese people willing to stop this absurd war.
Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok’s recognition by the international community as the legitimate leader of Sudan; provides a basis for considering the formation of a government in exile. While this approach presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to address the ongoing crisis and seek international support for a peaceful resolution. The Sudanese people deserve a path to stability and peace, and a government in exile led by Hamdok could potentially play a vital role in achieving that goal. Hamdok’s leadership, rooted in his knowledge of international affairs and commitment to constitutional governance, may give hope not only for Sudan but also for Africa as a whole.
The establishment of a government in exile led by Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has the potential to address the Sudanese crisis from multiple angles.
This government in exile would not only represent the constitutional order of Sudan but also provide a platform for preserving democratic values, engaging with civil society, and coordinating humanitarian aid. It would enable diplomatic outreach, conflict resolution efforts, and economic stabilization, all of which are essential components for resolving the conflict and laying the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Sudan, as well having follow-ups of the great economic achievements such as the removal of Sudan from the black list and the Paris conference – which are sadly spoilt and corrupted by the military coup of General Burhan on 25 October 2021.
But the question may remain: Are politicians really ready for that role, seen in the historical context of civilian administrations many times disappointing? I may claim that, the Sudanese Revolution has brought up a new cadre of young generation of politicians who are eager to make the socio-economic changes in the country. This school of new politician are equipped with new vision and specific mission for a new Sudan. They have an appealing negotiating power and administrative skills that could easily be noticed in negotiating the military regime for peace. It can also be seen in the running of the transitional government of Hamdok, at local level and achieving great development world-wide, such as removing the name of the Sudan from the black list, as well as introducing themselves as good representatives of the new Sudanese politicians, who can lead the country and make a soft landing, the way they did in Paris conference on 17 May 2021. But in all cases the best one to answer this question is Hamdok himself, who is supposed to take the initiative as he is well qualified to choose an effective cabinet through which local and international agendas can be secured. We need to mention that Hamdok was and still is the most charismatic politician in the modern history of the Sudan and still the most mandated and delegated politician to make a radical change in the country.
