Don’t Topple the Transitional Government, Prepare for Elections

 

Lack of patience and confidence in democratic civilian rule have undermined Sudanese revolutions since independence. They are threatening to do it again. Wishing to change the transitional government now, instead of preparing for elections, only serves the vestiges of Bashir’s regime. Revolutionaries must show the same clarity of mind, patience, and discipline with which these remnants are working to undermine the December Revolution.  

From the outset, we knew that the transitional government faces monumental challenges. The scope and complexity of the problems created by 30-years of Bashir’s dictatorship is staggering. The diversity of the FFC coalition, and the military’s stranglehold, in addition to the brew of foreign interests in Sudan’s affairs gave rise to a comprise government tasked with undoing an unimaginable level of all around damage. So, instead of focusing on what could be, one must appreciate what has been accomplished in less than two years of transition.

On the issue of economic recovery, Hamdok’s Government, as many like to call it, has succeeded in getting Sudan off the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which was crucial to ending decades-long economic isolation, and beginning to tackle the massive external debt. The conditions necessary to qualify for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative are tough, but Bashir’s regime has left the country little choice. Looking at the removal of subsidies and streamlining the exchange rates as just another bad ‘neoliberal’ IMF/World Bank recipe is an all-or-nothing view that does not serve under the circumstances. To get out of the crippling external debt, dealing with the IMF and the World Bank is unavoidable. The more productive thing to do now is to take advantage of every resource they make available – for example, register as many as possible for the Family Support Program. What will matter for economic recovery and growth from here onward is judicious practical economic planning within the present constraints. Understandably, people on the street are growing more restless because of crushing inflation and shortage of necessary goods and services. The daily hardship is undeniable. But ideological opposition to economic reforms adds to dangerous impatience with the Revolution’s own government. Any new government will reset the clock back to zero.

If there is any hope of holding on to democratic civilian rule, it’s worth remembering that Hamdok’s Government has carried on under relentless, well-organized sabotage by the remnants of Bashir’s regime, in addition to the pandemic and conflict with Ethiopia. The transitional government is slowly, but surely, laying a foundation for an elected body to implement the will of the people on more solid ground than when it came into office. The highest priority today is to support this government and earnestly prepare for national elections. Otherwise, guess who will come back to power?