Sudan is currently 11 months into a senseless conflict between two military generals, or belligerents, who represent different factions in Sudanese politics. Efforts by the international community to bring a resolution to the conflict have failed; there have been at least 16 failed cease-fires, and unsuccessful peace plans from the African Union and other blocs.
However, it is not simply a war between two generals, one leading the traditional army (the Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF) and the other heading a paramilitary group (the Rapid Support Forces, RSF). This is a war by the military and militarised groups against the Sudanese people. It is a war about the soul of Sudan.
The question at the core of the conflict is this: will Sudan be a nation that is run by civilians, with freedom, justice and peace as its foundational values, as the millions called for during the revolution? Or will it slip back into its old dictatorial ways, a nation crippled by leaders who respect only military rule?
The jury is still out, but the position of the Sudanese people is clear. They want to live in a country free of military rule, where civilians lead the nation and freedom, peace and justice reign. That was the aim during the 2018/2019 revolution, when a popular, non-violent movement brought a sea change to the country and inspired the world, and that’s what remains the aim today.