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A new era in Sudan

Aug 19,2019 - Last updated at Aug 19,2019

Jordan joined many countries in welcoming the recent breakthrough struck between the military in Sudan and the civilian opposition that heralded the creation of a transitional sovereign council.

The council would be composed of five civilians representing the Alliance for Freedom and Change group, five from the military, which ousted former leader of Sudan Omar Bashir last April, and one agreed upon by both sides. Deputy Chief of the Transitional Military Council Mohamed Dagalo signed the "deal" on behalf of the military with Ahmed Al Rabie on behalf of the civilian opposition.

There is a near universal approval of the deal, which was painstakingly struck after months of negotiations, with many describing it as representing the dawn of a new era in Sudan.

No doubt a good and promising beginning has been reached in Sudan between the military and the civilian protest groups, but a lot more needs to be done to maintain the momentum created by the accord and sustain it throughout the next phase to put the country on a new path of democracy and economic development.

Lots of trials and tribulations can be expected to occur over the next few months before the country is on a stable course of governance. Perhaps the easier part of the transition has been reached and what remains could be the harder phase.

Ushering in a new era of democracy and freedom in Sudan on a new foundation will require a sustainable effort by all sides. There seems to be a national will to do just that, and all signs until now suggest that the transition of the country to a true democracy will be pursued by all shareholders with determination.

This is the time when Sudan needs all the support it can get from the international community, especially from the Arab world. Sudan is a poor country, where poverty is rampant. The country cannot become stable politically unless it is also economically stable. Investment in Sudan's economy is tantamount to an investment in the infant democracy. This is where the Arab world can make a difference for Sudan and its democracy and stability.

Yet the main responsibility lies with Sudan's own leaders and people. Rhetorical commitment to democracy is never enough. The new ruling council must now demonstrate that it means what it said about nurturing a true and sustainable democracy and progress in the country.

The onus of responsibility, therefore, lies with the ruling council to transform the country to a new era of democracy and progress. It must not disappoint Sudan and its people in carrying out this responsibility being placed on its shoulders.

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