The Legitimacy of Government Complements, Not Replaces, the Legitimacy of the State

By Ibrahim Al-Amin

The legitimacy of a state is founded on the existence of a stable legal and constitutional framework that reflects the will of the people.

Government legitimacy, on the other hand, is determined by its ability to effectively manage the public affairs of the state. It is crucial to distinguish between these two forms of legitimacy and to avoid conflating them. The legitimacy of the state must remain the foundation, followed and reinforced by other subsidiary legitimacies.

Characteristics of State Legitimacy:

1. The presence of a recognized constitution that defines the fundamental laws and principles.

2. Free, fair, and transparent elections that genuinely represent the will of the people.

3. Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and both domestic and international recognition of state legitimacy.

In the absence of state legitimacy, all other forms of legitimacy become questionable. What is required in such a situation is the creation of an acceptable, sustainable alternative supported by a national project.

The Diplomacy of Manufactured Legitimacy

Sudan is home to a great people whose revolutions have served as a model and inspiration for movements across Africa, the Arab world, Asia, and Latin America.

Indeed, Sudanese revolutions have faced enormous and dangerous challenges. The glorious and immortal December Revolution—driven by its youth and embodied in national slogans such as “The whole country is Darfur”—stands as a testament to its national character, its concern for unity, and its engagement with Sudan’s core issues.

However, the setbacks that followed these revolutions were largely engineered by vested interests seeking to fracture Sudanese society, resulting in successive crises. The tragic reality we live today—marked by blood, tears, and destruction—should instead serve as a catalyst for a broad and responsible national movement under the banner of unity and a comprehensive national project for a different Sudan: the Sudan of tomorrow.

The call should be for unity of the land and its people, and for every citizen’s commitment to protect, preserve, and develop the nation—reviving the vision once expressed by our forefathers of a “Land of the Stars.” Dialogue remains essential to achieving this goal, as it affirms every citizen’s right to choose their political path. No authority has the right to impose its will upon the people.

Conclusion

Manufactured legitimacy is inherently fragile and unsustainable once people become aware of its hidden dimensions. What Sudan truly needs is a clear vision and an effective program that reflects the aspirations of its people and fosters genuine reconciliation.

The legitimacy of any political group cannot be built solely on power or control—it must rest on trust, transparency, and the ability to offer real, sustainable solutions to the nation’s challenges. These are the essential foundations upon which any seeker of legitimacy must rely to establish a stable and enduring authority.