Review of the Study Prepared by Dr. Hassan Haj Ali, Professor of Political Science at the University of Khartoum: A Turbulent Transitional Period: The Transformations of the Hybrid Alliance in Sudan (2)
** Summary by Ambassador Mohammed Al-Murtada Mubarak Ismail
Hybrid Alliances: Fragmentation of organizations and the branching of hybridity
In the context of contentious politics and the general fragmentation of the political scene in Sudan, parties tend to form sub-alliances to enhance their negotiating power in the event of a new loose alliance. An example is the alliance that Hemeti sought to form with armed movements in Juba, and another example is the agreement between the Sudan Liberation Forces Coalition, the Transitional Sudan Liberation Army, the Sudan Liberation Army—Sudanese Alliance, and the Sudanese Congress Party. This is an example of a hybrid alliance.
Contradictions and tensions quickly arose between the three components of the alliance of civilians, military personnel, and armed movements, as evidenced by multiple statements from Hemeti, and the tension between the FFC and the armed movements that accused Hamdok of obstructing the Juba Peace Agreement. The FFC attempted to address these splits through the political declaration to unify the Forces of Freedom and Change in September 2021, with new mechanisms represented in the General Conference, the General Assembly, the Central Council, and the Executive Office. However, the Justice and Equality Movement, the Sudan Liberation Movement—Minni Minawi faction, and the Communist Party did not sign the declaration.
The announcement of a failed coup attempt further exacerbated the lack of trust and accusations between the civilian and military sides, followed by a split within the Forces of Freedom and Change alliance led by armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement. They announced a new charter called the National Charter for the Unity of Freedom and Change, which included principles such as adherence to national unity, the establishment of a state of justice and social welfare, the formation of a federal system, and the smooth transition to democracy. The Central Council of the Forces of Freedom and Change commented on the announcement, stating that it aimed to create a legal and constitutional crisis over who represents the Forces of Freedom and Change.
