Do Sudanese Need an Imported Prescription for an Internal Solution?
By Mohamed Al-Haj
Amid Sudan’s deepening crisis, a pressing question emerges: Can Sudan craft its own internal solution using its own tools, or must the path to peace rely on an imported prescription? This question not only reflects the reality of political and social divisions but also exposes the absence of a clear strategic vision within the Sudanese state to counter external agendas seeping through domestic gaps.
The landscape of Sudanese political and civil forces is marked by sharp polarization, with factions vying over legitimacy and representation, while the war is fueled externally yet executed through local instruments. This reality undermines the capacity of local actors to formulate a comprehensive national solution, making foreign prescriptions a tempting, albeit suspicious, option. But can a solution drafted outside Sudan genuinely meet the aspirations of its people?
The lack of internal unity, institutional fragmentation, and the repetition—or recycling—of past mistakes all contribute to an environment ill-prepared to produce peace without external intervention. Yet such intervention, however seemingly necessary, remains bound by agendas that do not necessarily reflect the interests of Sudanese citizens, but rather those of international actors who view Sudan primarily as a sphere of influence.
The military, which is supposed to serve as the nation’s safeguard, faces immense challenges in playing a constructive role in fostering societal peace. Instead of serving as a protector of the political process, it has been drawn into the conflict, weakening its ability to confront both internal and external challenges simultaneously. Redefining its role in the coming phase is essential if Sudan seeks to emerge from the cycle of regional and international conflict while preserving the standing of its armed forces, which enjoy widespread popular support.
Meanwhile, Sudanese citizens demand realistic solutions originating from within, reflecting their aspirations for security, justice, and dignity. Yet they face limitations in influence due to the fragmentation of civil forces, the lack of trust among them, and the absence of unified leadership capable of translating these demands into a cohesive political project.
Ultimately, an imported prescription may provide a platform for dialogue, but it cannot forge national will. The real solution begins internally, through the recognition of reality and the courage to confront oneself before confronting others. Sudan does not need ready-made formulas; it needs free will and a strategic vision to guide it toward a peace crafted by its own people, not imposed from abroad.
