Sudan – The need for Stability and Rejoining the Family of Nations

By Dr.Gony-Mustafa Sharif

Deputy Chairman
Sudan International Contact Group (SICG)

Nations interact and cooperate on a global scale by establishing diplomatic and international relations. Both fields are interconnected and necessary for managing those relations through negotiation and communication. Essentially, international relations provide a broader context, while diplomacy offers tools and strategies for countries to achieve their goals peacefully.

The image of Sudan’s foreign relations has been tarnished over the recent decades as it swayed away from serving the interestsof the people of Sudan rather than special interest groups and certain ideologies.

Historically, Sudan’s foreign policy is characterized by alignment with the Arab world and economic ties with China and Russia. Its declared objective is the promotion of regional peace and security and fostering international cooperation, particularly within the UN and AU, promoting African unity, and combating terrorism. These objectives have not been actualized due to the decades long wars including the current war raging since April 2015, which is threatening to cause instability to the entire region.

Sudan was on track for a civilian government if it wasn’t for the military coup of October 2021 and the war of April 15th, 2023, which shattered the Sudanese dreams for a transition to a democratic civilian administration. There are numerous calls forcease fire and negotiation to end the war, but the unrecognized de-facto Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) government in Port Sudan is refusing to come to the negotiation table. This current stance is certain to prolong the miseries of the people of Sudan.

Sudan is experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with an estimated 11.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). An estimated 30.4 million people in Sudan need urgent assistance, with over half the population (24.6 million) facing acute food insecurity. This includes 8.1 million in emergency levels and at least 638,000 in catastrophe levels.

The dire situation makes it necessary for both the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to give priority to humanitarian relief. Sudan is facing an extra ordinary situation that requires collaboration with the international community, especially neighboring border countries – Eretria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, Libya,and Egypt – to activate the process of moving the humanitarian assistance across the borders.

Sudan and South Sudan share the longest international border among themselves compared to any other country bordering them in the region. This border is shaped by the interests of many communities from both sides. Therefore, it is important to find lasting solutions to the outstanding regional issues such as debts, the border, oil, Nile water, and security arrangements. It is also important to adopt a mutually agreed upon system that allows seasonal migration of herders and their cattle crossing international borders without hindrance. There is a need for the creation of a joint commission to meet regularly to coordinate the policies of the state vis-à-vis the neighboring countries.

Now, foreign relations and diplomacy are barely functioning in Sudan due to the vacuum in governance because of the war currently raging. Also, in the past, Sudan has not formed fruitful regional alliances such as taking membership in the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCA). There can be numerous benefits the country can gain from such alliances. Nor has it joined important international organizations such as the World Trade Organization. The benefits of joining such organizations could range from freer trade between nations to providing a widerproducts choice.

Sudan urgently needs help in the areas of good government, promotion of peace, dispute resolutions, and employment. Sudan also stands to benefit by acquiring the know-how to help transform the country from an exporter of raw materials into value added production of finished goods, which will help with the balance of trade and generation of foreign currency.