What happens in Sudan won’t stay in Sudan

The Sudan crisis is triggering different narratives and reactions, as the country unravels under the weight of accumulated injustices, grievances and violence. o 8 min read In 2011, a street vendor set himself on fire in Tunisia, an act that triggered unprecedented waves of protests in the Arab World toppling dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. Theses waves initially seemed ushering change toward a democratic order in a region that has endured robust authoritarianism. Arab states, where people had dared to dream of a better future, have now descended into protracted civil wars, as in Syria, Libya, Yemen, (not to forget Iraq), or suffered authoritarian backlash, as in Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Algeria. When the 2019 Sudan uprisings against long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir created a military-civilian transitional government, the Sudanese hoped that their country would transition to democratic rule. Everyone hoped that Sudan will learn to avoid the Egypt or Syria scenarios. Sudanese, who have been prey to 35 military coups, attempted coups, and plots since independence in 1956 and to systemic violence from various governments, are now likely facing one of the worst conflicts in their history.