Human Rights Armed Conflict: The Challenges of Integrating Militias into Sudan's Transitional Government

The recent history of Sudan is marked by a tumultuous transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. The ouster of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 led to a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilians, with the goal of establishing a more inclusive and representative government. However, this process has been complicated by the presence of armed militias that have historically played a significant role in Sudanese politics.

In October 2021, these militias orchestrated a military coup against the transitional government, hindering progress towards democratic transition and exacerbating divisions between the militias and civil political forces. The integration of these militias into the political system has been challenging due to the behavior of some of their leaders, who have shown little commitment to democratic values.

Despite these challenges, the Juba Agreement, signed in 2020 between the government and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF), represented a significant step forward in the country's transition. The agreement brought together seven armed militias operating in Darfur, the southern Blue Nile, and eastern Sudan, and recognized their role as a third party in the transitional government.

The negotiations that led to the Juba Agreement were mediated by South Sudan and took place in its capital city, Juba. These efforts aimed to resolve internal conflicts and achieve peace, guided by the principles of freedom, peace, and justice that fueled the popular uprising that overthrew al-Bashir's regime.

In December 2018, a wave of protests swept across Sudan, leading to the overthrow of al-Bashir and the establishment of a transitional period with power shared among military leaders. This marked a significant turning point in Sudanese history, but also raised concerns about the country's ability to transition to democracy.

As Sudan continues on its journey towards democratic governance, it is crucial that the government prioritizes the integration of armed militias into the political system, while also addressing the challenges posed by their behavior. Only through this process can Sudan hope to achieve lasting peace and stability, and protect the human rights of all its citizens.

Human rights armed conflict