Has the unrest in Sudan finally come to an end? 5 Geopolitical Effects You Need to Know

1. Sudan finally signs power-sharing deal

After months of military rule and pro-democracy protests after the Al Bashir government was overthrown, Sudan’s military and civilian leaders signed a landmark power-sharing deal at a joyous ceremony in the capital, Khartoum, on Saturday, signalling a new chapter in the life of the African country. “We’re putting everything on this,” said Mohamed Azhary, one of many young doctors who took to the streets to oust Mr. al-Bashir. “People are feeling optimistic, but there’s a lot of mixed feelings, too. We are praying for the best.” It is clear that there is a lot of optimism surrounding the new deal, and it is said that this is a positive stepping stone to a more prosperous future for the population of Sudan, which remains to be seen, considering the significant political, economic and social challenges it faces.

2. A step closer to democracy but obstacles remain

While the latest agreement is undoubtedly a positive step towards democracy, there are still many obstacles to be overcome. While the civilian opposition put forward Ahmed Al-Rabee, a schoolteacher earning the equivalent of around $33 a month and emblematic of the economic hardship faced by professionals amid Sudan’s institutional corruption, The TMC put forward the feared Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known simply as Hemedti. This has brought fear of unpredictability and instability of the newly formed government, as Hemedti was Al Bashir’s right-hand man, as well as blamed for brutal treatment of protesters. Only time will tell. 

3. Hemedti vows to stick with the deal

Although many fear Hemedti’s commitment to the deal, the key military leader in Sudan has promised to abide by a power-sharing agreement with the opposition. “We will stick to every single letter we have agreed on,” Hemeti told the BBC’s Zeinab Badawi. “Even without the agreement we [would] have to work in this direction because it’s in the country’s interest,” he added. “Therefore we have to carry out the agreement, stick to it and support it.” This is a positive sign, as it displays the possibility of positive intentions for the future of the nation by Hemeti, but only time will tell whether he will keep his promise. 

4. Egypt vows to support Sudan

Egypt had continuously supported the TMC in Sudan, even when they had reportedly killed hundreds of protesters, hence it was a mystery as to what Egypt’s reaction would be to the new government deal. However, Egypt has reacted positively to the move, and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said on Saturday that Egypt will always support its Sudanese brothers, stressed that the coming period will witness an unprecedented boom at all levels in cooperation between the two countries. He also added that Egypt will spare no effort to provide all forms of support for Sudan in the coming stage, including political support in the regional and international arenas, topped by the African Union. This is very good news for Sudan, as economic cooperation with Egypt will be very important to help Sudan get away from an economic crisis. 

5. Jordan welcomes a new era

Furthermore, Jordan on Saturday welcomed Sudan’s signing of a transitional deal between the ruling military council in the country and the opposition leader Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi labelled the signing of the deal as a “new era” in Sudan, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister emphasized that Jordan will continue supporting the Sudanese in their efforts to overcome challenges and build their future. Sudan will need all the help it can get as its political instability among other factors has plunged its economy into deep danger, hence the international support is crucial.