The Face of Truth | Ibrahim Shglawi Isn’t it time for the people to speak their word?! Amid Sudan’s ongoing political turmoil, fundamental questions arise regarding the role of the people in resolving the persistent political conflicts that have drained the country and opened the door to foreign interventions. The current scene reveals a growing popular movement supporting Sudan’s unity and rejecting attempts to impose a parallel political reality reflecting foreign agendas. In this article, we review the positive mobilization of the people in several states, where they have taken the initiative to shape the next phase after an abundance of empty rhetoric that fails to grasp the gravity of the country’s situation. In recent days, several Sudanese cities—such as Atbara, Gedaref, Port Sudan, Khartoum, and Damazin—have witnessed massive public demonstrations in support of the armed forces against the threats posed by the rebellious Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its regional allies. This movement reflects a high level of political awareness among the people, who understand that preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and stability requires supporting legitimate national institutions. Community leaders in these states have reaffirmed their calls for national unity. The head of the Popular Movement for Peaceful Coexistence in Eastern Sudan, Mohammed Ali Abu Ali, stated yesterday: “National unity is an urgent necessity, and we reject any attempts to sow discord among Sudan’s various communities.” Abu Ali believes that the popular movement is a testament to the authenticity of Sudan’s social fabric and its ability to thwart destabilization schemes. He asserts that such actions highlight the effectiveness of civil society in shaping political discourse, at a time when politicians speak on its behalf without a mandate. Through their gatherings and events, which we have followed across various media platforms, the Sudanese people have firmly rejected attempts by opposition political forces—backed by external actors—to form a parallel government. Khartoum Governor Ahmed Othman Hamza emphasized that Sudan can only be governed by the will of its people and that any attempts to impose a new reality through foreign support will ultimately fail in the face of Sudanese resilience. Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Supreme Committee for Mobilization and Popular Resistance in Khartoum State, retired Major General Al-Qasim Abu Ahmed, asserted that Sudanese citizens will not allow any foreign party to interfere in their affairs, warning of strong reactions against those who seek to undermine national sovereignty. Community leaders in Atbara, Gedaref, Port Sudan, and Blue Nile have echoed the same stance. Despite widespread public and official condemnations of plans to form a parallel government, questions remain about the effectiveness of diplomatic and legal efforts in addressing this challenge. While Khartoum has summoned the Kenyan ambassador to protest Nairobi’s hosting of opposition meetings, observers believe Sudan needs a more assertive diplomatic response, including freezing relations with countries involved in destabilizing its security. Sudan could also benefit from the experiences of other nations in exerting effective diplomatic pressure to safeguard its sovereignty. Legally, no clear measures have yet been taken to hold those involved in attempts to divide the country accountable, despite renewed calls to prosecute them as accomplices in crimes that threaten national security. Meanwhile, some political parties are moving toward supporting a negotiation path that could lead to a political resolution of the crisis. The National Umma Party, for example, has called for comprehensive consultations under the auspices of the African Union, emphasizing that the priority should be stopping the war and protecting civilians. However, these positions clash with the sharp internal divisions within the party itself and the broader political forces, some of which remain hesitant to take a clear stance on the external threats facing Sudan. As these challenges escalate, the African Union High-Level Mechanism continues consultations with various Sudanese political forces in search of solutions to end the war. In an official statement, Umma Party leader Mubarak Al-Fadil stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, and efforts to find a political exit strategy for the crisis. While these initiatives are significant, many question whether political parties can overcome their zero-sum conflicts and rally around a genuine national project that restores Sudan’s stability and sovereignty. What the country needs at this critical juncture is a consensus on a unified national project that emerges from the will of the Sudanese people, free from narrow partisan calculations. The people who have taken to the streets in various Sudanese cities have not only expressed their rejection of foreign interventions but have also sent a clear message to the political elite: that the continuation of zero-sum conflicts will lead to further national collapse. Sudan stands at a crossroads—either its national forces unite to confront both internal and external challenges, or the country remains trapped in a cycle of conflicts that threaten to tear apart its social and political fabric. The choice is in the hands of the people, who will ultimately determine the outcome in favor of Sudan’s stability and sovereignty. The current situation compels Sudan’s political and societal forces to reassess their positions and take decisive steps to counter the threats to national unity. The solution lies in building a unified national front that transcends narrow partisan interests to develop a clear vision that steers Sudan out of its internal conflicts and strengthens its sovereignty against foreign interference. Sudan cannot remain hostage to political rivalries while regional and international actors manipulate its affairs to serve their interests at the expense of its people and future. In conclusion, as we see through The Face of Truth, the Sudanese people are fully capable of asserting their will, surpassing political parties that have failed to agree on a political process based on Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue within Sudan, free from regional and international influences. Therefore, we must all unite to restore our country’s security and stability, overcoming this critical phase and moving toward a future of greater stability and prosperity for the Sudanese people. Wishing you all well and in good health. Sunday, February 23, 2025 [email protected]