This past Sunday, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok resigned from his position despite his recent return to power following a military coup earlier this year. Hamdok’s resignation has now triggered a wave of violence, as protestors calling for mass rallies against military rule have been met with Sudanese security forces using tear gas to stamp out dissent. Hamdok had returned under a military-civilian power sharing deal, leading some pro-democracy protests to accuse him of betraying a civilian transitional government and ensuring military rule in Sudanese politics. As the number of protestors reaches the ten thousands, security crackdowns are growing increasingly violent and deadly, leading to international involvement to call for an ensured transition to civilian rule. 

A source from Aljazeera, reporting from the ground, stated that “as long as the military is still in power…that’s not what the revolutionaries want. They want a civilian transitional government, they want democracy, they want elections.” Hamdok’s removal, according to Sudanese lawyer Ahmed el-Gaili, “removes the last fig leaf that was covering this regime and what remains is a full-fledged military dictatorship.” Outside powers such as the UN and the U.S. have responded with an urge for civilian rule, as violence against protestors continues to grow. UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called for “meaningful dialogue” between Sudanese parties in order to “reach an inclusive, peaceful, and lasting solution.”

At least 57 protestors have been killed since anger in the streets flared since the military coup earlier this year, according to Reuters. Hamdok’s resignation has only added fuel to the flame, as growing protests are being met with resistance from the military forces in an increasingly violent cycle. The incident of tear-gassing that occurred this week represents the violent oppression of a group that is merely fighting for a voice in a government that has long denied them one. Though the future is uncertain due to Hamdok’s resignation, free and fair elections is the only path forward to a stable and lasting peace for Sudan. For the sake of civilian lives and safety, parties must work together to protect a democratic transition and bring stability to the region. 

Sudan’s path to democracy started two years ago, following the fall of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir brought on by mass protests in 2019. A power sharing agreement was reached between civil society and the military, putting Sudan on track for a new constitution and elections in 2023. However, the military coup of October 25 that detained Hamdok and reignited anti-military protests set Sudan off course for a smooth transition to democracy. Hamdok’s resignation essentially completed the military coup, as he ultimately failed to name a new government and move Sudan away from military rule. Outsiders are now saying that recent events are seeing the undoing of democratic reforms by the military government, and a growing threat of absolute military rule through a military-appointed prime minister in coming elections. 

“People are tired, they’re angry, and they’re ready to die, unfortunately, if that’s what it takes,” stated Sarah Nugdalla, a Sudanese researcher, in regard to Sudan’s pro democracy and civil society protest groups. Despite a strong and unwavering civil society that is firmly united against military rule, the reach of those protesting in the streets can only span so far in efforts to see real change. The widening gap between political forces in Sudan can only be bridged by a truly diplomatic process, in which all sides are willing to protect a democratic process. With the future of elections remains up in the air, it is also crucial to establish with absolute certainty that the violence against protestors and the loss of civilian lives must come to an end.