Sudan Observes the First Anniversary of the Revolution

At 1 pm revolution time on 19 December 2019 at the cross section between Osman Digna and Elbaladya Street near the Constitutional Court, the sound of thousands of feet marching, women ululating and the sight of Sudanese flags waving in the air could be seen from afar approaching the building of Families of the Martys’ House. Resembling a perfectly organised marching band, the masses stopped right at the doors of the building and began to sing:

  نحن جند الله’

 جند الوطن

 ان دعى داعي الفداء لم نخن 

نتحدى الموت عند المحن 

‘نشتري المجدا باغلى ثمن

‘We are the soldiers of God,

The soldiers of our homeland 

We never fail when called for sacrifice 

Death, we defy at adversity 

Glory, we buy with the highest price’ 

This was how these protesters told the families of the martyrs that they are here and haven’t forgotten the very people who made it possible for them to protest without the fear of getting beaten up, arrested, shot or killed. 

The people of Sudan are determined to send the world a very strong message and pound the alarm with their strong steps, drums and revolutionary songs to remind the world that the Sudan uprising is nowhere near over and the guardians of the revolution did not go anywhere. The sight was captivating.

We shed a lot tears this year; from joy to sadness to pain to joy again. But we are on to happier days ahead. The price of freedom in Sudan was too high, too painful, but we must make it worthwhile and we can. #Sudan #RevolutionAnniversary pic.twitter.com/I3ZvEAdA2D

— uzaz 🌾 عُزاز (@3ozaz) December 19, 2019

Here were the people of Sudan, one year later, bravely marching on the very streets they once feared as they used to be infested with armed men who were not ready to spare a single life. The streets where they lost their friends and family members and going out was a plain death wish. On 19 December 2019, they marched to celebrate this newly bought freedom, one they fought so hard for and brought with their resilience and even blood; while demanding justice for those who sacrificed their lives to make this possible. 

When asked why he came out today, 16-year-old Mokaram Mohammed said, ‘I am here to celebrate our martyrs and demand for justice for them.’

During a TV interview, the father of the martyr Abdulrahman Sadig said, ‘A year has passed, but we are still standing for justice. Justice concerns those who brought this revolution to life.’

‘I’m not worried about the revolution. I have no fear whatsoever. As long as this conscious and aware generation is here, I have no fear. They are the soldiers and guardians of this revolution,’ he added.

Hours passed by and the influx of people did not stop. The turnout was like no other. Soon enough, the image these masses were trying to create began to develop like a polaroid. A sight reminiscent of when the mass sit-in in the military headquarters, known as Al Qeyada, began to take form. A stage, barricades, searches at the barricades, people carrying tissues, debate groups, singers and dancers and people spreading awareness. 

Even though the scene was quite familiar, a small alteration, or addition, could be noticed. Protesters carrying pictures of Sudan’s new Prime Minister Dr Abdalla Hamdok, chanting praising him and writing his name on the asphalt. The sight of people celebrating Dr Hamdok while simultaneously chanting in demand for justice sent a very strong message. Dr Hamdok, who is the face of change to the people of Sudan, now embodies hope and reform for these protesters.  

Another celebration was taking place in the Freedom Field, also known as the Green Field where ousted president Omar Al Bashir used to have his public addresses. The celebrations were not confined in Khartoum alone or even in one location in Khartoum but in various parts of Sudan. A train filled with people also went to Atbara to commemorate this glorious day. Although smaller protests began on 6 December 2018 in Sennar then on 13 December in Al Damazin, it was on 19 December when pictures of the National Congress Party (NCP) building burning in Atbara went viral drawing attention to the uprising that was beginning to take form.

‘I came back home a few days ago. I didn’t have the chance to witness the uprising but from what I have seen from these young people of organisation and discipline left me in awe. I feel like I am witnessing history being made,’ said Tariq Abugsysa who came to Sudan for a holiday.

‘But the revolution isn’t over. It has just taken a different form.’

Coincidentally, just the day before, 18 December 2019 marked the 100th day since the new government was sworn in. The people of Sudan have come a long way. Around this time last year, the world had no idea what is happening in Sudan, and they had to fight their fight by themselves. But the revolution isn’t over. It has just taken a different form. The people of Sudan still need the world to keep an eye on what’s happening to make sure that all they have accomplished by peacefully protesting is not lost between the cracks of politics.

The question is, will the people of Sudan get to celebrate the day justice is served? Will the inspiring story of the peaceful protesters turn into a success story written on history books? 

Afnan Hassab describes herself as your typical dreamy millennial. A 22-year-old surgeon-in-the-making by morning and a struggling writer and blogger, by night. Dedicated humanitarian, unwavering feminist, relentless debater, obsessive cleaner and a coffee addict among other things. Born and raised in Jeddah, KSA. Went to college in Sudan. Based somewhere between these two countries and more.