When the ongoing protests began in Sudan on 19 December 2018, calling for the overthrow of President Omar Al Bashir, quite a few took a step back to contemplate the implications — what comes next? As difficult and exhaustive that would be to even attempt answering, there are a few points that must be considered by all participants.
In addition to the shortages and high prices of essential commodities such as bread and fuel, the ongoing crisis is not merely political in cause but extends to social dimensions and has its primary causes rooted in economics.
We live in interesting times where we have almost unfettered access to global information and, more importantly, to each other. That is what is fueling the revolution and, I would argue, it is a wave we should ride. It is up to us to steer the ship in the proper direction, which ultimately is the goal of the uprising. The social element of an organised society is not to be undermined, as a large degree of civic action and responsibility rest upon the people. While full reliance on the government and its political bodies would most certainly be convenient, it most certainly is not enough.
In light of the current protests, our government is willing to enact a series of reforms that we should put forward in order to further our nations’ interest. To that end, instead of letting up in the face of vague promises of improvement, we should demand, require, and in fact, draft required reforms.
We the people demand:
It is important to note that the consideration, execution and promotion of these points requires politicians to serve more than personal self-interest.
In essence, instead of waging a war on diversity, we should wage one on poverty, ignorance and indifference.
These points are in no way comprehensive, but should serve as a starting point for gradually improving the living conditions of fellow countrymen and later, re-establishment of working, mutually beneficial relationships with the international community.
Ultimately, we must all realise that we carry a full obligation towards every member, student and home in our country on account of our shared humanity, heritage and land. And it is up to us to act on that.
Ziyad Basheer is a product designer on a mission to make things more beautiful, thoughtful and available. There are two things in life he enjoys more than leisure: understanding problems and designing solutions.
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Nice one Ziyad…….my thoughts exactly