Unlocking the economy strengthens Sudan's transition

17 May 2021 01:19 PM

EXPERT COMMENT

Transitioning from authoritarian rule to democracy ultimately depends on the civilian-led government’s ability to address Sudan's continued economic crisis.

Sudan is in the international spotlight on 17 May at a high-level conference in Paris hosted by President Macron in support of its fledgling democratic transition. This important moment is intended to signal Sudan’s reintegration into the international community, following its removal from the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) in 2020. It is also an opportunity for Sudan to rebrand itself and tell the world that it is open for business.

Yet the difficulties of transitioning from authoritarian rule to democracy are enormous. Success ultimately depends on the civilian-led government’s ability to address the continued economic crisis, which has caused widespread daily hardship for millions of Sudanese, as well as hindering sustainable development and the implementation of peace. To achieve these goals Sudan will need to rely heavily on its international partners.

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