Self-Destruction in the Name of Resistance: The Devastating Consequences of Fighting Progress

D. Hisham Othman

Sudan is experiencing one of the worst episodes of its modern history, with a raging civil war that has destroyed land and land and pushed millions into displacement and refuge. In the midst of this tragedy, we see that some Sudanese, instead of participating in peace initiatives and working to end the war, adopt reckless and destructive attitudes. These views appear clearly in the behavior of a group that rejects a peaceful solution and clings to the continuation of the war as a means of preventing political and social change that would put an end to the state of privilege that a minority has controlled since decades.

Rejecting peace: a devastating strategic mistake

Recently the British capital, London, witnessed demonstrations against the visit of the former Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdullah Hamdok, who was visiting Britain as part of the search for peaceful solutions to end the war in Sudan . These demonstrators, instead of supporting efforts to stop the destruction their country is suffering, chose to oppose an initiative that could lead to a comprehensive political solution. This point of view reflects the danger of political ignorance and the continued adoption of inherited concepts based on violence and exclusion as a means of resolving conflicts, without realizing that this method harms their future and the future of future generations.

The position of these demonstrators is not just an emotional one, but rather expresses a specific political vision that seeks to preserve the status quo, a situation where a certain minority enjoys great economic and political privileges, at the expense of the vast majority of the Sudanese people . They fear change, and believe that maintaining the war will ensure their continued control over the country’s resources and the power impulses. But what they do not realize is that war, instead of preserving these privileges, destroys the country and dismantles its institutions, making it difficult to rebuild a strong and prosperous country even if the privileges this continues temporarily.

Destructive mindset: longing for a state of privilege

Perhaps what drives these people to reject a peaceful solution is their fear of losing the historical privileges they obtained through political, military and economic alliances, as these privileges are rooted in their minds a stereotypical image of a state which only serves their interests. They consider any attempt to change a direct threat to their political and economic existence, even if that change is based on the principles of justice and equality.

But the biggest irony is that this minority, instead of looking for only political and economic solutions that would guarantee them a position in the new Sudan, have chosen to continue to destroy the country by sticking to war as a means of maintaining their influence . It is as if they are “destroying their homes with their own hands,” not realizing that the continuation of this war will only lead to more destruction, and that in the end they will pay a heavy price.

Sudan is at a crossroads

It has become clear to everyone with eyes that the war will not ensure a solution for any party, but rather it increases the complexity of the political, economic and social situation in Sudan. Those who refuse a peaceful solution today are not only in an immoral position, but also in an irrational position, as they are endangering the future of their country and pushing it towards further collapse.

International and regional efforts to stop the war in Sudan face great challenges, but they are necessary to avoid further destruction. Initiatives such as Hamdok’s visit to Britain come in the context of these efforts, which aim to provide a platform for dialogue and negotiation between the conflicting parties. However, the voices that reject these efforts reflect a deep intellectual and political crisis among some, who see the continuation of the war as a means of continuing their narrow interests, forgetting that it is through consensus and partnership nations are built, not through violence and killing.

Everyone’s interest is in peace

It is in the interest of all Sudanese to end the war and enter into a political process that rebuilds the state on the new foundations of justice and equality. Those who demonstrated against Hamdok’s visit to London think they are defending Sudan, but the truth is that their position only serves war and destruction. They destroy their homes with their own hands, believing that this war is their only way to maintain their influence.

In conclusion, Sudan stands today at a crossroads. The first path leads to more destruction and disintegration, as war continues to claim lives and destroy the economy and infrastructure. The second path, which is the path that everyone must take, is the path of national peace and reconciliation. All parties need to realize that the answer is not to continue the war, but rather to stop it and negotiate a new future for Sudan that guarantees justice and dignity for all.

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