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Paper short abstract:

Sudan's democracy movement faces profound risks. Despite their pivotal roles, war and displacement severely impacted their mobilisation for democracy. Sparse international support risks losing Sudan's democracy movement forever. Yet, sustainable peace in Sudan requires prioritizing democratisation.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the profound consequences of war and displacement on Sudan's pro-democracy movement. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has wrought immense human suffering, claimed over 12,000 lives, triggered a dire humanitarian crisis, and led to the displacement of 7.6 million people, both internally and externally. This mass displacement has disrupted not only the lives of Sudanese citizens and their democratic aspirations, but also jeopardizes the country’s unity and the region’s security.

Sudan's post-war landscape is marred by an unprecedented level of displacement, with millions of people having fled their homes. These millions include members of the resistance committees, the backbone of Sudan’s democracy movement. Displaced internally, they face dire conditions and targeting by warring factions. Displaced externally, they face difficulties in settling ‘legally’ and struggle financially.

Building on Sudan’s long history of pro-democracy movement, the resistance committees played a pivotal role in shaping the country's political landscape throughout volatile events, while sustaining their mobilisation and advocacy, and maintaining their legitimacy and credibility. However, the horrendous circumstances of the war have impacted the movement’s mobilisation for democracy and shifted their focus toward humanitarian relief.

The international community have failed Sudan’s democracy movement, as no support was extended to preserve the movement, which risks losing the movement forever. Comparatively, Ukraine's civil society and pro-democracy actors received comprehensive support. In contrast, the narrative of Sudan's war is framed differently, despite its undeniable connection to the broader democratic aspirations of the nation. This is Perilous, as sustainable peace in Sudan necessitates prioritising democratisation.