Consensus democracy…the way out

After 25 years since the advent of the ruling regime in Sudan ,many  things has changed. The long  African war had lead to secession .The south went away ,in what was thought will bring about peace in the country .The  heartbreaking spilt generated more problems ,rather than solving them. Sudan a multi-ethnic  ,multi –cultural entity ,endured through its history many challenges. Although rich in potentials ,the country   failed to attain self-sufficiency. The secession created more difficulties . The oil which helped for many years in achieving economic stability ,went with the new state. That tragic reality aggravated the already deteriorating economic situation in Sudan.

The government seeking to get out of the bottle-neck ,resorted to  a risky options; declaring austerity measures.   This step ignited protest and mass demonstrations. The public anger added salt to the fresh wounds.

In spite of the fact that the opposition had failed to lead the protester  to knock out the regime, the public  anger proved beyond any shades of doubt ,that a change should be sought by both sides.   

Ravaged by wars in Darfur ,blue Nile and south Kordofan ,Sudan seemed to be at the brink of total collapse. The international pressure was and still is  griping its tied on the regime to kneel down. The escalating political crisis plus the ever thirsty- beast of war and bloodshed ,leads to tow opposite directions ;more killings and tears or peaceful resolution. The president initiation of political inclusive dialogue with the opposition parties ,was met with differing reactions; most of the right wing parties appreciated and welcomed the initiative ,while the warlords and some allied parties ,which calls for regime change rejected it as a tactical maneuver. The step  seen by  America and many others inside and outside the country   as a gesture of good will.  Engulfed with different concerns the parties which agreed to engage in negotiation attended the president speech, starting consultation in good faith. The president orders to release political detainees ,easing restrictions on the activities of the political forces and guarantee press freedom, were applauded as signs of commitment and eagerness to reach consensus. It’s a step forward in building confidence, some said .Many thought it would lead the hesitant parties to join the talks. But a question rise from the settling dust: what is expected? What is the way out of this dilemma ?the a answer is difficult due to delicate and complicated national problems facing the country. How to defuse the landmines of ethnic and tribal clashes ,is a challenging issue ,that needs to be addressed adequately to bring about social peaceful-co-existence and reconciliation in war torn regions. To reach that end all factions are called to come to the rescue of Sudan.   Although scars will remain ,may be  for years to come, we need to mend the wounds ,in order to keep the body intact .

Democratic transition is at the top of the agenda, they all agree, but how to do that , is a challenging question  which remains to be answered . From my point of view ,I think learning from others experience would be beneficial; for different countries underwent same situation as ours. Morocco passed the test of reconciliation by adopting the magic approach of consensus democracy . This method proved to be successful in curbing hatred, hate and selfish desires of isolationism. It simply sides away the spirit of revenge and the victims endeavors to liquidate their enemies. Thus reconciliation can be reached more easily ,paving the way for constructive dialogue in a conducive atmosphere in a manner where positive engagement between all stakeholders prevail.

We should all remember that democracy is a means not an end in itself ,and that consensus democracy is a win- win  game ,not a tool to isolate one party or another.