From Ingrained Colonial Legacies to Decolonial Youth-Led Movements in Sudan

Research Article
Written By Sheetal Joshi

Abstract 

Sudanese youth have become critical agents of decolonization, challenging entrenched governance structures shaped by colonial history and advocating for an equitable Sudan. This article examines how these youth-led movements reshape Sudan’s socio-political landscape through grassroots activism, humanitarian initiatives, and digital mobilization. By prioritizing local governance and sustainable development, Sudanese youth confront historical and systemic inequalities, striving for a resilient and inclusive future.

Photo Cr: Abdulaziz Mohammed (Unsplash)

Introduction

Since gaining independence, Sudan has grappled with deep-rooted structural inequalities stemming from its colonial past. These challenges intensified in April 2023, when civil war erupted between two military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These military sections are led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, respectively. While the transitional government initially sought to usher in civilian rule following the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, unresolved military tensions derailed this vision, reigniting conflict and instability. Sudanese youth, especially from marginalized communities, are now at the forefront of advocating for a governance system that transcends colonial-era hierarchies and embraces inclusive representation (USIP 2022, Duke University Press 2020).

Colonial Legacies in Sudan

The British-Egyptian rule (1899–1956) left a lasting imprint on Sudan’s governance, establishing a divide-and-rule system reinforcing ethnic and regional disparities. Northern Sudan received political and economic investments, while the southern and peripheral regions. For example, Darfur and the Blue Nile regions were largely marginalized by colonial-era policies (Young 2018). This system entrenched a socio-economic hierarchy that favored specific ethnic groups, a legacy that persists as these marginalized communities continue to demand fair representation and resource allocation. Furthermore, the British emphasis on centralized military control set the stage for Sudan’s enduring cycle of authoritarian governance and military dominance.  Power remains concentrated in the hands of northern elites and the military, with factions like the SAF and RSF vying to control Sudan’s resources, including gold and oil (Idris 2011). This competition has sidelined Sudanese youth and ethnic minorities from meaningful political representation, intensifying their frustration and igniting grassroots activism for a more inclusive governance model that respects local voices and priorities (Chatham House 2024).

Grassroots Youth activism

Sudanese youth, particularly those involved in the 2019 revolution, have become prominent figures in the 2023 conflict, mobilizing grassroots movements that advocate for civilian governance. These youth groups have launched initiatives that provide emergency aid, document human rights abuses, and coordinate international advocacy. For instance, youth-led "emergency rooms" in Khartoum distribute food, water, and psychological support, while the Youth Network for Civilian Observation monitors violations to hold perpetrators accountable. Diaspora networks also work alongside Sudanese activists to lobby for a peaceful civilian transition, underscoring the youth’s role as decolonial agents in challenging militarized governance structures (USIP 2022, Westminster Foundation for Democracy 2021). 

Digital platforms such as X and Facebook have been instrumental in amplifying the voices of Sudanese youth globally. Humanitarian coordination has been facilitated through online "emergency rooms," connecting citizens to essential resources despite internet blackouts. Moreover, youth activists have used social media to counter misinformation and advocate for peace, with movements like the Midanik Feminist Movement launching campaigns that urge international intervention. By bridging digital tools with grassroots mobilization, Sudanese youth have redefined activism, fostering global solidarity and building pressure for an inclusive governance system that transcends Sudan’s colonial past (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 2024, Duke University Press).

Pathways for Policy Support  

To pragmatically implement policy recommendations for youth leadership, decentralized governance, and sustainable development in Sudan, here are two strategic approaches:

  1. Capacity-Strengthening Partnerships and Peer Learning: International bodies like the African Union (AU) and UN agencies can offer targeted capacity-building workshops and peer exchanges. For instance, programs modeled after the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) initiatives could equip youth leaders with negotiation and peace-building skills, ensuring they have a recognized voice in peace processes (Westminster Foundation for Democracy 2021). Like those facilitated by WFD, learning exchanges allow Sudanese youth leaders to observe and adapt successful governance models from countries with similar transitional challenges. These initiatives empower young Sudanese with practical skills, helping them shape more representative governance structures amid the ongoing conflict.

  2. Decentralization and Community-Focused Development Models: Organizations such as Chatham House recommend prioritizing local governance and decentralized economic strategies. By empowering local leaders in marginalized areas like Darfur and Blue Nile, Sudan can encourage equitable resource management and economic growth that benefits local populations rather than foreign interests (Chatham House 2024, Young 2018). This involves training local officials in sustainable practices and providing financial resources to ensure they can independently manage community resources, reducing reliance on centralized power that often aligns with foreign exploitation of Sudan's natural assets.

Conclusion 

In Sudan’s ongoing struggle for peace, Sudanese youth have emerged as crucial agents of decolonization, confronting the remnants of colonial governance and establishing grassroots frameworks for inclusive, community-centered governance. Through digital activism, humanitarian aid, and policy advocacy, these youth are redefining Sudan’s socio-political landscape to prioritize local voices and equitable resource distribution. Their relentless commitment to democracy and justice signifies a transformative force that lays the foundation for a sustainable Sudan that transcends its colonial past and envisions a future of empowered, connected citizens (Duke University Press 2020, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 2024).

References

Sheetal Joshi

Sheetal Joshi is a recent graduate with a passion for working in the human rights field. She has been living abroad for almost five years which is the same number of languages she speaks. She is originally from Mumbai, India, and is currently based in Brussels, Belgium.

She holds a Distinction Honours M.A. in Political Strategy and Communication with a European Union External Relations specialization from the University of Kent and a Cum Laude Honours B.A. in Global Studies with an International Security and Conflict specialization from the University of South Carolina. She has previous experience in Research, Advocacy, Foreign Policy, Security Policy and Conflict Resolution. She is knowledgeable in language rights & conflict, humanitarian aid, crisis communication, and post-colonialism.

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