Economic reform is the key to a stable Sudan

The momentous progress made in Khartoum risks being lost if ordinary lives are not improved

Sudanese protesters arrive to join the sit-in outside the army headquarters in the capital Khartoum. Ozan Kose / AFP 

What Sudan has achieved in just a few weeks is remarkable. While tens of thousands of protesters continue their nearly month-long sit-in, following the toppling and jailing of long-time president Omar Al Bashir, breakthroughs are being made. Sudan's generals – who ousted Mr Al Bashir – have now agreed to welcome civilian representatives onto the military council now running the country. This is what real progress looks like. Although the situation had threatened to descend into violence, demonstrations have remained not only peaceful, but buoyant. As The National reported yesterday, the atmosphere is akin to a carnival, as the people of Sudan unite in search of a brighter future. As one participant said: "I have never been more proud to be Sudanese." Protest leaders say that the new joint council will comprise 15 members, with civilian representatives outnumbering those from the military. Meanwhile, a transitional civilian government will be formed to run day-to-day affairs and work towards elections, in dialogue with all political factions except for Mr Al Bashir's National Congress Party. In reality, there are still numerous long-term challenges facing Sudan – some only emerging now. But recent developments serve as a glowing example of the power of ordinary people to bring about change.

The Sudanese public has been waiting a long time for this. But it would be unwise to underestimate the challenges the country still faces. Concrete steps to organise nationwide elections will ensure public anger does not rise again. And the momentum that has kept tens of thousands in the streets must be channelled into other endeavours that will help to get the country back on track. Those calling for the dissolution of the military council, in favour of an entirely civilian one, overlook the need for stability and order. Meanwhile, the demands by some protest elements for retribution against the final remnants of the Bashir administration have raised the threat of violence once again. Overhauling corrupt institutions after decades of entrenched power will be difficult – but even more so if it is carried out a climate of disorder.

The most pressing concern by far is the decimation of Sudan's economy. It was such woes, after all, that sparked the protests that toppled Mr Al Bashir. Until stability and growth return to Sudan, spawning jobs and services, the threat of unrest will linger. The UAE's $250 million deposit in the Sudanese central bank is an excellent start to shore up the nation's flagging currency. Still, Sudan's new leaders have their work cut out to stabilise an economy gutted by decades of misrule and the secession in 2011 of oil-rich South Sudan. As The National reported, talks on a possible IMF bailout now looks inevitable. Whoever leads Sudan down a path of economic reform must put the nation's people first. Because for long-term peace and prosperity to emerge, citizens must see tangible improvements in their lives.