Whither Sudan?

Abstract

This article deals with the political transformation of Sudan since the colonial period. It also depicts the instability of the governing process since independence by showing how the traditional social and political organization of society has played a major role in shaping its future. It shows how the ruling Islamic regime, while reinforcing the tribal factor in political and constitutional matters, has at the same time exacerbated the problem of ethnicity and religious differences in a multiethnic society. Beneath the whole political spectrum the article offers a detailed description of the economic conundrum of this country as well as its failure in building a ‘nation-state’. It concludes in pointing out how in the current conflicting situation the future of Sudan is being jeopardized.