An examination of Sudan's transition form dictatorship to democracy through gradual reform : what does it take?

Abstract

This dissertation investigates Sudan's journey from dictatorship to democracy, focusing on the factors driving public discontent with authoritarian regimes and the consequent demand for democratic reform. The central question guiding this research is: What are the key elements contributing to the public's dissatisfaction with authoritarian rule and influencing the call for democratic change? To answer this question, the study explores historical events, policies, and leaders shaping Sudan's political landscape during the dictatorship era. The research comprises four supplementary questions: (a) examining historical factors contributing to public dissatisfaction, (b) analysing challenges in Sudan's democratic transition and the efficacy of gradual reform measures, (c) assessing the impact of institutional reforms on democracy consolidation, and (d) identifying remaining challenges and drawing lessons from other countries experiences in similar transitions. The objectives include a comprehensive analysis of Sudan's transition, evaluating challenges faced, strategies employed, and achievements in consolidating democratic institutions. The research also aims to assess the role of institutional reforms in democracy consolidation and derive lessons from global experiences. Significantly, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of Sudan's unique transition, offering insights valuable for policymakers and democracy promotion practitioners. Focusing on institutional reforms, it provides practical lessons for effective governance structures during democratisation. The research methodology employs a desktop research approach, encompassing a doctrinal analysis of relevant literature, domestic legislation, newspaper articles, international instruments, and government and non-governmental reports. This methodology grounds the research on the experiences of comparable countries, informing best practices applicable to Sudan's context. While this study emphasises the importance of addressing human rights abuses outside civil wars, it recognizes the ongoing nature of the transition process and the challenges posed by the continuation of conflicts in Sudan. It comes with recommendations, while not a one-size-fits-all solution, providing a starting point for Sudan's complex journey toward democracy, contributing to a brighter and more democratic Sudan for generations to come.