African Studies
Utafiti: Journal of African Perspectives
Call for Papers: Utafiti is inviting you to submit your manuscript – any topic in the humanities - for consideration in the next issues.
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The main domestic political preoccupation centred around attempts to hold a National Dialogue – seen as a means of dealing with the political crisis since the secession of South Sudan in 2011, which was expressed through civil war on the peripheries and anti-government demonstrations at the centre. The aim was to bring together the government, under the ruling National Congress Party (ncp), and both violent and non-violent opposition groups, in an inclusive process to discuss a common way forward. However, as the ncp regime, backed by the army and security services, reaffirmed its dominance in the country, inclusivity was progressively eroded. The opposition remained divided, marginalised and largely externalised, with key leaders exiled and meetings taking place abroad. The Sudanese government insisted that the long-planned National Dialogue should take place inside the country, with no external involvement, but failed to provide an enabling environment that would allow opposition and rebel groups to engage. The government was strengthened by rapprochement with the Gulf Arab states and their allies, in particular Saudi Arabia. Sudan was also part of the ‘Muslim Alliance’ against terrorism announced by Saudi Arabia in December. The quid pro quo for Sudan was both diplomatic and economic, with promises of agricultural investment. Sudan’s more comfortable position in the Middle East region was complemented by relatively good relations with its immediate neighbours in Africa – most importantly, South Sudan, despite ongoing sources of tension. With regional linkages secured, Sudan was in a better position to manage relationships with global powers, although ties with the usa remained fraught. Sudan’s economy continued to recover from the shock of South Sudanese secession. Monetary policy remained tight, but there were signs that fiscal discipline was slipping, and efforts at economic diversification and private sector development continued to flounder. The balance of payments also deteriorated sharply, causing further currency depreciation. Growth continued to be constrained by massive debt arrears, which limited options for new borrowing, and by us sanctions. Many of Sudan’s peripheries continued to suffer from conflict and instability, with negative implications for overall livelihoods.