Sudan’s Democratic Struggle: Why International Recognition of the Military Government Would Be a Catastrophic Mistake

The people of Sudan stand at a critical crossroads in their nation’s tumultuous history. After decades of authoritarian rule, a vibrant pro-democracy movement emerged, offering hope for a new beginning. However, these aspirations have been repeatedly crushed under the boot of military force. Today, as some international actors consider recognizing Sudan’s military government for pragmatic or strategic reasons, we must understand the profound human costs of such a decision. Recognition would not only legitimize those who seized power through violence but would also abandon millions of ordinary Sudanese who have risked everything for democracy.

Sudan’s current crisis didn’t materialize overnight. It represents the culmination of years of struggle between democratic forces and entrenched military interests. When civilian protesters successfully ousted long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, it seemed a new chapter might finally begin. A transitional government formed, with power shared between civilian leaders and military figures who had abandoned Bashir. Yet this uneasy partnership collapsed in October 2021 when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan staged a coup, dissolving civilian rule. Since then, Sudan has descended into a humanitarian nightmare as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has devastated communities, displaced millions, and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Throughout this turmoil, civilian pro-democracy groups have continued their peaceful resistance, demanding a return to democratic transition despite brutal crackdowns.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated to catastrophic levels. Over 9 million people have been internally displaced—the world’s largest displacement crisis. Children are dying from malnutrition and preventable diseases as hospitals lie in ruins. Systematic sexual violence is being deployed as a weapon of war, leaving thousands of women and girls traumatized. Agricultural production has collapsed, creating conditions for widespread famine. Meanwhile, the military authorities have systematically blocked humanitarian aid from reaching those most in need, using starvation as a military tactic. International recognition of this regime would effectively reward these atrocities and embolden those responsible to continue using human suffering as political leverage.

Democracy in Sudan isn’t merely an abstract ideal—it represents the concrete aspirations of millions who have demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of brutal repression. Since 2019, neighborhood resistance committees have organized nationwide protests, coordinated essential services when the state failed, and developed sophisticated political roadmaps for democratic transition. Women have been at the forefront of these movements, challenging both military rule and patriarchal traditions. Young activists have sacrificed educational and career opportunities to build a more just society. Hundreds have been killed by security forces; thousands more have been detained, tortured, or disappeared. To recognize the military government would be to tell these brave individuals that their sacrifices were in vain and that power ultimately flows from the barrel of a gun rather than the will of the people.

The international community faces difficult choices in Sudan, but recognizing the military government would establish a dangerous precedent extending far beyond Sudan’s borders. It would signal to military forces throughout Africa and beyond that seizing power through violence can eventually lead to legitimacy if they simply hold on long enough. Such a message would undermine decades of international efforts to promote democratic governance and respect for human rights. Moreover, military rule has historically proven ineffective at addressing Sudan’s complex challenges—from managing ethnic and religious diversity to ensuring equitable economic development. Only a legitimate, civilian-led government with popular support can create the conditions for lasting stability. International partners should instead increase pressure on military leaders to step aside, while providing meaningful support to civilian democratic forces and humanitarian relief efforts.

Sudan deserves better than international resignation to military rule. The Sudanese people have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to democracy despite enormous personal risks. They have created vibrant civil society organizations, developed detailed plans for democratic transition, and maintained remarkable unity across regional, ethnic, and religious divides. Their vision offers the only sustainable path forward for Sudan. By standing with Sudan’s pro-democracy movement rather than accommodating those who overthrew it, the international community can help prevent further humanitarian catastrophe while honoring universal principles of human dignity and self-determination. The choice between expediency and principle is clear: recognizing Sudan’s military government would betray not only the Sudanese people but also our collective commitment to a more just world order where power derives from popular consent rather than force.