Just Talk… or Real Change? Good News Ahead—The Best Is Yet to Come

Fouad Qabbani

Sudan is currently going through an extremely difficult phase, marked by tension in many areas. These conditions do not allow for random, individualistic decision-making—especially on matters affecting people’s livelihoods, such as food, shelter, and basic needs. The vast majority of Sudanese today are living in forced displacement, driven from their homes by the brutal attacks of the Janjaweed on people, property, and dignity—one of the fiercest assaults on a state in modern history.

Amid these harsh realities—both inside the country and in exile—many still hold on to the dream of returning home. The government calls for a return, but that is easier said than done. Return requires far more than words, even if the state were to cover part of the relocation costs.

A Crisis of Planning

Recent leaked decisions from the Council of Ministers suggest a lack of planning and a disconnect from the country’s actual conditions. In previous articles, we have repeatedly called for the inclusion of thinkers, experts, and professionals to develop a clear national strategy that steers Sudan towards stability.

Let us be direct:

What do we—those engaged in industry, agriculture, and construction—actually need to restart development?
Only after that should the state speak of taxes, zakat, and fees.
What Is Needed for Recovery?

For citizens to return:

All personal belongings and vehicles must be fully exempt from customs duties to enable resettlement.
For reconstruction to begin:

The state must remove obstacles preventing cement factories from operating. The biggest challenge facing the industry is electricity. This must be addressed—by any means possible, even extraordinary ones—because electricity is the foundation of development.
For agriculture to recover:

Rehabilitation of irrigation systems in Gezira and other major schemes is essential, alongside the provision of seeds and road infrastructure. Only then can farmers be asked about production.

For industry to restart:

Factories, ginneries, and other facilities must be rehabilitated by replacing stolen cables, looted electrical equipment, and missing spare parts.

This will require coordinated effort, banking reform, and restoring the financial system’s ability to fund production.
Sudan’s Untapped Potential

Sudan is rich in every sense—hence its vulnerability to envy and external interest. It is rightly described as a potential breadbasket of the world, given its rivers, valleys, groundwater, and rainfall. It is also rich in raw materials—gold, copper, oil, and other minerals.

The world is watching closely. Sudan possesses everything—but lacks effective management of its resources and the ability to form serious partnerships to develop them.

A Call for Renewal

Despite the current hardship and pressure, Sudan still holds promise for growth and prosperity. The future, God willing, can be brighter and better.

Sudan is vast enough for all its أبناء. There is room for everyone to live with dignity. Let us take inspiration from the Prophet (peace be upon him):

Let us heal
Let us reconcile
Let us forgive
And let us prepare ourselves—roll up our sleeves—for rebuilding and development.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=13340