Isn’t It High Time for Collective Progress? «2- 8»
By: Munzer Mustafa *
Strong people require strong leaders. This is the conclusion reached by the civil rights activist, Ella Baker. She added “They recognize the hidden power that lies within communities and work hard to develop that power, empower communities to mobilize themselves and shoulder their own struggles”.
Everyone knows how Cesar Chavez organized farmworkers in the United States to fight for better working conditions and fair wages, and how his ability to communicate with the communities and to mobilize them led to major victories in the workers’ rights movement (CIW), as if he carried out the will of “Mahatma Gandhi” and it was the change he wanted to see in the world, and with great professionalism avoided “Paulo Freire” objection on leaders who do not act in a dialogical manner, who insist on imposing their decisions, and how they do not organize people – they manipulate them”.
Globally, intermediary leaders, particularly political ones, interact with local communities by actively listening to their interests, needs and aspirations. They serve as liaisons that facilitate communication and understanding between decision-makers and local communities. They establish relationships built on trust, empathy and respect, ensuring that the voices and interests of local communities are fully represented effectively and advocated. They work collaboratively with community members, enabling them to participate in decision-making processes and support initiatives that promote their well-being and development by being available, responsive and subject to accountability. They promote meaningful dialogue, cooperation and inclusivity in their interactions with communities.
This is how Ronald Heifetz sees them and speaks in depth about the concept of adaptive leadership, which focuses on mobilizing individuals and organizations to address complex challenges and understands their role in facilitating adaptive change and engaging with stakeholders.
In 2019, a remarkable epic appeared in Sudan, characterized by the determination to reach and remain in the field of general command, “the Headquarters of the Army,” and to strengthen the media focus in the face of a one-party state known for violation of human rights. The principle of the initiative became a guiding force for those who dared to challenge the oppressive regime, which led to a profound breakthrough that ultimately led to its collapse. There began the journey of the largest general assembly for democratic transformation that Sudan has ever witnessed, and this crucial gathering became a melting pot in which experiences and ideas melted, and sharpened the wisdom of the intermediate leaders who emerged from the womb of the people, and with steadfast determination, embarked on a mission to spark a civil movement that would penetrate deep into the hearts and minds of the Sudanese people, as well as peace-loving and freedom-seeking individuals around the globe. Their initial achievements were just the fruits of their hunger for a state of freedom, peace and justice, and through their unwavering commitment their tireless efforts broke the shackles of oppression and ultimately caused the downfall of the regime. It was a triumph of perseverance, courage, and the unconquerable spirit of a united people.
Throughout this epic, access to information became a weapon of hope. By strategically enhancing media focus, these leaders of the vision to denude the regime’s violations of human rights and mobilize international support, have succeeded. The world witnessed the courage and steadfastness of the Sudanese people, which has inspired solidarity and admiration all over the world. This profound breakthrough was not just a victory for Sudan, but rather a glimpse of hope for all oppressed peoples craving for freedom and justice.
The experience of the “Resistance Committees”, for example, refined during the December 2019 trip, was a testament to the power of collective action of intermediary leaders and the ineradicable influence of those who dare to challenge the status quo.
The collapse of the one-party state system was not just a political transformation; It was a testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of a nation united by a common goal, according to a reasonable organizational structure with well-prepared intermediate leaderships at its center, particularly in popular mobilization.
To be continued.
*Researcher at the Public Policies Institute-Sudan, Friday, December 1, 2023.
