Isn’t It High Time for Collective Progress? «8- 8»
By: Munzer Mustafa
The evolving role of intermediary leadership in Sudan, as highlighted in articles 1-7 of this series, serves as a beacon of hope amid a challenging landscape marked by war and political transition falters. Acknowledging the pivotal role of intermediary leaders, particularly in empowering youth, advancing women’s representation, and fostering peace building efforts, is crucial for driving collective progress. Despite notable advancements, persistent challenges, including intellectual foundations for participation and resource constraints, threaten to undermine their impact, necessitating concerted efforts to safeguard and enhance their role. Taking into account the following facts:
• Intermediary leaders play a crucial role in empowering youth, advancing women’s representation, and fostering peacebuilding efforts.
• Positive developments in youth empowerment and women’s representation are evident, but challenges persist, particularly regarding power dynamics and resource constraints.
• The current dynamic environment presents opportunities for youth empowerment through leadership training and effective participation in decision-making processes.
• Strides in women’s representation indicate a promising opportunity for further empowerment, despite existing gender barriers and discriminatory practices.
• The involvement of intermediary leaders in peace processes is critical for addressing root causes of conflict and promoting lasting reconciliation.
To ensure collective progress and foster a capable political process that can end wars and lead to a more equitable and representative political landscape, the following recommendations are advised:
• Prioritize training initiatives focusing on political, legal, and electoral awareness, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Advocate for a transitional project that promotes comprehensive representation, especially gender equality, aligning with societal priorities.
• Intensify resource mobilization efforts through international cooperation to alleviate financial constraints.
• Implement comprehensive and strategic programs for youth empowerment and community engagement.
• Continue pressure on conflict parties to respect human rights and integrate them into a new transitional process, ensuring a central role for intermediary leaders.
In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize the central role of intermediary leadership in our society’s movement towards a democratic civil state and to adopt balanced political positions that encourage their engagement in the political process.
*Researcher at the Public Policies Institute-Sudan, Friday, March 29, 2024
