Will the current Sudanese regime able to introduce free market economy؟ By Ramah Ahmed

05:29 PM March, 20 2018

Sudanese Online
Ramah Ahmed رماح أحمد-
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Sudan declared independence from the British colonial government in 1956, but has not yet found firm economic footing, still suffering from a great depression. The governments that came afterwards have failed to put forward successful plans to reform the country’s economy, instead favouring their own agendas, including radically oriented and opportunistic systems. Further, as the current regime responsible in waging civil wars that led to the separation of the South alongside the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in the West region, namely in Darfur, Nuba Mountain and South Kordfan. The long run conflicts have made president Albashir wanted by the ICC for genocide in Darfur. As these events describe the country political cruel, it is more likely to say that the authoritative agenda that the regime is practicing would not satisfy the development of society as well economy. Crucially, the dramatic changes in the world economy since the 1980s have replaced command with the idea of a market economy. The question remains, how will the current regime bring Sudan in line with what the global economy demands؟

The only way out of poverty is to build positive economy that engages in international trade by building bilateral or multilateral relationships both regionally and internationally. Yet no country is able to deal with another unless certain prerequisites are met with reference to human rights and the stability businesses require. This leaves much to be done practically in Sudan. The move from a centrally planned economy to a free market one is not easy, especially when there is in place a radical system that impedes progress, not least the aims and methods of the government itself, as although the functioning of free market put the people living standards at first, that kind of control has to be implemented and managed by the government. But the government itself rules in their own interests and can lack the technical knowledge required to create successful programs. So in Sudan the regime’s inability to manage the country’s wealth, plus the practice of authoritative power, place a burden on any economic advancement.

In general, social democracy is known to be key determinant of the success of the free market in liberal economic terms. While, not everyone embraces the idea of capitalism, the lived reality of today’s world forces us to accept it. People are the consumers and so the rulers of the market and the government’s role are relegated to managing the flow of goods and services between businesses and consumers. Yet neither of these can work alone or neither one can surpass the other, and vice versa. No matter what resources you are playing with, it is the respect for the rule of law throughout institutions that creates a sustainable economy. The current economy in Sudan could be named as centric by which gives individuals advantages according their loyalty for the ruling party rather than equal opportunities. As a result the majority of population face by greedy opportunistic traders who receive benefits from the government. Thus, the government corruption spread over the entire economy at large scale and become difficult to overcome.

Recently the Sudanese government has intended to create a positive economy; however, their commitment to the fundamental reforms needed remains in question. Namely, it is unclear how much they recognise the agency of citizens, and the importance of human resources, in this model. Any neoliberal economy regards its people first, as they have to have an influence over the market without considering this no economic reforms can function. Meanwhile, the government has a duty to organise the transactions between firms’ supply and consumer demand, but the Sudanese government is not well qualified to manage such transactions due the centrism of the ruling party. The evidence of this mismanagement can clearly be seen in the resulting devastating policies, which have led to the highest levels of unemployment, inflation and widespread corruption. The government is genuinely interested in implementing strategic economic plans, it must improve the living conditions of the people but this is unlikely to happen in a climate of unaccountability. As the country’s currency dropped at 30 Sudanese pounds against the US dollar, this significant drop has led to severe prices inflation in particular the hike prices of bread and living costs of essential goods. Indeed, many have believed that the country will recover after the US had lifted the economic sanctions in the late of October 2017. However, it is found that the government not well prepared to shape the new path of the country’s economy. By referring to the fact the ill-justification in private enterprises and the inability to monitor and control the flow of the currency across the entire market.

As a Sudanese citizen myself, it is sad to see so many wrong political and economic decisions being taken, where there is a genuine willingness to implement a free market policy. Yet the government does not recognise the crucial link between a free market economy and social democracy. Without movements towards democratisation and budgetary transparency, there will be difficulties building international trade and investment with regional and international partners. Therefore, although the government’s struggle to create economic stability is now at the forefront of their rule of the country, it remains driven by poor decisions on how to manage and utilise resources.

History shows that fundamental changes in economies often entail political revolution, hence why this the right time for the current regime to declare their failure and to step down, and let the people decide their future. At the very least, countries considering trade and investment with Sudan should demand that Sudan’s sitting President, not extend his term unconstitutionally ahead of elections in 2020. The 29 years of his rule has been characterised by the continued systematic failure to the entire economy and the current regime should be accountable for the damages they have made for a period of more than quarter of a century, from economic deterioration, sanctions, and extreme poverty. We must look forward and change the current political system, rebuild political, economic, and legal institutions that can work together effectively, and build on our own potential, guided by the majority of people not the few.

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