The only Solution for Sudan is a Return to Civilian Rule, But How?

Is Omar Al-Bashir's long stay in power to blame for the ongoing conflict in Sudan?

Fighting has intensified in the Sudanese Capital Khartoum between the two main military factions, The Rapid Support Forces, and the Sudanese Army. Mobile networks are down and there are internet blackouts across the capital as access to electricity has been cut off. Fighting has also cut off food supplies, clean water, and medical supplies from much of the population. Banks have also been closed and online banking access has been halted due to the destruction of many banking building infrastructures. Many nations are evacuating their citizens from the Capital Khartoum and many foreign nationals are reported missing or unaccounted for. The last 24 hours have seen at least 1000 foreign nationals, mainly from European nations evacuated. Some report state that there are no safe routes out of the capital Khartoum and there have been sporadic gun exchanges between the two warring groups around the main international airport. Many civilians are caught in the crossfire and others are fleeing to neighboring Chad and Egypt as the fighting intensifies. Over 450 persons are reported to have been killed in the past two weeks of fighting. It is also reported that at least 20,000 civilians are seeking refuge in neighboring Chad.

Fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Army to take control of the Capital Khartoum has been going on for weeks with both sides accusing the other of breaking the recently agreed-upon ceasefire. The Rapid Support Forces appear to control the Eastern parts of the Capital Khartoum; however, the Sudanese Army is claiming victory as there are reports to the effect that some members of the Rapid Support Forces have surrendered to the Sudanese Army in recent days. Repeated ceasefires have failed to hold, and the fighting has only intensified in the past week. Looters and armed militias are said to be roaming the streets of Khartoum causing a state of lawlessness with rampant criminal activities.

A huge humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Sudan even as the United Nations has called on the warring factions to protect the civilian population and allow safe passage for food and medical supplies. The fighting is said to be heavy in the Northern and Eastern parts of the Capital.

With two rival armies ravaging the Sudanese Capital in a contest to take over control of the country, the question remains; What is the end game? Are all hopes for a return to civilian government dashed? Is this a consequence of the almost 3 decades reign of the former Sudanese Dictator, Omar Al-Bashir, and his grip on power? Is this the beginning of a Syria-style conflict that could last decades?

What are your thoughts about long-standing African Dictators and the conflicts that usually ravage their nations when they are forced to step down, overthrow, or die in office?

Can we draw comparisons to long-standing Dictatorial Regimes in other nations in Africa like Cameroon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, and the possibility of a conflict taking hold in those nations once their leaders leave office either by force or by natural means?