SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: BBC - Sudan's bold challenge to authoritarianism

26/4/19: BBC – Sudan’s bold challenge to authoritarianism, by Fergal Keane

BBC African Editor Fergal Keane argues that events in Sudan have the potential to inspire others in Africa struggling against strongmen to maintain a path of peaceful and inclusive protest.

 Keane argues that Sudanese protesters are "more fortunate" than their Algerian counterparts, citing various military concessions, and that Sudanese military leader Abdulfattah Al Burhan has been "quick to react to opposition initiatives."

 Noting that the Sudanese civilian opposition wants a four-year transitional period to democratic elections, to mitigate the threats of military manipulation, Keane highlights dangers to this approach, which are also relevant to other African civil activists. A transitional civilian government still lacks a popular mandate, which could be an issue in the event of unpopular decisions, violent conflict or protests.