SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Al-Rakoba – Musa Hilal and Dagallo: The margins and the center

14/3/2021: Al-Rakoba – Musa Hilal and Dagallo: The margins and the center, by Yousif al-Sondy

Yousif al-Sondy argues that the release of Darfuri militia leader Musa Hilal with the assistance of Rapid Support Forces commander Himedti, and Hilal’s recent meetings with rebel leaders Minni Minnawi and Yasser Arman, reflects a “new reality” in which leaders from Sudan’s marginalised peripheries have their “greatest chance for leadership” and to play a critical role in “the historical transformation of Sudan”. 

Al-Sondy suggests that the centre (Khartoum, Dongola, Madani and Kosti) that has historically dominated Sudan is no longer in a better condition than the peripheries due to “long-term wars” triggered by the centre’s underdevelopment of the peripheries.

Thus, al-Sondy concludes, the present situation is a delicate balance that may either culminate in the beginning of a unified new Sudan, or alternatively, “the fragmentation of Sudan into many states”.