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We salute the Sudanese spirit of perseverance

The Sudanese people have won a major victory with the ouster of long-time president Omar Al Bashir and Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf who replaced him briefly after a coup. This is only the start of their revolution for full democratic rule. Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan is seen as the best man to hand over the country to the common people. Sudan's new leader has promised to rid the country of its stained militant and extremist past that led to the Darfur massacres. It was genocide committed by extremist militias controlled by Bashir, whose 30-year rule haunts the country that is desperately seeking reconciliation. Now the people have risen and they want qualitative change. In short, they want civilian rule now, without delay. The UAE has supported the Sudanese people's yearning for peace and development, and the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered help to the people who are suffering food shortages. Prices of essentials have hit the roof in Sudan and this is the start of long political process that calls for much compromise.
General Burhan has so far made the right moves by holding talks with the opposition led by the Sudan Congress Party and the Sudan Professionals Association that helmed demonstrations against the regime for months. The Intelligence Chief General Salah Gosh has been replaced by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and the opposition is calling for the release of arrested activists. If General Burhan accedes to their demands, he stands a good chance of building bridges (and confidence) with the protesters for a smoother transition that has been set for two years. To the opposition's credit, they are willing to let the powerful military have a place in a 'government of change' that will ensure transfer to a full democracy. General Burhan has also sought support from the opposition to restore order after the protests resulted in the affairs coming to a halt for months. Corruption had plagued Sudan and the ousted president, his cronies, and the ruling elite that included the military had a huge hand in it. For three decades the people of Sudan showed remarkable resilience and pluck. They were patient and were hopeful for a better tomorrow. They have now been rewarded and want results from the government. They want elected leaders in power. They will not allow the army to hijack their revolution as they organise, rise, and build Sudan again. We salute their spirit.