Willow Berridge – författare

This book tells the story of the Sudanese revolution of 2019; of how it succeeded in bringing down the long-standing rule of President Omar al-Bashir; and of the troubled transitional civilian-led government that was installed in his place. It sets the scrupulously non-violent uprising in its historical context, showing how the protesters drew upon the precedents of earlier civic revolutions and adapted their practices to the challenges of the al-Bashir regime. The book also explores how that regime was brought to its knees through its inability to manage the intersecting economic and political crises caused by the secession of South Sudan and the loss of oil revenue, alongside the uncontrolled expansion of a sprawling security apparatus.The civilian protesters called for-and expected-a total transformation of Sudanese politics, but they found themselves grappling with a still-dominant cabal of generals, who had powerful regional backers and a strong hold over the economy. Internally divided, and faced with a deepening economic crisis, the civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has found itself in office, but with less and less real power, unable to change the conduct of political business as usual.

The Sudans tells the story of the African Union's efforts to make peace in the Sudans during the years 2009 to 2013. It details the work of the AU High-Level Panel, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, to resolve the war in Darfur, promote democracy in Sudan, steer the independence of South Sudan, and make peace between Sudan and South Sudan. It was Africa's most ambitious peace-making effort.Meticulously documenting every step, Alex de Waal and Willow Berridge show how Mbeki's team handled disputes over borders, resources, and citizenship, and channeled fractious international actors into a consensus. They document the panel's consultative, people-focused strategy in Darfur and its patient, unflagging mediation between north and south. Ultimately, however, the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan squandered opportunities to establish two viable, mutually supporting states, setting both countries on the path toward calamity. Authoritative and clear-eyed, The Sudans pulls back the curtain on this pioneering effort, demonstrating the potential of African-led peacemaking.