Toward Decentralization in Post-War Sudan: Between Opportunities and Structural and Strategic Determinants

Authors

  • Authors

  • Husam Ibrahim جامعة الخرطوم
  • Julia Barbar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31430/ZXZW4510

Keywords:

Sudan, Decentralization, State Reconstruction, Power-Sharing, Post-war

Abstract

​​This study examines the redefinition of civil–military relations in Sudan, arguing that the prevailing approach in the country reduces these relations to the issue of military reform and reduces that reform to preventing the army from carrying out a coup, removing it from politics, or restricting its economic activity. The study begins with a critique of Samuel Huntington's traditional theory and presents alternative approaches that advocate integrating the military into society and expanding its roles under civilian control. It also offers a typology of armies based on four models according to their political and economic engagement, applying this framework to the Sudanese army and its transformations since the independence (1955). The study concludes that building a more sustainable relationship requires rethinking the framework that shapes civil–military relations in Sudan. It calls for involving military personnel in formulating national policies and regulating their economic activities through governance in ways that strengthen national security and support the political process.​

Author Biographies

  • Husam Ibrahim, جامعة الخرطوم
    محاضر في جامعة الخرطوم، وباحث بمركز دراسات النزاع والعمل الإنساني، قطر.
  • Julia Barbar
    أستاذة مساعدة، برنامج الإدارة العامة، معهد الدوحة للدراسات العليا.

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Citing articles in ACRPS journals (1)

  1. (2025) تقديم: حرب 15 نيسان/ أبريل 2023، ذروة عنف في دولة مضطربة. Siyasat Arabiya https://doi.org/10.31430/OCNP5213

Sources: Crossref Cited-by, and the references (notes and reference lists) of the Center's own articles

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Published

2025-09-01

Article dates

Received: August 3, 2024 Revised: April 6, 2025 Accepted: July 20, 2025

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Issue

Vol. 13 No. 076 (2025): Issue 076

Section

Studies

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Copyright (c) 2025 Husam Ibrahim, Julia Barbar (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.