One of the most serious problems facing Sudan today is the growing number of voices claiming to represent the Sudanese people, to the point where it has become increasingly difficult to hear the country’s true voice.
At the start of US envoy Tom Perriello’s mission, a direct question was raised, how can the real voice of the Sudanese people be heard without distortion or manipulation? Political parties no longer represent them. Their noise may be loud, but it is driven by narrow agendas and self interest. Media platforms, meanwhile, often claim to reflect the pulse of the people, yet much of what is presented is little more than an echo of partisan, regional, or even personal polarisation.
Frankly, even answering that question proved difficult. It became clear that Sudan itself is in need of those who can genuinely carry the people’s voice to decision makers at home and abroad.
Impersonating the will of the people has become one of the greatest threats to Sudan’s future. The country is surrounded by tragedy on all sides, yet its affairs are managed as if it were enjoying comfort and stability. The daily conduct of those in power does not reflect the scale of the disaster facing citizens, nor the patience of those waiting for an end to this long and painful night.
Reports from Port Sudan focus on polished meetings, endless workshops and conferences that consume time and hollow promises, without delivering real change. This raises a fundamental question, where is the Sudanese people in the equation of governance?
With certainty, millions of children who have missed out on education are forgotten, as they wait for conditions to improve after the war. So too are the sick, left waiting for medicine, doctors and functioning hospitals.
Who represents the people?
Who carries their voice so it can truly be heard?
Amid the noise of those impersonating the Sudanese people, the real voice remains lost.
