Political opportunism in Sudan between past and present, between Lucanus and Abdullah Hamdok ✍️ Hisham Mahmoud Suleiman
Political opportunism is a phenomenon as old as human societies. It has appeared throughout history in multiple forms, as some seek to exploit political situations to serve their personal interests without regard for overall principles or values. These people often master the art of flattery. and flattery and approach positions of power through various means, not with the aim of achieving the public good, but rather to enrich themselves and maximize their own status.
1. Historical example: –
A. At the court of the Roman ruler Nero, many opportunistic figures appeared who used their skills to praise the ruler and praise his supposed genius, such as the poet Lucanus, who, despite his talent, indulged in glorifying Nero, which brought him closer. in power, but it ended in a resounding fall when circumstances changed. These people were like drummers who were only good at… Beating drums with voices that rose and fell to the rhythm of their interests.
B. During the era of the Mahdist regime (1885-1898), political and religious figures attempted to exploit the revolutionary wave and popular uprising for personal gain. Some of the leaders who joined the Mahdist revolution did not really believe in its message or its principles. but rather saw it as an opportunity to gain power or exert social influence. As soon as the Mahdavi regime began to face internal and external challenges, some of them turned against the revolution itself and sided with the forces that overthrew it.
2. Modern example:-
In modern times, it is possible to speak of the phenomenon of politicians who move between different factions without any stability of principle. They change color depending on their positions and oppose any political change as soon as they see personal interest in it. These people have mastered the art of manipulating high-sounding slogans without adding anything real to their society other than self-aggrandizement and their quest to monopolize profits within their inner circle.
An example of this is:-
The period of the transitional government after the major change in Sudan following the popular revolution of December 2018, which toppled the regime of Omar al-Bashir. The country has experienced a period of transition full of challenges. During this period, many opportunistic models emerged. who rode the wave of change, but they did not believe in the goals of the revolution.
Example:-
1. Politicians changing positions. Some political figures who were part of the previous regime tried to quickly reposition themselves on the new scene. They spoke of their support for the revolution and its values, but their actions revealed their intentions as they sought control. decision-making positions or to guarantee their personal interests without paying attention to the demands of the people.
2. Flattery towards international and regional powers Groups and individuals emerged who took advantage of international and regional support to achieve personal gains. They appeared at every meeting or rally organized under the cover of support for Sudan, but also the policies and programs implemented on the ground. they often serve a restricted circle of elites and do not express the aspirations of the people.
3. Progress in youth movements. Some politicians took advantage of the ambitions and aspirations of young people by getting involved in resistance committees and revolutionary activities, but over time it became clear that their involvement was aimed at riding the wave and gaining leverage. influence. street movement by transferring political divisions and personal interests into the ranks of revolutionary movements.
The empire of the ego in which these opportunists live does not exceed the limits of their personal interests. It lacks any real vision or commitment to broader issues. They were and still are the enemies of any real change, because change requires hard work and sacrifice. , which is incompatible with their lifestyle based on easy gain and meaningless propaganda in this sense.
Political opportunism is considered an obstacle to the development of societies. Rather, it is a cancer that eats away at the body, as effort and time are wasted on individuals who only see the world through the window of their narrow interests.
Political opportunism is not a new phenomenon in Sudan. The country has gone through many stages during which individuals and groups have emerged who have mastered the art of flattery and flattery to achieve their personal interests, even if it is at the expense of the country and the country. citizens. With every major political change, there appears this group that jumps between stages and systems as if seeking a permanent position in which they can exploit the transformations to their advantage.
Political opportunism is between pleasing the inside and flattering the outside: –
Political opportunism in Sudan has taken multiple forms, some of which are based on flattery and pandering to the inside, while the most dangerous form is flattery to external forces, which sometimes leads to falling into the clutches employment and dependency. inwards or outwards, hinders the process of building an independent national state and empties national issues of their content in favor of… Narrow interests or foreign agendas
The first type: –
Flattering domestic opportunism
Internal servility is represented by the behavior of political figures who seek to get closer to the centers of power and influence inside the country. These people have mastered the art of public praise and loyalty to political or military leaders, regardless of their policies or actions.
An example of opportunism in the Old Testament:
During the era of ancient Sudanese kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Sennar (1504-1821), some political and religious figures approached the rulers offering repeated allegiances without providing real solutions to the challenges facing the state. a flood of empty praise and titles in an attempt to secure their position or achieve private gain.
The second type: –
Attraction to others and getting a job. This type of opportunism is considered the most dangerous because it not only seeks to obtain internal gains, but also exposes the sovereignty and independence of the state to danger. This type of opportunism manifests itself in the search for regional or international support. in exchange for the implementation of their national programs, which leads to weakening the State and increasing its dependence on the outside.
A. Example from the distant past: –
During the period of Turkish-Egyptian rule (1821-1885), some Sudanese cooperated with the Turkish administration in exchange for positions or economic gains. They facilitated the occupation and exploitation of the country's resources and became intermediaries between the colonial authority and the population. which led to the deepening of exploitation.
B. A model of the near present, Abdullah Hamdok
Abdullah Hamdok, transitional Prime Minister after the December Revolution, is considered a contemporary example of the second type of opportunism. Although Hamdok entered the scene as a technocratic figure, his heavy reliance on outside support placed him in a sensitive position, as Hamdok sought. obtain help from the international community by opening up to major powers like the United States and the European Union.
But in return, he was forced to adhere to conditions that might not serve national interests, such as the economic reform program approved by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund. There were many criticisms that he ruled the country more according to international visions. than working towards realizing a national vision, which has led some to accuse him of subordination or employment.
Impact on Sudan: –
Internal servility has led to the repetition of the model of parasitic elites who feed on power without providing real development solutions. This has weakened citizens' trust in political leaders and sowed divisions within society.
Foreign complacency has left Sudan vulnerable to foreign interference and the imposition of programs that weaken its national sovereignty. Every time Sudan approaches independent decision-making, this type of opportunism seems to bring the country back into the circle of dependence.
a summary :-
Political opportunism, whether due to internal or external incentives, has been a major obstacle to Sudan's development. These practices are not just individual errors, but rather the expression of a deep crisis in Sudan's political culture. a strong national state unless it gets rid of those mentalities that neglect national interests for personal gain or foreign agendas.
crumb:-
Mr. Governor of Gedaref State, beware of them, because they are more dangerous to you and the state than any chronic or incurable disease.
Hisham Mahmoud Suleiman
