Are we in the era of political adolescence? – A national murmur – ✍️ Dr Tariq Ashiri
As I was browsing some of the groups that deal with political affairs, one intervention in his response addressed the term (political adolescence). For the first time I came across this term, and it was the title of today’s article.
In fact, the world today is experiencing an unprecedented state of political confusion, in which concepts are mixed and the compass is lost. Between brilliant slogans and turbulent reality, between desire for change and fear of the unknown, we can describe the current stage as the era of political adolescence – a stage in which mistakes are numerous, voices are raised and the balance necessary for nation-building is lacking.
Political adolescence is the stage where emotion prevails over reason, emotion over wisdom, and narrow interests over the public interest. In it, the situation changes with the change of wind, and the slogan is raised today only to dissipate tomorrow. There is neither stability of vision, nor clarity of purpose, as if politics has moved from a national responsibility to a game driven by whims.
In Sudan, the features of this political adolescence have clearly appeared since the outbreak of recent conflicts. After years of revolution and hope, political elites have fallen into the trap of division and competition for seats, instead of agreeing on a comprehensive national project. Civilian forces were preoccupied with internal conflicts and political forces argued over the design of the scene, while the common citizen continued to pay the highest price for their security, livelihood and future.
The elites failed to transform the revolution into institution building and to translate the sacrifices into a new social contract establishing a state of justice and citizenship. The result was a state of confusion, much like a teenager searching for herself amidst the noise.
But adolescence is not a curse, but rather a necessary stage before maturity. Just as an individual learns from mistakes, people learn from their experiences, no matter how hard they may be. Sudan today finds itself at a crossroads: either it remains prisoner of political adolescence with its fluctuations and conflicts, or it evolves towards political maturity based on conscience, institutions and agreement on the interest of the nation above all.
What we need is not more debate, but a new national consciousness based on political education, respect for the law and renewed trust between the people and their institutions. We need a generation that thinks with the spirit of the state and not with the emotions of the party, a generation that believes that the nation is bigger than anyone and that disagreement should be a means of development and not a tool of demolition.
Today we may live in a time of political adolescence, but we have all the ingredients of maturity. Popular awareness is growing, experience is teaching and the national wound, despite its depth, awakens in us a new spirit in search of meaning and dignity.
Perhaps this Sudanese generation, which has been patient with war and tasted the bitterness of division, will be the one who will lead Sudan to a stage of political maturity, where wisdom takes precedence over emotion and the public interest takes precedence over everything else.
May what we are experiencing today be a lesson and not a curse. Political adolescence, however long it lasts, must end with the birth of an adult nation that knows its way and creates its future with its own hands.
It can be said that the political consciousness of the people is the cornerstone of building a strong and just state. The higher the level of consciousness, the greater the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, as well as between the public interest and restricted gains. Conscious people are those who consciously make their decisions and defend their country with reason before emotion, becoming a true partner in shaping the future. Post-war Sudan is stronger and more beautiful
