DePaul University Discusses Lessons from the Sudanese Revolution

DePaul University recently hosted an event focusing on the Sudanese revolution of 2018-2019 and current civil war conditions, led by guest speaker Dr. Mahder Habtemariam Serekberhan. Approximately 40 attendees learned about the revolution’s history, the role of students in instigating change, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including a disturbing death toll. Professor Shiera Malik stressed the need for dialogue on Sudan at DePaul, while attendees discussed global parallels and the importance of learning from such revolutionary movements.

On February 17, DePaul University’s international studies department hosted an event to shed light on the Sudanese revolution of 2018-2019 and the ongoing civil war, which continues to escalate in violence. Approximately 40 attendees participated in the two-hour discussion at DePaul’s Levan Center, both in-person and virtually.

Dr. Mahder Habtemariam Serekberhan, a Ph.D. student from Syracuse University, served as the guest speaker, discussing vital lessons that DePaul students and the youth can extract from the Sudanese revolution. Her presentation detailed a historical timeline of Sudan and facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session for over an hour.

Having grown up in Ethiopia, Dr. Serekberhan became aware of the Sudanese revolution in 2018 while pursuing her studies in the United States. She stated, “It looked like something young people were doing to change their conditions, and it seemed successful,” highlighting the active role students played in the protests.

The revolution commenced in December 2018, sparked by students protesting the government’s policies due to rising bread prices. These students took center stage, becoming the backbone of the movement through their frequent marches and sit-ins, demanding improved health care, protection for livestock producers, and inclusive political representation.

In April 2019, during a significant sit-in by thousands of protestors, the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power characterized by numerous human rights violations. The military pledged a collaboration with civilian leaders to establish a transitional government aimed at achieving democracy. However, in 2021, a military coup restored control over the government, eliminating civilian input.

Dr. Serekberhan reported a current ongoing counterrevolution against the military regime in Sudan since 2023. As of November 18, 2024, a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s Sudan Research Group indicated that over 60,000 people had died, with Dr. Serekberhan now estimating the death toll at 90,000, amidst millions displaced. Health care facilities have collapsed, leaving many children without education and causing widespread famine.

Shiera Malik, a professor of international studies at DePaul and co-organizer of the event, noted that while revolutions in Africa are not uncommon, contemporary lessons resonate within a new context. She remarked, “(Serekberhan’s) is not the first young African generation that’s asking, ‘How can we make our lives better?’” emphasizing the shared struggles of youth worldwide.

Professor Malik articulated concerns about the lack of discourse regarding Sudan on DePaul’s campus, stating, “We have nothing on Sudan here. We haven’t heard anything on campus.” Following her presentation, Dr. Serekberhan addressed various questions from attendees, both in-person and online.

Isabella Ali, student body president at DePaul, acknowledged the significance of the Sudanese revolutionary process in global history, stating, “The Sudanese revolutionary process is an important event in global history that connects to so many struggles around the world, and it has so many experiences to offer.”

Attendees drew parallels between the Sudanese experience and current events in the Middle East, including issues in Gaza. Ali emphasized the importance of understanding global perspectives to inform responses to such challenges.

Dr. Serekberhan encouraged the youth in the U.S. to draw inspiration from the Sudanese revolution, insisting on the necessity of broader research, stating, “Other young people in the world and in the global south feeling defeated need to read about this…We saw a bottom-up political process that was able to challenge and even, to some extent, transform parts of society.”

The event at DePaul University provided vital context regarding the Sudanese revolution, highlighting the lessons young people can learn from historical struggles for democracy. The discussion emphasized the ongoing crisis in Sudan, calling for increased awareness and support from global youth. The engagement between attendees underscored the importance of understanding these issues within a broader international context, fostering a sense of solidarity and action among students.

Original Source: depauliaonline.com