Social media continues to prove itself as the tool of the youth to create change. And for Sudan, change has indeed come as Bashir’s regime has fallen.
The youth of Sudan have revolutionalized the political landscape of the autocratic state all thanks to sheer will, and social media. According to reports that surfaced on social media, the youth-led protests against the Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir and his government from 7th April to late into the night of 10th April 2019. The protests that were attended by the youth, and later gained the support of older members of society was documented online, with many sharing insights into the revolution.
BBC reports that the crowds continued to grow in Khartoum, as the public sought reprieve after an increase in the cost of living in the Muslim state of Sudan. Chanting continued through the night on Sunday in front of the army headquarters. Determined to keep protesting, people in the crowd told each other to turn on their mobile phone torches, when the lights were turned off to deter the crowds. The demonstrators accuse the NISS and a militia supporting President Bashir of trying to drive them away. Witnesses reported agents have fired tear-gas and live bullets at them to try and disperse them. Despite being challenged by government militia, the crowds stayed strong to their cause, to see the fall of the Bashir regime.
The hashtag #JustFall #SudanProtests and the chants of the crowds kept growing, echoing across Khartoum and beaming across social media. A young Sudanese woman became the poster child for the revolution as she fearlessly led hundreds in chanting throughout the revolution. Images of her leading her countrymen to a new day for Sudan went viral; with many lauding her for her bravery and strength.
Taking to social media, the young activist Alaa Salah said “I wanted to get on the car and speak to the people … speak against racism and tribalism in all its forms, which affects everyone across all walks of life. I wanted to speak on behalf of the youth. I wanted to come out and say that Sudan is for all.”
Salah added, “Every time people responded with ‘Revolution’, I would get more excited. We need international support, for people to be aware of what’s happening and to understand our demands”
https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1116219033647505408
Images of the protests have flooded social media as a triumphant Sudan celebrates a new dawn for the nation.
https://twitter.com/Duck1690Duck/status/1116248010432876545
https://twitter.com/Tom_Rhodes_/status/1115146536177086464
"The people demand… building a new Sudan" pic.twitter.com/5ICtlaLkkB
— İyad el-Baghdadi | إياد البغدادي (@iyad_elbaghdadi) April 11, 2019
The political protest is not only a stand against the deteriorating standard of living of the Sudanese people but is also a cry against the leadership of al-Bashir. The Sudanese leader has been in power since 1989, ruling as president for 30 years. He is also faced with charges for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes at the International Criminal Court.
Sudan is not the only nation to organize a political revolution through social media. Algeria also sought political change through a youth-led revolution in the capital Algiers through public demonstration and civil resistance.
