The Sudanese Armed Forces: From Protecting Borders to Supporting the Economy| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum (Sudanow)

Each year, the anniversary of the founding of the Sudanese Armed Forces serves as a national occasion to recall the institution's distinguished history in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, protecting its borders, and preserving its unity. Beyond commemorating these achievements, the occasion also provides an opportunity to reflect on the multiple roles the military institution has played throughout Sudan's history, particularly its contributions to production, development, and state-building.

Experience in Sudan, as well as in many other countries, has demonstrated that the strength of an army is measured not only by its military capabilities but also by its capacity to promote sustainability, enhance self-reliance, and contribute to protecting the nation's economic infrastructure—especially during times of crises, disasters, and armed conflict. From this perspective, the concept of the political economy of the military institution offers an important framework for understanding the relationship between national security, economic production, development, and resource management.

This special feature comes at a time when Sudan is confronting extraordinary challenges brought about by war. Large segments of the country's infrastructure, productive sectors, and public services have suffered extensive damage, making reconstruction and economic recovery among the nation's highest priorities. Under such circumstances, legitimate questions arise regarding the roles that various state institutions—particularly the military establishment—can play in supporting national recovery and rebuilding efforts.

This discussion extends beyond direct economic activities. It encompasses the Armed Forces' contributions to constructing roads and bridges, securing strategic projects, supporting national industries, participating in disaster response, protecting vital resources, and providing the stable and secure environment that is essential for restoring investment, reviving production, and ensuring market stability.

Through this special report, Sudanow Magazine seeks to present a balanced and professional examination of this issue by drawing on the perspectives of military experts, economists, and academics, reviewing relevant international experiences, and analyzing the opportunities and challenges associated with the relationship between the military institution and the national economy—free from preconceived judgments or one-sided narratives.

Rebuilding Sudan after the war will not be the responsibility of a single institution. Rather, it is a national undertaking requiring the participation of all state institutions, the private sector, and civil society, each within its respective mandate. In this context, the Sudanese Armed Forces—with their organizational expertise and extensive human, technical, and logistical capabilities—represent one of the national institutions that can contribute to the country's recovery while continuing to fulfill their primary mission of safeguarding the nation and preserving its security and stability.

Between the duty of defending the homeland and the responsibility of contributing to human development, important questions continue to emerge about the future of Sudan's economy and how all national capabilities can be mobilized to build a stronger, more stable, and more prosperous Sudan. This special feature therefore opens the door to a thoughtful and constructive dialogue on an issue that touches both the country's present and its future, founded on the belief that security and development are not parallel paths, but complementary pillars of the state-building process.

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