Subversive plot or military coup!?

 In their full-coverage of the country's latest hot topic, both local and international media outlets used the term “subversive plot” to report on the recent military coup attempt, which was uncovered and foiled by the government. Even those who described it as a military coup tried to define the terms often used by the government to refer to such attempts; as if there was a misunderstanding on the term or a philosophical debate on the terminology to be used.

Although the main reason behind the popularized use of the term was the government itself, or to be exact the government's remarks made through its Information Minister Ahmed Bilal who revealed the story in a brief press conference last Thursday; I do believe that, had these media outlets chosen to be more accurate and professional, they should have dealt with the issue as it is – by calling it a military coup attempt- and then quoting the Minister. Had they done so, the sort of coverage where only one side of the story is given could have been avoided. 

Despite the fact that investigations are still being conducted, the media has an obligation to report professionally, accurately and without bias. Otherwise, and by the same token, everyone who wants to wreak havoc through a coup could simply say they were really attempting reform, not “subversion or acts of sabotage”!

The best example to mention here would be the current ruling party; which itself came to power in a 1989 military coup after which it dubbed itself the “National Salvation Revolution”!  Later they ostracized their godfather Dr. Hassan Elturabi and his loyal protégés who formed the Popular Congress Party now in opposition.

Many reports indicate growing differences inside the ruling National Congress Party (NCP), and although the party denies this, there is a new statement to the contrary attributed to NCP subgroup calling itself  the “Reform Forum”. The so-called Reform Forum has confirmed these differences, to settle scores with those who disagreed with forum which claims widespread party corruption.

Anyway, the really important question here would be if the country actually needs another military coup!? And will any future government which comes through a coup, lead to people’s salvation and reform in the country!?

What this weary country truly needs is peaceful and democratic transition of power, to bring it out of its current state of misery!