Sudan: New government on the cards following Khartoum takeover
A new Sudanese government is expected to be formed once the recapture of Khartoum is executed, military sources said on February 9th, as reported by The New Arab via Reuters.Â
This comes a day after army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced plans to establish a technocratic wartime government.
The Sudanese army, which had been struggling in its conflict against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has recently regained strategic ground in Khartoum from multiple directions.Â
Forces are now advancing toward the symbolic presidential palace along the Nile.
The RSF, which has expressed willingness to support the creation of a rival civilian administration, has been retreating due to the army’s strengthened air power and ground troops bolstered by allied militias.
“We can call it a caretaker government, a wartime government, it’s a government that will help us complete what remains of our military objectives, which is freeing Sudan from these rebels,” Burhan said on February 8th while addressing army-aligned politicians in Port Sudan, the army’s stronghold.
The RSF continues to dominate much of western Sudan and is carrying out a campaign to solidify control over the Darfur region by capturing the city of al-Fashir.Â
Burhan dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire during Ramadan unless the RSF halted its offensive.
The conflict broke out in April 2023 due to disagreements over the integration of the two forces.Â
Previously, both factions had cooperated in ousting civilians with whom they had shared power following the removal of former autocrat Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for trial by the ICC.
The ongoing war has resulted in one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 12 million people, causing deadly attacks on civilians, and leaving half of Sudan’s population facing severe food shortages.
Burhan stated that changes would be made to the country’s interim constitution.Â
According to military sources, these revisions would eliminate any references to partnerships with civilians or the RSF, instead placing full authority under the army.Â
The army would appoint a technocratic prime minister, who in turn would select a cabinet.
Burhan also urged members of the civilian Taqadum coalition to sever ties with the RSF, saying they would be welcomed back if they did so.
The New Arab via Reuters
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