In a significant development in Sudan, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced on Saturday that a transitional government is set to be established soon, amid the military’s recent successes against rival paramilitary forces in Khartoum and central regions of the war-torn nation. Speaking from Port Sudan, which currently serves as the de facto capital, Burhan outlined plans for a new administration that could take the form of either a “caretaker government” or a “war government,” consisting of “independent” experts.
Burhan emphasized that the primary goal of this forthcoming government would be to fulfill the remaining military objectives and to eradicate the influence of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group he described as a significant threat. He stated, “We are seeking to form a government in the coming period that will complete the tasks of transition,” indicating that alongside military goals, the new administration would also lay the foundation for a broader political transition with an emphasis on preparing the country for upcoming elections.
To facilitate this process, Burhan declared that a constitutional document would be ratified prior to the appointment of a prime minister. Importantly, he assured the nation that he would refrain from interfering in the prime minister’s responsibilities, signaling a possible shift towards civilian governance after prolonged military rule. In an administrative update, he also announced a reshuffle in November that replaced four cabinet ministers, including those responsible for foreign affairs and media.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, involves a violent power struggle between Burhan and his former ally, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the leader of the RSF. This internal strife has devastated the populace, leading to tens of thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over 12 million individuals, resulting in what the International Rescue Committee has described as “the biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.”
In his address, Burhan firmly ruled out any negotiations with the RSF unless its forces commence a withdrawal from strategic urban centers, including Khartoum, West Kordofan, and Darfur, and relocate to designated areas. His remarks come in the wake of the military regaining significant territory around Khartoum, a region that had nearly fallen under RSF control for close to two years. The outcomes of these military advances and the proposed transitional government will be closely watched as Sudan seeks a resolution to its ongoing turmoil and the restoration of stability for its citizens.
