Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan, on Monday called on political parties and revolutionary organizations « to engage in immediate and serious dialogue to form a government of competent personalities », in which the military will not take part.
Al-Burhan addressed his compatriots, through a televised address, on the fifth day of sit-ins being held at strategic locations in the capital Khartoum and its suburbs. Hundreds of Sudanese participate with the main claim to hand over power to civilians.
According to the words of the head of the army, also president of the Sovereign Council (the highest authority in the country), once the government is formed, the Sovereign Council will be dissolved to form a Supreme Council of the Armed Forces which will be dedicated solely to questions of defense and security.
Sudan has been in a stalemate since the October 25, 2021 coup led by Al-Burhan. The latter had put an end to the transition by dismissing the civilians who shared power with the military. Said transition was introduced after the fall of President Omar al-Bashir’s regime in 2019, made possible thanks to pressure from the streets.
The coup plunged the country back into political and economic crisis, further exacerbating the opposition. Since then, more than 100 protesters have been killed and thousands more injured by law enforcement.
Some demonstrators do not seem to be seduced by the army chief’s latest statements and demand, body and soul, his departure. It remains to be seen whether the civilians will compose in the same order of ideas as al-Burhan.
By OMA Newsletter N° 769 of 05/07/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
