Sudan’s army chief plans transitional govt amid military advances

PORT SUDAN: Sudan’s army chief said Saturday that a transitional government would be formed soon, as the military makes major gains against rival paramilitaries in the capital and central parts of the war-torn country.

Speaking in Port Sudan, the country’s de facto capital, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said the new administration -- described as either a “caretaker government” or a “war government” -- would be composed of “independent” experts.

“We are seeking to form a government in the coming period that will complete the tasks of transition,” Burhan said.

He added that its main objective would be to help “accomplish the remaining military tasks... and cleanse all of Sudan” of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Burhan also signalled that the government would lay the groundwork for a broader political transition, preparing the country for elections. He said a constitutional document would be approved before appointing a prime minister, pledging not to “interfere in his tasks or duties”. The leader announced a cabinet reshuffle in November, replacing four ministers, including those for foreign affairs and media. Since April 2023, Sudan has been locked in a devastating war between Burhan and his former ally, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the RSF.

In his speech on Saturday, Burhan ruled out negotiations with the paramilitary group unless its forces withdrew from Khartoum, West Kordofan in the south and Darfur in the west, and regrouped in “designated locations.”