Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok warns of cracks in army, calls for unity
Khartoum, Sudan – Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said the cracks in the military were “deeply worrying” as he called for reconciliation between civilians and factions in the military interested in the country’s politics.
The prime minister, who took over after the military expelled Omar al-Bashir in 2019, made the comments on Tuesday while announcing an initiative to bring together various factions in the country amid the fragile transition in the country of ‘North Africa.
For some time now, Sudan has been ruled by a ruling civil-military administration since the parties reached a power-sharing agreement the following August. The deal was fabricated by the African Union and other leading entities.
Almost two years later, the transition continues to face pressing challenges, including pressure from rebels and civilians to reform the military.
“All the challenges we face, in my opinion, are a manifestation of a deeper crisis which is primarily political,” Hamdok told reporters in Khartoum, the capital of the troubled nation.
He blamed the divisions between the teams that pushed for the revolution that led to al-Bashir’s ouster, adding that fragmentation within the military was also “a problem of deep concern.”
Hamdok said his initiative was aimed at promoting army reforms and ensuring that armed groups, including the powerful Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), were integrated into the armed forces.
Sudanese media have repeatedly reported on tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces over integration. Other points of Hamdok’s initiative include dismantling the remnants of the al-Bashir regime, tackling the economic crisis and forming a transitional legislative body.
In 2020, Hamdok’s government signed a historic peace deal with rebel groups to end conflicts in several border regions of the country. Only two key groups refused to sign the agreement.
Last week, talks were adjourned between Sudan and the powerful rebel faction of the North Sudan People’s Liberation Movement led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. Sudanese media reported that RSF’s integration into the armed forces was a key point of contention.
Hamdok’s latest remarks came amid growing popular discontent over recent economic reforms, which saw the government cut subsidies for gasoline and diesel. In recent days, Khartoum has seen a wave of violent crime and looting, as angry protesters blocked the streets with burning car tires.
The prime minister warned last week that the country could slide into chaos and further instability if the ruling political factions fail to work together. He has led processes aimed at improving the country’s economic fortunes.
AXADLETM
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