Sudan army leadership begins consultations to appoint legislative council
January 23 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s military leadership is holding extensive consultations to form a transitional legislative council to end a long-standing constitutional vacuum, sources told Sudan Tribune.
The move comes amid a complex political and military landscape as the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nears the three-year mark.
Amendments made to the Constitutional Document last February granted Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan broad powers to appoint and dismiss the prime minister, as well as to expand the council’s membership.
Sources said the army leadership has entered intensive talks with supportive political factions. The military is seeking to move beyond unilateral appointments by securing a civilian political base to provide legitimacy for the new body, which will be established by Sovereign Council decree.
Military sources told Sudan Tribune that the proposed council will include a diverse range of members to avoid the political isolation that has hampered the current government.
Leading candidates for the council include the Democratic Unionist Party-Original (DUP), the National Umma Party, and signatories of various peace agreements. The body is also expected to include technocrats and representatives from Sudan’s states and civil society groups.
Observers say the push to accelerate the consultations is driven by several strategic goals, including the need to pass national budgets and laws. The move is also seen as an attempt to bypass international diplomatic efforts, such as the “Quad” initiative, by creating a new internal political reality involving major established parties.
By establishing the council, the military leadership aims to create a formal legislative platform to draft laws and manage international initiatives to end the conflict. The body would also be responsible for ratifying agreements with key allies, including Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.