Sudan’s anti-corruption body to resume work four years after coup

March 17 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s committee tasked with dismantling the legacy of the former regime and recovering public assets announced on Tuesday it would resume operations, four years after it was dissolved following a 2021 military coup.

The body, officially known as the Empowerment Removal Committee (ERC), will be led by Mohamed al-Faki Suleiman, a former member of the country’s Sovereign Council.

The ERC said in a statement it will restart efforts to track and seize financial networks and assets belonging to the disbanded National Congress Party (NCP) and the broader Islamic Movement, both within Sudan and abroad. It aims to return what it describes as “looted public funds” to the state treasury.

Established after the 2019 ouster of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir, the committee was a cornerstone of the transitional government’s efforts to purge Bashir loyalists from state institutions and reclaim state-owned property. During its initial tenure, the ERC exercised broad powers to dismiss officials and seize companies.

Its work was abruptly halted in October 2021 when Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power and ousted the civilian-led government. The committee now characterizes that dissolution as lacking any legal legitimacy.

Committee leaders, following a high-level meeting on Tuesday, said they have identified a comprehensive list of Islamic Movement figures and front companies used to funnel resources. They also vowed to target media outlets they accused of spreading disinformation on behalf of the old guard.

Proponents of the ERC argue that dismantling these deep-seated economic networks is essential for Sudan’s security and a successful transition to democracy. They frame the committee’s work as a primary objective of the 2018 revolution.

The committee called on civilian groups and the general public to support its renewed efforts. It also expressed a willingness to collaborate with international partners to track down assets hidden outside of Sudan and to support broader efforts to end the current war.

The ERC stated it would provide regular updates on its progress and seizures through its official media platforms.