Burhan’s speech on Sudanese army’s future role requires clarifications : say pro-coup groups
July 5, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The National Consensus forces welcomed al-Burhan’s speech about the withdrawal of the military component from dialogue to be facilitated by a tripartite panel but stressed the need for some clarifications.
The coalition of armed groups that backed the coup of October 25, held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss a speech by the head of the Sovereign Council announcing their intention to form a higher military council.
Several leaders of the pro-coup body who obviously were not aware of al-Burhan’s plans showed concern of the omission of the Juba peace agreement by the military leader. Also, they feared losing their key ministerial positions in a new cabinet to be formed as a result of the new process.
Speaking after the meeting, Mubarak Ardol the secretary-general of the coalition that there were positive points in (al-Burhan’s speech) and there were “ambiguous points that need more clarification”.
“The National Consensus, which constitutes the majority of political forces, will be the path that governs the transitional period and prepares for the elections,” said Ardol, surrounded by JEM and SLM-MM leading members.
He further said they would reach out to the Forces for Freedom and Change to discuss ways to form a transitional government.
FFC leadership member Yasir Arman said the would-be-established higher military council would also exercise sovereign tasks including foreign and financial policies.
Al-Burhan in his statement spoke about “related tasks” that the military body would perform without elaboration.
As expected, the FFC leaders rejected al-Burhan’s proposed body saying he rejected their call to implement security reforms and to limit the military’s role to the defence and security fields as the call for full civilian transitional authority.
In Washington, State Department Spokesman Nid Price told reporters it was “too early” to comment on al-Burhan’s statement about the military withdrawal from the talks about the formation of a transitional government.
“When it comes to what we’ve heard over the past couple of days, we took note of General Burhan’s address to the country and his commitment to dissolve the Sovereign Council once a civilian government has formed,” Price further said.
He reiterated calls to re-engage talks to reach an agreement to restore a civilian-led government that would implement democratic reforms and prepare for free and fair elections.
(ST)