Sudan’s political, military leaders discuss appointment of civilian prime minister
March 12, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – A spokesman for the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) revealed on Sunday that discussions are taking place between civilian and military parties to the framework agreement to end the political process and appoint a prime minister as soon as possible.
On December 5, 2022, the pro-democracy civil forces and the military leaders signed a framework agreement providing to form a civilian government ending the coup d’état of October 2021.
The refusal of some civil forces to join the process, the calls of the army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to review the process to include more political actors and his rift with his deputy and the Rapid Support Forces commander, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti,” negatively impacted the political process.
“Civilian and military stakeholders are under pressure to finalize the process. So, discussions are taking place and there is an agreement to accelerate the completion of the political process and choose a prime minister who will lead the new transitional government,” Yasir Arman, an FFC spokesman told a press conference hosted by the Sala News platform.
Sudanese diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune several days ago that the UAE President warned the head of the military-led Sovereign Council against further delay in the political process and informed him that this would expose him to international sanctions.
Al-Burhan met with Mohamed bin Zayed on February 15.
Arman told reporters that there are some candidates proposed for the post of prime minister, stressing the parties reached a consensus on the criteria for selecting the head of the civilian government.
He added they are against political quotas in the new civilian government, but at the same time, would not be formed of technocrats only.
“There are two teams, the first is supportive of the revolution and the other is against it. There is no neutrality in the current situation. The next prime minister will be the biggest politician in the country. He has political capabilities and is biased towards the people’s choices. Bringing in a person who has no colour or smell is not good, and this is a game that the Islamists are trying to pass,” he said.
Al-Burhan called for a cabinet of technocrats to lead the transition saying the political parties have to prepare themselves for elections.
Arman described the meeting of the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah and Al-Burhan, and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, “Hametti” on Saturday evening, as good and brought about a positive change in favour of civil rule and democratic transition.
He called for creating a suitable atmosphere for establishing good relations between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. Also, he said that their meeting would contribute to resolving the complications that have arisen between the two military components during the last weeks.
In a meeting held on Saturday, al-Burhan and Hametti agreed to form a joint security committee and to work together to end the political crisis in Sudan.
(ST)