Barran Press
Sudan's Sovereign Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, revealed on Saturday, August 17, 2024, that efforts are underway to form a transitional government in the country.
This announcement comes nearly three years after Burhan dissolved a civilian government formed to lead the country through a transitional period following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in the spring of 2019, according to Turkey's Anadolu Agency.
During a meeting with journalists in Port Sudan (east), Burhan stated, "Efforts are underway to form a government to manage the transitional period," according to a statement from the Sovereign Council.
Burhan did not provide any further details regarding the formation of this government.
Following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 after popular protests, the military signed a "Constitutional Document" with civilian forces represented by the "Forces of Freedom and Change," which led the protests. This document outlined a partnership between the two sides to manage the country during a transitional period leading up to general elections, scheduled to conclude in January 2024.
However, the partnership between the two sides was short-lived, marked by mutual accusations of "seeking to seize power." In October 2021, Burhan dissolved the government of Abdalla Hamdok. Subsequent regional and international attempts to restore the partnership failed, leaving the country under the management of the Sovereign Council.
Regarding the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been raging for two years, Burhan asserted the "armed forces' ability to defeat the rebellion (RSF) and eliminate it."
He stated, "The violations committed by the militia (RSF) against the people are unprecedented in any war in the world."
Addressing international powers seeking to mediate an end to the war in Sudan, Burhan said, "Those who want to stop the war must talk to the rebels (RSF) who are attacking civilians in their areas."
He added that "the government's position on any negotiations is clear through the vision presented to the mediators."
The Sudanese government insists on implementing the "Jeddah Declaration," issued in May 2023 at the conclusion of talks hosted by the Saudi city of Jeddah between the army and the RSF, before engaging in any new negotiations to end the war in the country.
The declaration stipulated that both warring parties commit to "refraining from any military attacks that could harm civilians," "emphasize the protection of civilians," and "respect international humanitarian law and human rights." The Sudanese government also rejects the participation of new mediators in the negotiations beyond the sponsors of the Jeddah talks, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Last Wednesday, talks on Sudan began in Geneva in response to a US call issued on July 23, without the participation of the government delegation.
International and UN calls for an end to the ongoing war in Sudan since April 2014 are intensifying, aiming to prevent Sudan from facing a humanitarian catastrophe. Millions are already facing famine and death due to food shortages caused by the fighting, which has spread to 13 out of 18 states.