Sudan's military head, Burhan, designates an interim Prime Minister, as per the announcement.
Article:
Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head honcho of Sudan's army, takes a bold move on Wednesday, appointing Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, a former diplomat, as acting Prime Minister. This decision comes after the army's takeover of Khartoum, according to Reuters' latest report.
Simultaneously, Burhan, the Chairman of Sudan's interim Sovereign Council, also approves the appointment of Omar Seddik, another diplomat, as Foreign Minister, as per a Council statement.
The appointment arrives about two years post-turmoil when the army ousted the Rapid Support Forces militia from most of Khartoum. While the RSF continues to have a stronghold in western Sudan, their tensions with the army remain intense.
This conflict erupted in April 2023 over disagreements concerning the integration of the two forces. Both had previously collaborated to unseat civilians who they had shared power with, following a popular uprising that deposed the autocratic ruler, Omar Al-Bashir.
In February, Burhan announced changes to Sudan's interim Constitution, hinting at the removal of references related to partnership with civilians or the RSF. This move would give sole authority to the army to appoint a technocratic prime minister, who would then form a cabinet.
While these internal political shifts unfold, an intriguing incident regarding military aid to Sudan involves the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to UAE state media, their security forces intercepted and foiled an illegal attempt to transfer a massive shipment of arms and ammunition for Sudan's army. This operation allegedly included nearly five million 7.54 x 62 mm Goryunov-type rounds of ammunition found on a private aircraft at a UAE airport. Several individuals, accused of unlawful mediation, brokering, and illicit trafficking of military equipment, were also apprehended.
Despite the Sudanese government's denials of these allegations, calling them unfounded attempts to shift blame and hidden support for the RSF, relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly. This deterioration led to Sudan labeling the UAE as a "hostile state" and severing diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi.
Tensions escalated further as Sudan took legal action by filing a genocide case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice. The UAE has consistently denied these charges. This ongoing legal battle and strained diplomatic relations highlight the UAE's questionable role in Sudan's ongoing conflict and the complex regional dynamics unfolding.
On one hand, the UAE claims they've stopped an illegal arms transfer that contravened international law. On the other, Sudan accuses the UAE of backing their paramilitary adversaries, increasing the chaos and bloodshed in the country. These claims and counterclaims further complicated the already dire situation in Sudan.
- Reuters published a report on Abdel Fattah Burhan, Sudan's army chief, appointing Dafallah Al-Haj Ali as the interim Prime Minister.
- Burhan, Sudan's Sovereign Council chairman, also approved Omar Seddik as Foreign Minister, as per a Council statement.
- The appointments came about two years after the army took control of Khartoum and ousted the Rapid Support Forces militia.
- The ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 over disagreements about the integration of the two forces.
- In February, Burhan announced changes to Sudan's interim Constitution, hinting at the army's intention to appoint a technocrat prime minister without civilians or the RSF.
- The United Arab Emirates intercepted a massive shipment of arms and ammunition for Sudan's army and arrested several individuals for allegedly illegal mediation, brokering, and trafficking of military equipment.
- Despite Sudan's denials, relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly, leading Sudan to label the UAE as a "hostile state" and sever diplomatic ties.
- Sudan filed a genocide case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, while the UAE denies these charges, and this ongoing legal battle highlights the UAE's potentially questionable role in Sudan's ongoing conflict.
