SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Chatham House - Will the Military of the People Lead Sudan?

26/4/19: Chatham House – Will the Military or the People Lead Sudan?

Ahmed Soliman, a researcher for the Africa programme at Chatham House, calls for Sudan's transitional military council (TMC), the Declaration of Freedom and Change (DFC), and the international community to "think beyond short-term power gains," and compromise in the interests of inclusive democracy.

 Soliman argues that co-ordinated support from Sudan's international partners will be critical in addressing the economic crisis and political reformation. However, contrasting Middle-East positions on the Muslim Brotherhood could leave Sudan in a “regional tug-of-war," the African Union's chair (Egypt) supports the military coup despite the AU condemning it, and western diplomats have met with TMC officials, despite the EU not recognising it.

 Arguing that the DFC is yet to establish a leadership structure and policy position, Soliman suggests a four-pronged interim transitional civilian government, which also features a military council with elements of the old regime removed, also warning it against alienating Islamists in opposition.