19/3/2023: Reuters - Analysis: Sudan paramilitary leader jostles for role ahead of civilian handover, by Khalid Abdelaziz

Reuters report on tensions between Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Himedti and army chief Abdulfattah al-Burhan following the framework agreement.

With al-Burhan pushing to include pro-military actors, Himedti has aligned with pro-democracy civilians in the Forces of Freedom and Change Central Council (FFC-CC). Given Himedti’s nomadic camel-herding background and Sudan’s dominance by Khartoum elites, analyst Suliman Baldo suggests Himedti aims to become "a force to be reckoned with in the national power structure”.

Four anonymous FFC-CC leaders said Himedti shares their civilian government goals and opposition to ex-president Omar al-Bashir loyalists, including in the military. However, one said they would return to their opposition roles if Himedti or al-Burhan reneged on the agreement.

Military sources said Himedti’s disagreement with the army centers upon his reluctance to set a clear deadline for the RSF’s integration into the army, with clarity lacking over Himedti’s role in an enlarged army.