Experts: Al-Burhan Maneuvers to Appease Opponents of Civilian Government Formation in “Tagadom”

Experts believe that recent statements made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, which included veiled threats against the Coordination Body of Democratic and Civil Forces (Tagadom), are aimed at appeasing politicians who oppose the Coordination Body’s efforts to establish a legitimate civilian government.

Analysts suggest that Sudan’s political and military developments reflect attempts to reshape the political landscape according to specific agendas. Meanwhile, others argue that the political rhetoric used at this stage contains implicit threats intended to undermine efforts to form a civilian government.

Al-Burhan’s Warnings and Escalating Tensions

These analyses follow Al-Burhan’s latest remarks, in which he directly warned “Tagadom,” stating that their support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) makes them, in the army’s view, part of the crisis. He emphasized that “You will have no place here unless you stop supporting the rebellion”.

In response, Ahmed Taqadd, a leading figure in “Tagadom” and Secretary-General of the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), stated that “Al-Burhan is attempting to obscure undeniable facts”, asserting that “The Sudanese people and political forces are fully aware that the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party (NCP) have returned to the political scene under the guise of the so-called (Battle of Dignity).”

In statements to Erem News, Taqadd added that “Al-Burhan has provided significant political cover for these groups, as they now lead military operations and dominate the military landscape. This reality will greatly influence Sudan’s political trajectory.”

An Attempt to Escape Reality

Taqadd stressed that “Tagadom, as a civil and political force, does not place much importance on such statements”, describing them as “merely an attempt to escape reality, as the Islamic Movement, through its various factions, has reclaimed its position in the political sphere and is now controlling the course of military operations.”

He added that these statements “represent an effort to advance a political agenda that serves the interests of the Islamic Movement, which dictates the political decisions of Al-Burhan and his inner circle.”

Furthermore, he noted that “civil forces do not concern themselves with the formal measures that Al-Burhan may take, such as amending the Constitutional Declaration, since this document is entirely suspended and there is no legitimate authority in the country—only a de facto authority operating from Port Sudan.”

Challenging the De Facto Government

Taqadd emphasized that “political forces are working diligently to counter the dominance of the de facto government and strive to form an inclusive administration that represents Sudan’s diverse social fabric in international forums. Their focus remains on addressing the dire living conditions, particularly in regions beyond the control of the Islamic Movement.”

He further asserted that “political forces are not concerned with superficial attempts such as drafting a new constitution to engineer a different political reality. Such maneuvers will not alter the overall landscape or influence the stance of political forces determined to resist the Islamic Movement’s expansion.”

Taqadd pointed out that Al-Burhan’s claims about forming an independent civilian government amount to nothing more than political deception, as it is evident that he would appoint only Islamic Movement loyalists and individuals aligned with the war effort. He reiterated that civilian forces pay no heed to these political maneuvers.

He concluded by affirming that “political forces are actively working to counter this government while simultaneously striving to restore the legitimacy of the December Revolution and establish a civilian government capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.”

Obstructing the Civilian Government Formation

Meanwhile, Dr. Alaa El-Din Noqud, a member of “Tagadom,” stated that Al-Burhan’s recent remarks regarding the formation of a technocratic government in Port Sudan, his warnings to Tagadom, and his talk of lifting bans on some politicians while welcoming the return of those who ‘rectify their positions’ all reflect deep-seated fears within the military establishment and Islamist circles about the upcoming civilian government.

Speaking to Erem News, Dr. Noqud asserted that “these statements would not have been made if it were not for the imminent announcement of a legitimate civilian government by Tagadom and other political forces in the coming days and weeks.”

He explained that “since this initiative was announced, there has been evident confusion in the calculations of Al-Burhan, the National Congress Party, and the Port Sudan authorities. This pivotal political development is set to be the first decisive step in stripping the Port Sudan administration of its false legitimacy and dismantling the National Congress Party’s and Islamists’ project, which ignited the ongoing war for their own interests.”

Dr. Noqud noted that “this step has provoked angry reactions from Islamists, military leaders, and remnants of the former regime, as evidenced by their contradictory and defensive statements—at times downplaying its significance, and at other times attacking the very idea outright. Such responses only confirm its profound impact on them.”

He further stated that “Al-Burhan’s talk about forming a technocratic government is a clear attempt to obstruct the emergence of a legitimate civilian government. Simultaneously, he is trying to appease certain politicians by hinting at lifting travel bans and accepting the return of those who shift their positions. However, he continues to threaten and intimidate those committed to forming this government.”

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Noqud affirmed that “these political maneuvers will not succeed in preventing the next crucial step—the formal announcement of a legitimate government that will reshape Sudan’s political landscape.”