Whilst leaders of the coup used to call on political forces to overcome their quibbles, it recently surfaced that there was a larger disagreement within the military establishment itself – a disagreement that might result in fatal consequences.
Khartoum, Altaghyeer: Amal Mohammed Alhassan
Differences among the civilian groups usually end up with a split of one of the components of the political coalition but the dispute that erupted between the leader of the army Abdul Fatah Al Burhan and the leader of the Rapid Support Forces Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (Hemedti) has disseminated panic among the civilians.
Thus, is it possible for the differences between the two military leader to result in armed confrontations?
Roots of differences
The strategic and military expert Major General Amin Ismael Mujzoub said Hemedti has for the first time described the October 25 events as a coup. The Political Framework Agreement is the main cause of the differences between the two men as Henedti accepted the development earlier while Al Burhan has been trying to set preconditions for his approval such as his calling for opening the agreement for more groups to join in.
Another factor that has deepened the differences between them was Al Burhan’s decision to reinstate anew cronies of the deposed regime. Burhan has released cronies’ detainees, returned their confiscated belongings and reinstating them back to civil service.
These steps were not welcomed by Hemedti who is showing clear disdain for the supporters of the toppled regime.
A third reason for the differences between the two leaders was the issue of the Sudan-Central Africa borders. Hemedti suspected his troops might be forced into a regional conflict.
When Hemedti disregarded Al Burhan’s request calling on him not to visit Chad, the latter formed a military committee to discuss reintegration of the Rapid Support Forces in the army.
Balance of weakness
But for the leading figure of the Sudanese Congress party Mahdi Rabih the dispute between the two leaders is nothing but “maneuvers” on the sidewalks of the political process. The transition to a democratic civilian rule will not be in favor of any of them, ultimately.
The civilian government must introduce reform to the army in a manner that will convert it into a professional institution not indulging in politics or trade. The awkward situation of multi armies should be eradicated, gradually and peacefully.
Al Burhan call for immediate reintegration of the Rapid Support Forces into the army is seen by Rabih as tantamount to a declaration of war.
war of leaders
The most fearful scenario which annoys politicians and civilians, is the outbreak of armed confrontations between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. The war of cities will inflict heavy casualties and may end up with foreign interference under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter.
But an army brigadier was certain that such clashes will never occur because 50% of the Rapid Support troops were in fact formerly working within the army at the beginning of their service. And almost 90% of the Rapid Support’s leaders are army officers, he said.
