Power Struggle in Sudan: Coup Leaders Embroiled in Dangerous Battle for Control

Sudan’s military leaders are facing a precarious power struggle 16 months after they ousted senior generals during the transition to civilian rule.

The once-united front of Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has devolved into “brinkmanship,” warns Magdi al-Gizouli of the Rift Valley Institute.

The conflict between the two generals is intensifying, with rising tensions among security services. Disagreements reflect long-standing divides between the regular army and Daglo’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Burhan wants to absorb RSF into the army, while Daglo wants to restructure the army’s highest leadership.

Although both signed an agreement with various groups, including civilians, their vow to leave politics once a civilian administration is in place is questionable.

Analysts claim that neither general intends to leave politics, with Daglo traveling to neighboring countries to gain support. Recently, Cairo’s efforts to establish pacts with Sudanese groups have left political groupings eager to form alliances with one general over the other.

Despite Daglo claiming he supports a civilian administration, the dispute is with those clinging to power. Sudan’s armed forces have denied charges of hesitation in the process of democratic transition.

While direct military confrontation is unlikely, analysts warn the squabble may incite the Sudanese people to turn on all of them.

The power struggle poses a risk to the nation’s political and economic instability, exacerbating the already impoverished country’s problems.