Proposed amendments to Sudan’s constitutional document could grant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council, extensive powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister. According to Sudan Tribune, the changes also suggest expanding the Sovereign Council from five to nine members, with three seats for Juba Peace Agreement signatories and six appointed by Al-Burhan.
The amendments, supported by military-aligned political factions, aim to remove provisions related to the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the Juba parties would retain their representation but lose control over ministerial portfolios.
Under the proposed revisions, the prime minister would appoint a cabinet independently, with consideration for the Juba agreement’s allocations. The amendments would also include governors and state officials as members of the Council of Ministers. Once adopted, the new document would remain valid for 39 months.
Legal concerns surround the proposed changes. The Sudanese local media highlighted statements by legal expert Nabil Adib, who questioned the amendments’ validity due to the absence of the Transitional Legislative Council required for approval. Adib emphasized the need for a national dialogue to ensure legitimacy, noting that legislative powers held by the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers do not extend to constitutional revisions.
The draft reflects broader shifts in Sudan’s political landscape, with efforts to adjust governance structures amid ongoing challenges.