In a recent visit to Mu’aqeel military camp in River Nile State, Lieutenant General Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, suggested that the military will maintain tight control over Sudan for 15 to 20 years following the civil war, even as elections for civilian offices are held. He emphasized that the army chief would remain the head of state with full sovereign powers, continuing to oversee the country for three to four election cycles. This declaration contrasts with earlier promises from Sudanese officials for a swift political transition.
Al-Atta’s remarks were spontaneous and delivered in an informal military setting, which stirred controversy across the political spectrum. His comments highlighted the military’s deep reservations about a quick transition to civilian rule, fearing it might allow rivals to regain power.
The military figure is a key player in Sudan’s leadership, having been part of the group that toppled the civilian-led government in October 2021. He serves on the Transitional Sovereignty Council, which has governed Sudan since the coup.
Political Backlash
Al-Atta’s statements were met with sharp criticism from various political figures and organizations. Bakry Eljack, spokesperson for the opposition group Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), condemned the comments as emblematic of the military’s refusal to cede power, accusing the Armed Forces of maintaining their hold over the economy and governance for personal gain.
Similarly, former Sovereignty Council member Mohammed al-Ta’ishi described the remarks as reflecting the worst characteristics of Sudan’s military establishment, including arrogance and undue interference in politics. He predicted that the civil war would bring about the end of the Armed Forces’ longstanding dominance in Sudanese politics.
Even those generally aligned with the military, such as journalist Ahmed Al-Balal Al-Tayeb, expressed disapproval of Al-Atta’s comments, cautioning that they could fuel suspicions of an impending military dictatorship.
The Road Ahead
Despite controlling only about half of Sudan’s territory due to setbacks against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese military has used a lull in the fighting brought on by seasonal rains to regroup, acquiring new weapons and preparing for an offensive. Al-Atta hinted at a future military campaign aimed at retaking northern Khartoum State and other key areas in central Sudan, signaling the military’s intention to press on with the war rather than pursue diplomatic solutions.
With peace talks faltering and the conflict showing no signs of abating, the general’s remarks point to a protracted period of military rule in Sudan, further dimming hopes for a democratic transition.