Protests as Sudan military, parties sign initial transition deal
Al JazeeraNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Sudan's army has warned of a potential confrontation between itself and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, as the two forces continue the dispute that has so far delayed a planned transition towards democracy within the state.
The warning comes as the RSF, headed by General Hamdan Dagalo, has mobilized its forces in the state's capital of Khartoum among other cities. The army released a statement saying that such actions were a "clear violation of law." On Twitter, the paramilitary group claimed that it was acting within the "framework of the law" and in "full coordination" with Sudan's armed forces.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Multiple time bombs stand in the way of Sudan's democratic transformation. Democratic political forces are divided over how to proceed given the outsized presence of the army and paramilitary groups, and marginal incitement on either side could lead to an explosive conflict between the army and the RSF. The issue of integration between these groups has already become a huge sticking point, so it must be questioned what can realistically be expected of Sudan's future when even more contentious topics will be approached.
Pro-establishment narrative
Tensions are currently high, and Sudan is clearly going through a historical and dangerous turn. However, there is still optimism that a final agreement and the transition to democracy will indeed occur. Organizations are continuing to work with the military and the paramilitary to solve this last pending issue concerning Sudan's future.
