Updated on January 2nd, 2022, 10:48 p.m.
- Sudan is one of the largest crisis states in the world.
- Two months ago, Abdullah Hamdok gained the confidence of the military government to deal with the crisis.
- Now, surprisingly, he has resigned.
In the crisis-ridden state of Sudan, Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok has resigned surprisingly. “I’ve decided to announce my resignation and make room for others,” said Hamdok live on state television late on Sunday evening. He said he could not keep his promise to prevent a political catastrophe in the country in the Horn of Africa.
A few days ago, as in weeks before, there were again bloody demonstrations against the transitional government in which the military is involved. The protesters called for the military to be handed over to a civilian government. The protesters accused Hamdok of treason.
Hamdok had only become Prime Minister of Sudan in November
On October 25, the military had im crisis-ridden Sudan with 44 million inhabitants Took power and disempowered Prime Minister Hamdok. After pressure from home and abroad, Hamdok was reinstated on November 21st.
According to an agreement between Hamdok and the military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Hamdok was allowed to form a cabinet with civilian representatives. However, as the leader of the Sovereign Council, Al-Burhan headed the new interim government together with Hamdok. The Sovereign Council also includes representatives of the military who are accused of serious human rights violations and corruption.
Political Vacuum: Who Will Follow Hamdok?
Hamdok’s resignation puts Sudan in a political vacuum. It remained unclear on Sunday evening whether a civilian politician or a military representative would take over Hamdok’s post.
Sudan was ruled with a hard hand by Omar al-Bashir for almost 30 years. The long-term ruler was driven out of office in April 2019 by months of mass protests and a military coup. The military and civil opposition then agreed on a transitional government that would pave the way for democratic elections in 2022. In addition, extensive economic reforms were planned that would have caused the military to suffer significant economic losses. The military was also against the Hamdok-driven reappraisal of human rights violations. (mt / dpa)
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