In a surprise move, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have set up a civilian administration for Gezira State in central Sudan.
The team comprises 31 members, led by Sadiq Ahmed. This decision follows chaos in the state since the army withdrew from the Wad Madani base on December 18 last year, which the RSF took over.
The RSF announced the formation of a civil council, electing Ahmed as its head. The election took place with significant participation from local civil society figures.
This development raises concerns about power-sharing between the military and the RSF in civilian matters, similar to situations in other countries in the region.
Apart from Gezira State, the RSF controls West Darfur, South Darfur, Central Darfur, and East Darfur states. However, civilian administrations have not been established there; instead, military leaders from the RSF oversee administrative tasks.
Following his election, Ahmed held a press conference in Gezira’s capital, Wad Madani.
He promised to establish a strong foundation for federal governance despite challenges and urged citizens to return home, condemning military airstrikes on their houses.
Gezira’s new civil council comprises 31 members representing various localities, chosen through agreement by the “Localities Community” led by Ahmed Mohamed al-Bashir.
They have the authority to elect the head of the civilian administration. The new administration aims to restore order, protect civilians, and provide basic services in coordination with the RSF controlling the state.
Ahmed said that the RSF’s efforts in Gezira present a unique experiment and called for international cooperation to achieve civilian administration goals. He also urged warring parties to bravely decide to end the war for the state’s benefit.
The concept of decentralized civilian administration isn’t new in Sudan, a country familiar with civil strife.
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu, implemented a similar model in areas it controlled in South Kordofan State for over a decade.
Since the conflict erupted between the army and the RSF, concerns have risen about Sudan possibly fracturing into warring factions, despite assurances from both sides about unity.
