Sudan’s Government Faces Challenges of Transition

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reuters file photo
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reuters file photo
TT
20

Sudan’s Government Faces Challenges of Transition

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reuters file photo
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reuters file photo

Sudanese observers and politicians link the sudden and sharp decline in the exchange rate of the Sudanese pound to intelligence agency officers attempting mutiny and protests held by the supporters of Omar al-Bashir’s former regime.

The dollar was selling for 100 Sudanese pounds in cash transactions on Monday compared with 88 pounds a week ago, as the gap with the official rate of 45 to the dollar continues to widen.

Observers and analysts believe that the defectors and protesters are part of an evil Muslim Brotherhood plan that seeks to destabilize security and provoke sedition.

Information Minister Faisal Saleh said that although the mutiny is regrettable, it was not surprising.

Firefights rocked Sudan’s capital on January 14, as members of the General Intelligence Service mutinied against the government.

The rebellion prompted the closure of Khartoum’s airport and raised fears about a coup that could overturn the democratic progress the country has made since a revolution overthrew Bashir last year.

These developments triggered a flurry of speculation about the motives of the mutineers.

Sudan is negotiating a perilous political transition, in which civilians representing the opposition to Bashir share power with representatives of the military junta that overthrew him.

Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan currently heads the Sovereign Council, Sudan’s transitional governance body, pending national elections that are expected to take place in late 2022.

The Sudanese transitional government, headed by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, faces many challenges among which are achieving peace, stopping war, providing security and stability, rebuilding the economy, and ending the living hardships.

Hamdok, in an interview broadcast on state television on Tuesday, said that his government had plans and programs to address crises facing the country.

He also pledged to provide a unique Sudanese experience for national recovery.

Speaking about the mutiny, Hamdok said it was quashed by joint work between the civil and military components of the government.

Sudan-based political analyst Khalaf Allah told Asharq Al-Awsat that the toughest challenge facing the people of Sudan post deposing one of the fiercest known dictatorships is finding the requirements for transition.

Khalaf Allah believes that the economy and peace are, at the moment, the most prominent challenges facing the transitional authority.



Jordan, Lebanon Committed to Two-State Solution, Reject Plans to Displace Palestinians

This handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace shows Jordan's King Abdullah II (R) meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in Amman, on June 10, 2025. (Jordanian Royal Palace / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace shows Jordan's King Abdullah II (R) meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in Amman, on June 10, 2025. (Jordanian Royal Palace / AFP)
TT
20

Jordan, Lebanon Committed to Two-State Solution, Reject Plans to Displace Palestinians

This handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace shows Jordan's King Abdullah II (R) meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in Amman, on June 10, 2025. (Jordanian Royal Palace / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace shows Jordan's King Abdullah II (R) meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in Amman, on June 10, 2025. (Jordanian Royal Palace / AFP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed on Tuesday during talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II the importance of strengthening security and defense cooperation between their countries, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling.

Aoun began an official visit to Jordan on Tuesday, where he met with King Abdullah II at the Basman Palace in Amman.

The two leaders agreed to form a high-level coordination mechanism between their countries in a number of sectors. They discussed ways to boost ties between Jordan and Lebanon, as well as recent developments in the region.

King Abdullah and Aoun expressed their pride in the deep-rooted relations between Amman and Beirut, and the importance of continuing to build on them in service of mutual interests and Arab causes. They stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

At the regional level, the leaders reiterated their rejection of any plans to displace Palestinians, and urged stepping up Arab and international efforts to reach just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, reported Lebanon’s National New Agency (NNA)

They urged the need to immediately reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches all areas of the enclave, said a statement by Jordan's royal court.

King Abdullah also highlighted the danger of the unprecedented Israeli escalation and violence targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, and Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Aoun stressed the need to strengthen security and defense cooperation between Lebanon and Jordan, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling, said a Lebanese presidency statement.

He underlined the importance of boosting economic and trade cooperation and exchanging expertise to promote sustainable development.

The meeting covered the importance of increasing the volume of trade exchange and promoting joint investments, particularly in energy, electricity, and infrastructure sectors.

Discussing the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun reiterated his country’s commitment “to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while denouncing the continued Israeli aggression against the southern villages and suburbs of Beirut.”

The president also drew attention to the pressing issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, describing it as a significant burden on both countries that requires a just solution ensuring safe and dignified repatriation.

On Lebanese-Syrian relations following the ouster of the Assad regime, Aoun said Lebanese and Syrian authorities are coordinating to address issues related to the situation on their joint borders.