Tensions continued to mount between Sudan’s ruling partners in wake of last week failed coup.
Chairman of the sovereign transitional council Abdul Fattah al-Burhan threatened to stop working with the civilian members of the Forces of Freedom and Change alliance.
He warned them that he will not allow them to solely rule Sudan, describing them as a “small group” that has usurped the revolution.
On Sunday, members of the Committee to Dismantle the June 30, 1989 Regime and Retrieve Public Funds said that they were told in the morning that the military had withdrawn its protection from the committee’s headquarters and 22 of its assets. The soldiers were replaced by police officers, they said.
The move prompted thousands of Sudanese, led by members of the civilian government and leaders of political groups, to head to the headquarters to protect it.
The protesters chanted slogans in opposition of the military component of the transitional authority, describing the army’s decisions as a form of coup.
Speaking at the inauguration of a military hospital in Khartoum on Sunday, Burhan said the army was committed to the December revolution.
He pledged to rid the army of Muslim Brotherhood supporters and to restructure and reform it.
The failed coup was led by of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.
“We, the military, are the keenest on the democratic transition. We hope this transition will end peacefully and with elections being held,” Burhan added.
He remarked, however, that some sides – a reference to the Forces of Freedom and Change - don’t appear to want to end the transition or hold elections.
Burhan vowed that he will not allow parties or activists to question his loyalty to the nation, citing his 41 years of service in the military.
He vowed to reform the military, uncover the identities of the sides that plotted the failed coup and rid the army of partisan loyalties.
Moreover, he said the military will quit the political scene once free and transparent internationally-monitored elections are held.
