
“The steadfast, patient, heroic Sudanese people
Today I have accepted the assignment to assume the position of Vice-President of the Sovereignty Council, not as a substitute for anyone and not as a siding with any party other than Sudan and the interests of its citizens first and foremost” – Malik Agar (20.05.2023).
The former rebel leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF). A man who only came into the Sovereign Council in November 2021 after the second coup d’etat of the military leaders on the 25th October 2021. Therefore, this man did legitimize and accept his role to play.
The new VP who takes over from Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemeti” of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) ended yesterday statement with this, which is so telling in many ways.
“I send a message to the leadership of the People’s Armed Forces, the ancient Sudanese institution, that there is no alternative to peace but peace, and there is no entry to peace except through dialogue. I also address my message to the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces: There is no alternative to the stability of Sudan except through a single and unified professional army, taking into account Sudanese pluralism. Our experience has proven that there is no victor in war and the loser is the homeland and that there is no alternative but to listen to the voice of reason and prudence and sit with an open heart and a more open mind. For a negotiation in which we hope for nothing but the interest of the country and the safety and security of the citizens” (Agar, 20.05.2023).
It is just unique in a way and a fashion. His an insider, a man who has sit on the table of power for over a year. The rebel has seen and could easily have read the room. There was friction and the other party thought it could topple the other. That’s why it’s very compelling that he wrote this as he enters a more vital role.
Yes, Al-Burhan does this to not only undermine the RSF and Hemeti. Hemeti must surely not care or consider this move at all. This was bound to happen. The freezing of bank-accounts and sanctioning RSF leaders are more hurting than losing a seat at the table. Because, the table right now isn’t that vital or important. It will only be important when the war between the parties are over.
The rebel from the Blue Nile State knows this. He has played this game before and now he got recognition. Agar was already recognized and gotten token respect by becoming a member of the Sovereign Council. Now Al-Burhan has promoted him and making him by default his deputy. That is to galvanize troops and support for the SAF.
Gen. Malik Agar has now rose through the ranks and getting political capital. That will also have a price, the fighters and the ones behind the man will now be part of the struggle. The militia or rebel outfit will now counter-act to the RSF. That must be in the calculation of Al-Burhan. Because, he see the need of more soldiers and guns on the streets. The ones who fought to overthrow Al-Bashir must be perfect. The friend of Joseph Garang can finally become extra useful and do the bidding of the SAF. That’s the gist of things.
Yes, Agar can speak of peace, but that will only happen when everyone silences their guns. That will only happen if one of the parties are cornered and have nowhere to hide.
We have to wait and see how this one plays out. A rebel are now in power and has a say. We can wonder how this will affect the day-to-day life. Nevertheless, Khartoum is changing… in the midst of war and a struggle to survive. Society is crumbling and the men of power is trying to forge their future in the midst of gun-smoke. Peace.













