Al-Burhan excludes Minni Minnawi from the political arena: accusations of negligence and refusal to participate
In a significant escalation reflecting the depth of the crisis between Sudan’s military leadership and its allies among the armed movements, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has effectively excluded Minni Arko Minnawi from Sudan’s political landscape. This exclusion did not take the form of an explicit official announcement; rather, it emerged through a series of decisions and measures that stripped Minnawi of any influence or meaningful role in the country’s political equation.
Al-Burhan justified this move by accusing Minnawi of negligence and of refusing to participate effectively in military operations. However, many observers argue that these accusations merely serve as political cover for a decision that had already been made to sideline Minnawi and remove him from any role in shaping Sudan’s future.
Allegations of negligence: reality or pretext?
Al-Burhan accused Minnawi of failing to fulfill his military responsibilities and claimed that his forces did not participate in operations against the Rapid Support Forces to the extent expected. He also accused him of refusing to engage in offensive operations and limiting his role to defensive positions.
However, these allegations conflict with several realities on the ground. First, Minnawi’s forces participated in several battles in Darfur and inflicted substantial losses on the Rapid Support Forces. Second, the military and logistical resources provided to Minnawi were extremely limited compared with those allocated to the regular armed forces. Third, Al-Burhan himself failed to provide Minnawi with the air support and artillery assistance that he had repeatedly requested.
In reality, critics argue that the accusation of negligence is a political tool used by Al-Burhan to justify the exclusion of individuals he no longer wishes to accommodate. Had Minnawi truly been negligent, Al-Burhan could have confronted him directly and taken immediate military measures. Instead, these accusations were used only after political disagreements had intensified.
Refusal to participate in military operations: another perspective
Al-Burhan’s narrative regarding Minnawi’s alleged refusal to participate in military operations requires a deeper examination. Minnawi did not reject fighting altogether; rather, he refused to become expendable in a war over which he had neither authority nor influence.
He rejected the idea that his forces should serve merely as instruments in a conflict that, in his view, neither protected the interests of Darfur nor fulfilled the objectives of the Juba Peace Agreement.
Minnawi repeatedly insisted that military participation should be part of a comprehensive strategy that included protecting civilians in Darfur, securing humanitarian corridors, and preventing forced displacement. Al-Burhan, however, expected Minnawi to fight wherever ordered, without questioning decisions or expressing objections. Minnawi rejected this approach, considering it incompatible with his responsibilities toward the people of Darfur.
Mechanisms of exclusion
Al-Burhan employed several mechanisms to remove Minnawi from the political scene.
First, he curtailed Minnawi’s powers as governor of the Darfur region and appointed individuals loyal to him to executive positions.
Second, he severed communication channels between Minnawi and international and regional institutions, preventing him from attending meetings related to Sudan’s future.
Third, he marginalized the Sudan Liberation Movement in political negotiations and dialogue initiatives.
Fourth, he pressured other armed movements to sever their ties with Minnawi and isolate him politically.
These measures suggest that the exclusion is not an isolated decision but rather part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping Sudan’s political landscape in a manner that serves Al-Burhan’s ambition to retain power without meaningful opposition.
Reactions to the exclusion
Minnawi’s exclusion has generated widespread reactions.
Domestically, leaders within the Sudan Liberation Movement expressed anger over what they described as “betrayal” and a “breach of commitments.” They argued that Al-Burhan used the armed movements when he needed their support and abandoned them once they were no longer useful.
Regionally, Chad expressed concern about the consequences of this decision for stability in Darfur. Minnawi is regarded as an important factor in maintaining security along the Sudanese-Chadian border, and his exclusion could pave the way for instability threatening both countries.
Internationally, several capitals viewed Minnawi’s exclusion as evidence that Al-Burhan is not genuinely committed to building a broad coalition representing all components of Sudanese society. According to this perspective, he seeks to establish an exclusive military rule in which neither civilian forces nor armed groups have a place unless they submit completely to his authority.
The consequences of exclusion for Sudan’s political landscape
Minnawi’s exclusion is likely to have profound consequences at several levels.
First, the Sudanese army risks losing an important military ally in Darfur, thereby weakening its position against the Rapid Support Forces.
Second, the move could encourage Minnawi to form alliances with other groups opposed to Al-Burhan, potentially altering the balance of power.
Third, it sends a negative message to all armed movements that signed peace agreements with the government.
Fourth, it undermines any prospects for a comprehensive political settlement requiring the participation of all stakeholders.
By excluding Minnawi, Al-Burhan is not merely marginalizing one individual; he is excluding an entire social and political constituency. Such exclusion is likely to deepen Sudan’s crisis and make any future resolution even more difficult.
Although many indications suggest that this exclusion is final, the nature of Sudanese politics means that anything remains possible. Should the military balance shift or strong international pressure emerge, Al-Burhan could find himself compelled to reintegrate Minnawi into the political process. Nevertheless, such a scenario appears unlikely in the foreseeable future, particularly given Al-Burhan’s determination to monopolize decision-making power.
