Sudan’s new Prime Minister Kamil Idris dissolved the caretaker government, the first political change since clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out, state media SUNA said late Sunday. The statement did not say when a new government will be established.
Idris, who was sworn in by Sudan’s top leader and military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, swore the oath of office on Saturday, making him Sudan’s new prime minister since the 2021 coup. During a Sunday address, Idris assured that he would uphold neutrality between political forces and concentrate efforts on restoring stability, security, and rebuilding in the conflict-affected country.
In contrast, the fight escalated as three drone strikes hit RSF positions in Nyala, the South Darfur capital. Witnesses said there were attacks on a hotel, a health center, and RSF-controlled outskirts of the city, and many casualties were taken to local hospitals. RSF has held major areas of Nyala since fighting started in April 2023 between Burhan’s forces and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
Sudanese forces have stepped up air attacks against RSF positions, such as Nyala airport, a key RSF base. Recent satellite imagery showed RSF was in possession of Chinese-origin drones with long-range monitoring and attack capabilities, fueling fears of foreign backing for the RSF, which does not have an air force. Khartoum has repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of providing the drones, which allegations the UAE refute.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced close to 13 million people, about a quarter of Sudan’s population, leaving the nation effectively split between northern and eastern parts controlled by the army and RSF-held lands in Darfur and southern parts.
