Sudan: Prime Minister Steps Down

The political landscape in Sudan has again witnessed another twist following the resignation of Prime Minister, Abdallah Hamdok on Sunday January 2, 2022. This resignation comes amid political deadlock and widespread pro-democracy protests against the military coup that has derailed the country’s fragile transition to democratic rule. Abdallah Hamdok, one of the rare figures seen as the civilian face of Sudan’s transitional government had been reinstated as Prime Minister in November 2021 as part of an agreement with the military following the October coup. Since his reinstatement, he has not been able to name a cabinet and his resignation on Sunday throws Sudan into political uncertainty.

In a televised national address, Hamdok called for dialogue in order to agree on a “national charter” and to “draw a roadmap” to complete the transition to democracy. “I decided to return the responsibility and declare my resignation as the Prime Minister,” he said, adding that his stepping down would allow a chance for another person to lead the nation and complete its transition to a “civilian, democratic country.” The October coup upended Sudan’s plans to move to democracy after a popular uprising forced the military’s overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government in April 2019. On Sunday, Sudanese security forces violently dispersed pro-democracy protesters, killing at least two people, a medical group said, bringing the number to at least 56 dead and hundreds wounded since the start of the protest by pro-democrats.

Though the departure of Prime Minister now leaves the government and the control of the state apparatus entirely in the hands of the military, the negative consequences within and out the country are enormous. Within the country, pro-democracy protests that is ongoing despite heavy security crackdown would intensify, while more killi...