Debate rages within “Tagadum” over strategy to challenge army-led government

December 27, 2024 (KAMPALA) – Hadi Idris, deputy head of the Sudanese civilian coalition known as “Tagadum,” revealed ongoing discussions with political forces outside the group about forming a parallel government to challenge the current military rule.

This development comes amid internal disagreement within Tagadum regarding the formation of such a government. During a leadership meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, earlier this month, differing views on the matter forced the coalition to refer the issue to a political mechanism for further deliberation.

Idris, who also leads the Revolutionary Front, a group of former rebel groups supporting the parallel government initiative, confirmed that they have been actively pursuing this proposal. He stated that recent meetings included discussions with ambassadors from countries that do not recognize the current government in Port Sudan, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

“These countries criticize us for delaying the seizure of legitimacy,” Idris said in a press statement, adding that some regional powers also see the urgency in establishing a legitimate authority. He revealed that influential forces outside Tagadum support the formation of a parallel government, and discussions are underway.

“We may be delayed, but we will not give up on forming the government,” Idris emphasized, adding that while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) could provide protection, their participation in the government is not necessary.

Idris believes that if Tagadum had addressed the United Nations as a government in March of last year, they would have made significant progress in gaining recognition. He maintains that recognition will follow the declaration of a parallel government and that if Tagadum, with all its components, moves in that direction, it will achieve legitimacy.

While acknowledging that all Tagadum leaders agree on the need for a new government, Idris admitted to internal divisions on two key points: whether it should function as a government-in-exile to challenge the current regime’s legitimacy or as an entirely new entity unrelated to the December revolution and the constitutional document.

“The opportunity still exists,” Idris said, warning that if the international community remains silent on the current situation in Sudan, it will face consequences in the future.

Idris highlighted the importance of engaging with the RSF and stressed the need for a political charter agreed upon by all forces participating in the parallel government. He clarified that forming a government and causing a split within Taqgadum is not the goal, as most attendees at the Entebbe meeting understood the shared objective of establishing a legitimate authority.