Sudan’s Burhan Abolishes Top Army Leadership Posts

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has abolished key army leadership positions, including deputy and assistant commanders, while retaining the affected officials within the military command structure. The move comes amid ongoing leadership reshuffles and the continuing conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairperson of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, on Monday issued a decree abolishing the positions of deputy commander-in-chief and assistant commanders within the army, according to an official military statement. The decision effectively nullifies Resolution No. 164 of 2023, which had created the roles as part of the army’s leadership structure.
Despite the cancellation of these appointments, those previously holding the positions will continue to serve as members of the Armed Forces Command Authority, although no further clarification was provided بشأن their exact responsibilities moving forward.
In May 2023, al-Burhan had appointed Shams al-Din Kabbashi as deputy commander, alongside Yasser al-Atta and Ibrahim Jaber as assistant commanders to the army chief. All three individuals have also been serving as military representatives on Sudan’s Sovereign Council since August 2019, maintaining significant influence in the country’s political and military affairs.
The decree comes shortly after al-Burhan dismissed Chief of Staff Mohamed al-Hussein, who was subsequently referred to retirement. Following his removal, Yasser al-Atta was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, marking another major shift within the army’s leadership.
These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, further deepening the country’s political and humanitarian crisis.