Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah Burhan has approved sweeping salary increases as troops began abandoning fighting positions.
Recently, Burhan’s army suspended the salaries of soldiers and officers who fled El Fasher.
Non-commissioned officers and soldiers will see pay rises ranging from 100 to 120 percent, according to circulated budget figures.
Assistants will now earn 724,000 Sudanese pounds, doubling from 354,000, while first sergeants’ salaries rose to 680,000 pounds from 330,000.
Sergeants’ pay has climbed to 630,000 pounds from 303,000, signalling a sharp effort to retain frontline personnel amid unrest.
Corporal salaries now reach 585,000 Egyptian pounds, compared with 279,000 previously, while lance corporals earn 541,000 pounds, up from 254,000.
Privates will benefit most, with wages rising 120 percent to 496,000 pounds from 230,000, marking a historic adjustment in army pay.
Officials described the increases as necessary to counter desertions and boost morale in a volatile and fractious military environment.
Observers noted the move may strengthen loyalty within the ranks, highlighting Burhan’s army’s determination to stabilise its forces.
The changes come as Sudan faces severe economic pressures, including high inflation and dwindling purchasing power nationwide.
While critics call for transparency in military spending, many rank-and-file soldiers have welcomed the raises as overdue recognition of service.
