Sharp political divisions have erupted in Port Sudan following reports that General Shams al-Din Kabbashi, deputy commander in General al-Burhan’s army (SAF), is planning to reinstate Mubarak Ardol as director of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company.
Two well-placed sources in the Red Sea state capital told al-Rakoba that the move has sparked friction between Kabbashi and Sudan Liberation Movement leader Minni Arko Minnawi, who strongly opposes Ardol’s return.
According to one source, Kabbashi offered Ardol two options: either return to his previous post at the mineral resources company or take over as Minister of Minerals. The latter position is currently in flux, with Nour al-Daim Taha emerging as a potential successor to outgoing minister Mohamed Bashir Abu Numo.
The situation is further complicated by growing resistance from influential Beja tribal leaders, who have warned they will escalate protests if the current director, Mohamed Taher Omar—seen as aligned with Beja interests—is dismissed.
Another source noted that Minnawi’s recent visit to tribal leader Sheiba Dirar was part of a broader effort to rally Beja leaders against Ardol’s potential reappointment. He has reportedly held multiple meetings aimed at forming a pressure bloc to counter the SAF’s move.
“The atmosphere in Port Sudan is highly volatile,” one source warned, suggesting that the crisis could soon boil over if no political compromise is reached.
