A growing divide within General al-Burhan’s SAF’s leadership has emerged between General Shams al-Din Kabashi and General Yasser al-Atta, raising questions about whether their differences signal a genuine power struggle or a strategic division of roles.
Contrasting Statements
General Kabashi recently issued a stark warning about the dangers of “armed popular resistance” operating outside the command of the SAF, condemning political parties for exploiting military camps to advance their agendas.
Meanwhile, General Al-Atta took a different stance, dismissing accusations that the SAF is aligned with supporters of the former regime. He welcomed all willing fighters into the SAF’s ranks and called for local resistance committees to be elected from neighborhoods to join the military effort.
Most analysts view them as evidence of an internal rift over the military’s approach to war and peace, while others suggest they reflect a calculated attempt to appeal to different audiences—both domestic and international.
Political analyst Mohamed Latif argues that the disagreement is genuine, portraying Al-Atta as leaning toward Islamist jihadi factions while Kabashi maintains a more cautious position.
Underlying Power Struggle
Some analysts see the dispute as part of a broader competition for influence within the SAF, with both generals maneuvering to secure their positions in Sudan’s evolving power structure. Others suggest that their differences stem from diverging visions for Sudan’s post-war transition, particularly concerning the formation of a transitional government and the role of the SAF in the country’s political future.
Whether this division reflects a deepening power struggle or a tactical distribution of roles, it underscores the internal challenges facing Sudan’s SAF leadership at a critical juncture. As the country grapples with ongoing conflict and political uncertainty, the implications of this rift could shape Sudan’s future stability.
