Sudanese forces signed the “Transitional Constitution of the Republic of Sudan” on Monday, marking a historic step towards forming a civilian government, coalition officials said on Tuesday.
The constitutional document was signed in Nairobi by all parties involved in the Sudan Founding Alliance, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its political and military allies, according to Ahmed Tuqud Lisan, a member of the alliance’s preparatory committee.
This agreement signals the beginning of a new phase aimed at challenging General al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their hold on power. The RSF and SAF have been engaged in a devastating conflict for nearly two years, resulting in the displacement of over 12 million people and causing what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis.
Last week, the RSF and its political and military allies signed a charter pledging to establish a “government of peace and unity” in rebel-controlled areas of Sudan.
The “transitional constitution” outlines the tasks of the transitional period, the decentralized governance system, and the structures of executive authority, Lisan said. The next step will be the formation of a government, which will be announced within Sudan, he added.
The move comes at a critical juncture in Sudan’s history, as the Founding Coalition aims to achieve political stability and strengthen democracy.
Signatories of the document include various factions from the Sudanese Founding Alliance, such as the RSF, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, the Revolutionary Front, political parties, and civil society groups.
The transitional constitution revokes the 2019 constitutional document and all previous laws, emphasizing Sudan’s commitment to a secular, democratic, and decentralized state. It guarantees equal rights for all citizens and stresses the separation of religion from the state.
The transitional period will unfold in two phases: a pre-transitional phase, starting with the constitution’s enactment and continuing until conflicts officially end, and a ten-year transitional phase.
The constitution outlines the responsibilities of the transitional government, including ending the wars, establishing lasting peace, and creating conditions for a comprehensive political process aimed at ensuring security, justice, and development.
It establishes a federal, regional, and local governance system, with each region granted the authority to select its local governance structure. Regions include Khartoum, East Sudan, Darfur, and others. Each region must draft its own constitution that aligns with the national framework.
The power structure will include a Constituent Legislative Assembly and independent Regional and People’s Councils. The assembly must fairly represent Sudan’s population, with at least 40% of its members being women.
The transitional government will also establish a Presidential Council, which will act as the sovereign body of Sudan. The council, composed of 15 members, will appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister, approve ministerial appointments, and establish a temporary judicial council.
A professional, unified national army will be created, with the primary role of protecting Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic system, while refraining from political or economic involvement.
Additionally, a new, impartial police force and an independent security and intelligence service will be established to maintain the rule of law and protect human rights.
The constitution provides for the integration of the RSF, SPLM, and other armed groups into the new national army, while militias linked to the National Congress Party and the Islamic Movement will be dissolved.