The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are holding intensive consultations in Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur State, to select a civil administration similar to those in East, West and South Darfur and Al-Gazira.
A member of the technical committee tasked with selecting the head of the civil administration, revealed that the administration’s members will act as Cabinet ministers.
“The technical committee for selecting candidates in Central Darfur was formed under the leadership of Shartai Abu Al-Qasim Soar, with Prince Abdulkarim Younis as the secretary and other members overseeing the nominations,” he said, confirming that preparations were underway to compile the initial list of candidates and submit it to the higher RSF authorities. This process might involve consulting with some community groups in Zalingei, he disclosed.
He added the program promises more hope and potential for the citizens of Central Darfur, compared to the previous initiatives.
A high-ranking RSF Central Advisory delegation had arrived in Zalingei earlier to assess the situation and consult with various sectors in preparation for the selection of an administration to replace the popular steering committee formed last December.
A member of the outgoing Central Darfur steering committee noted: “Several shortcomings plagued the previous steering committee’s work, with suspicions of corruption and favoritism surrounding its members.” He added that the wide disparities in expertise among the members led to a lack of cohesion within the committee.
Another member of the steering committee, who also preferred to remain anonymous, stated that the current group lacks the capacity to manage the state and that the proposed candidates faced the same challenge. He noted that the conflict revolved around power and personal ambitions, with little concern for the citizens.
The prominent candidates so far include Abdulkarim Yusuf, the current head of the steering committee, whose name was frequently mentioned due to ethnic balance. Yusuf enjoys support from some circles within the old committee. Another notable candidate is Dr Ahmed Minawi, the Secretary-General of the RSF’s Civil Support Authority, who is known as an active youth figure with support from some factions.
Administrator Tarig Sharief emphasized the necessity for the community to agree on a project to build the region with transparency, considering the historical mistakes. He urged everyone to get out of their comfort zones to face the current challenges.