Sudan has appointed General Yassir al-Atta as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, replacing Othman al-Hussein.
Al-Atta, a member of the Sovereign Council and assistant to Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has over 40 years of military experience.
This move is the most significant personnel shift since the Sudanese army’s war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began three years ago, potentially impacting strategy as a new front opens in the southeastern Blue Nile state.
Al-Atta is known for publicly criticizing the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of backing the RSF, despite UAE’s denial.
The appointment gives al-Atta tighter control of the armed forces, albeit with a reduced political role.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, 12 million displacements, and widespread hunger, with efforts to end the war facing challenges.
