Al-Hafiz Bakhit Mohammed
Al-Hafiz Bakhit Mohammed | |
|---|---|
Official Seal of North Darfur State | |
| Governor of North Darfur | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Nimir Mohammed Abdelrahman |
Al-Hafiz Bakhit Mohammed (Arabic: الحافظ بخيت محمد) is a Sudanese politician who has served as the governor of North Darfur since January 1, 2024. He was appointed following the removal of his predecessor Nimir Mohammed Abdelrahman, and has led the state administration during ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Governorship
Bakhit assumed office as acting governor of North Darfur on January 1, 2024, after Sudanese authorities dismissed Governor Nimir Mohammed Abdelrahman.[1] No official reason for the dismissal was publicly announced at the time.[1]
His tenure has coincided with intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, particularly in and around the state capital El Fasher. The city has experienced sustained attacks and siege like conditions amid the wider conflict in Sudan.[2][3]
During the conflict, Bakhit publicly opposed calls for the evacuation of El Fasher characterizing such appeals as propaganda and stating that the city would remain under government control despite continued RSF attacks.[4]
He has announced measures aimed at supporting civilians affected by the fighting, including coordination with local committees to facilitate humanitarian assistance and food distribution in El Fasher and nearby displacement camps.[5]
In May 2025, Bakhit issued decrees removing several traditional leaders in North Darfur. According to Darfur Native Human Rights reporting, the decisions were based on allegations that the leaders had collaborated with armed groups and undermined state authority during the conflict.[6]
He also approved emergency economic measures intended to stabilize local markets and ensure the availability of basic food supplies amid shortages linked to the siege of El Fasher.[7]
In June 2025, Bakhit urged residents of El Fasher not to respond to calls to leave the city amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions and announced emergency support measures including funding for community-based food distribution centers known locally as takayas.[8]
Prior public service
Before becoming governor, Bakhit represented the Government of North Darfur State at official events including the handover of the UNAMID Kutum Team Site in 2021.[9]
References
- ^ a b "قرار باعفاء والي شمال دارفور". Sudan Tribune (in Arabic). January 8, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "More than 100 killed in two weeks of fighting in Sudan's El Fasher: MSF". Al Jazeera. May 26, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ Plett Usher, Barbara (August 5, 2025). "Sudan war: Fierce fighting surrounds El Fasher". BBC News. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "والي شمال دارفور : دعوات إفراغ الفاشر «دعاية رخيصة تهدف لتجنيد الشباب»". Sudan Tribune (in Arabic). July 31, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "North Darfur Governor Praises "Takaya" Support Program and Calls for More Assistance". Sudan Horizon. August 19, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "North Darfur Governor Issues Decision to Dismiss Traditional Leaders Supporting the RSF". Darfur Native Human Rights. May 30, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "والي شمال دارفور يصدر قرارات اقتصادية لتدارك الوضع الإنساني". Ultra Sudan (in Arabic). April 6, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "والي شمال دارفور يدعو المواطنين لعدم مغادرة الفاشر". Darfur24. June 12, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "UNAMID hands over Kutum Team Site to Government of North Darfur State". United Nations Peacekeeping. February 3, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2025.