Sudan’s New Prime Minister Faces a Tough Mission: How Will He Deal With Al-Burhan’s Allies?

Al Jazeera Net had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Sudan’s new Prime Minister, Dr. Kamal Idris, just minutes before his appointment was officially announced. Idris affirmed his unwavering commitment to serve his country voluntarily and without financial compensation, stating that he would reside in his private home. He pledged to make a public financial disclosure and to require all his ministers to fill out and submit similar disclosures for review after leaving office.

This report from Al Jazeera Net reveals the details of the agreements between the leaders of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and the Prime Minister nominee, highlights the major challenges ahead for the newcomer, and explores the opinions of both supporting and opposing political forces.

A Dual Mission

Kamal Idris was born into a middle-class family in Omdurman in 1954. He grew up in the popular Al-Malazmin neighborhood, the heartland of the Ansar sect. Idris pursued dual academic paths—philosophy at Cairo University (Khartoum branch) and law at the University of Khartoum—excelling in both. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Ohio University and a PhD from a Swiss university.

He began his career at Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later joined the United Nations. He was elected Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where he served multiple terms. After retirement, he focused on public lectures and founded an arbitration center in London, where he lives with his family.

Idris rose to prominence in the mid-1990s for attempting to mediate Sudan’s internal conflict, bringing together prominent figures like Sheikh Hassan Al-Turabi and ousted Prime Minister Sadiq Al-Mahdi in Geneva. Although that initiative failed, he continued his efforts and successfully mediated in 2014 to secure the release of Al-Mahdi and opposition leader Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, both jailed for criticizing the Rapid Support Forces.

In the 2010 presidential elections—post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement—Idris ran for office, but incumbent Omar Al-Bashir remained in power until his ouster in April 2019 after mass protests.

Prior to his new appointment, Idris developed a national recovery plan dubbed the “Marshall Plan for Sudan” and authored the book Sudan in 2025. However, the country was already deeply embroiled in war by the time his vision could materialize.

This is not the first time military leaders discussed Idris’s potential role, but previous talks were hindered by disputes over authority. According to a source close to Idris, the recent negotiations clearly outlined his powers, including the freedom to appoint his cabinet. Military supervision over ministries was lifted, allowing Idris full executive authority. The talks also defined a broad vision covering diplomacy, economic challenges, and the war in Sudan.

From the Battle for Dignity to Peace With Dignity

According to a media source close to the Prime Minister, Idris sees ending the war in Sudan with dignity for the Sudanese army as a top priority, so the country can focus on reconstruction.

However, Maj. Gen. Dr. Moatasim Al-Hassan of the National Defense College believes the war file lies beyond Idris’s mandate. He expects the Prime Minister to focus on urgent economic and foreign policy matters instead.

Journalist Osman Mirghani concurs, stating that Idris is not authorized to deal with military affairs, especially while the army’s commander-in-chief heads the state. Given recent military successes, Mirghani argues that Idris should avoid the military file altogether.

The second challenge, according to Mirghani, is whether Idris will be given the space to implement his vision. Yet another political analyst believes Idris’s calm demeanor and conflict-resolution experience may help him manage tensions with ambitious military leaders.

Mirghani adds that the real challenge doesn’t lie with the military but with Al-Burhan’s allies—some of whom covet the prime minister position and are adept at obstructing others’ success.

Journalist Mohamed Hamid Jumaa points to a third challenge: some current regime supporters may try to blackmail the new prime minister, who has yet to take a firm stance on the ongoing two-year war.

A Secret Settlement

Having started his career as a diplomat, Idris gained extensive UN experience, making him inclined toward negotiated settlements. He previously secured a secret deal with the International Criminal Court under former Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, but powerful factions in the former regime rejected it—leading to Sudan’s then-president being placed on the wanted list.

Given his diplomatic experience and skill in maneuvering complex situations, observers believe Idris could succeed internationally. Jumaa says the African Union appears eager to rebuild ties with Khartoum and has called for a civilian government. Idris, with his international credibility, may present a new image for Sudan and secure breakthroughs in foreign relations.

Mirghani agrees but cautiously notes that the biggest hurdle may be the president-led diplomacy that operates outside the traditional foreign policy apparatus, which has forced several foreign ministers to resign in the past two years.

Opposition’s Silence

The exiled opposition greeted Idris’s appointment with unexpected silence—perhaps due to the surprise announcement or a desire to assess his initial moves. Mirghani notes Idris has strong communication skills but may struggle to connect with Sudanese political groups known for their obstructionism.

Mohamed Dhiya, a leader in the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, views Idris’s appointment as a power-sharing move with Al-Burhan aimed at weakening Al-Burhan’s military allies. He believes it sets the stage for international settlements to end the war.

Jumaa argues that Idris needs a strong political “kitchen” to manage his relationship with opposition forces—especially those who have made political missteps regarding the war. This team must balance both the government’s and people’s views in a deeply emotional wartime environment.

What About the Islamists?

A source close to Idris claims that some influential members of Sudan’s Islamist movement were displeased with his selection, hoping instead for one of their own. This could explain the backlash from pro-Islamist media figures.

Later, Ahmed Haroun, acting head of the former ruling National Congress Party, issued a statement welcoming Idris’s appointment, calling it a difficult task requiring national unity. He described Idris as an independent and capable national figure.

The Rapid Support Forces remained silent, but advisor Basha Tiqiq posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Idris’s appointment might signal Al-Burhan’s break from Islamist allies under regional and international pressure.

Mubarak Al-Fadil Al-Mahdi, head of the Umma Party, tweeted: “No political appointment has value amid war and the lack of political legitimacy.”

Kamal Idris, known as a man of settlements, now faces a daunting mission akin to farming a minefield. Yet, many Sudanese—desperate for a leader to pull them from war and poverty—see hope in him. As one Sudanese jaw surgeon told Al Jazeera, “Kamal Idris is the last chance for our country.”

Source: Al Jazeera Net