Sudan: Details of the New Cabinet Formation

Sudan Events – Agencies

Al Jazeera Net has obtained leaked information about the new cabinet formation in Sudan’s upcoming civilian government, headed by Kamil Idris, which is expected to be announced soon.

According to multiple sources who spoke to Al Jazeera Net, the Prime Minister will soon present his new vision for selecting ministers, which is based on competence, integrity, and neutrality, under the motto: “Austerity in every detail.”

Sources close to the Prime Minister say the delay in the announcement stems from several factors, chiefly Idris’ insistence on setting clear standards for ministerial appointments based on merit, impartiality, and academic qualifications. He also insists on broad representation of Sudanese society in the government. The third stumbling block is the insistence of armed movements to retain their share and the same ministerial portfolios in the upcoming cabinet.

The Prime Minister’s Inner Circle

Before diving into the cabinet details or timing of the announcement, a key question arises: who are the political advisers surrounding the Prime Minister? According to eyewitnesses and political figures who met with the new Prime Minister, former Information Minister Khalid Al-Ayeser tops the list of Idris’ aides. Al-Ayeser shares a long-standing friendship with Idris; both lived in London and jointly attempted to launch a media project that ultimately failed, starting with Al-Madaria satellite channel.

According to the same sources, Al-Ayeser served as an active communication channel between Idris and Sovereign Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, with multiple meetings held in Khartoum at different times. The second—perhaps primary—figure behind Idris is economist and strategist Dr. Hussein Al-Hafyan, who is related to Al-Burhan and also shares family ties and long-standing friendship with Idris. The team also includes Ambassador Badr Al-Din Al-Jaafari, a well-known diplomat currently serving as Deputy Head of Sudan’s diplomatic mission in Geneva. Before joining the foreign service, Al-Jaafari was a professor at the University of Khartoum. Also in this inner circle is Colonel Nizar Abdullah, a skilled intelligence officer who served in multiple posts, the last being Sudan’s mission in Geneva.

Al-Jaafari, Nizar, and Al-Hafyan accompanied the Prime Minister on his return to Sudan.

The Prime Minister is also actively engaging with a wider circle, including political and media figures such as Lt. Gen. Abdul Rahman Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi and prominent lawyer and politician Nabil Adib.

Idris is working on a new political approach to form his cabinet by setting criteria and then opening the process to public competition. However, time is a pressing constraint that may hinder the full implementation of his vision. As a result, he may resort to new mechanisms such as consultations with professional and societal sectors.

According to sources speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Idris had prepared a cabinet structure comprising 18 ministries and several councils and commissions. This proposed structure was discussed in a broad joint meeting that included General Al-Burhan, Idris, and several Sovereign Council members. The meeting concluded with general approval, taking place before Idris was officially appointed on the 19th of last month.

New Faces in the Government

Idris insists that his new government will be predominantly youthful, with significant female representation. According to informed sources, one of the cabinet positions will be filled by a wounded military veteran and a leader of the “Ghadiboon” movement—a non-Islamist youth group. Additionally, the chances are high for Coptic Christian youth George Rouh to be appointed. He is seen as a prominent figure among Copts who voluntarily participated in battles against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, competition is heating up between newly appointed minister Omar Siddiq—Sudan’s former ambassador to China and member of the Sudanese delegation to the Jeddah negotiations—and another candidate. Siddiq enjoys the confidence of President Al-Burhan and has strong ties to the new Prime Minister. While his previous appointment may be seen as a weakness, his diplomatic experience and connections work in his favor.

The second candidate for Foreign Minister is Deputy Foreign Secretary Ambassador Idris Farajallah. He has strong credentials, including prior service in key posts such as New York, where he served as deputy head of Sudan’s mission during critical times. His strengths include fluency in three languages, comparable to Idris’ command of four. He also served in West Africa—a region with national security implications for Sudan, particularly regarding RSF recruitment. His strongest advantage, however, is his representation of the war-torn Nuba Mountains region. Idris sees addressing perceived injustice in that area as a path to peace.

The Prime Minister is also focused on Eastern Sudan, where he has strong ties with regional leaders and community figures. According to Al Jazeera Net sources, Idris is considering candidates from the East for the Ministry of Health. The leading contender is Dr. Oshik Sidi Abu Aisha, a renowned neurosurgeon and former professor at the University of Khartoum. He has significant experience working with international organizations.

Another candidate is Professor Mohamed Al-Amin Ahmed, former president of Nilein University and an ally of powerful tribal chief Mohamed Al-Amin Tirik. Al-Amin’s close past ties to Islamists—he was appointed during the Bashir era and removed after conflicts with the regime’s inner circle—are both a strength and a liability.

Khalid Al-Ayeser is widely expected to hold a position in the new government. Though close to both the military and Idris, he is unlikely to return as Information Minister. Instead, Samia Al-Hadi, a highly professional and less controversial figure currently serving as Deputy Minister of Information, may take the post, adding a gender balance to the new cabinet. Al-Ayeser may be tasked with a different portfolio, such as media advisory, giving him more operational flexibility.

Sources also do not rule out a role for retired General Abdul Rahman Al-Sadiq outside the cabinet, with a similar possibility for Nabil Adib. Adib had been close to the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), serving as chair of the legal committee and the investigation committee into the 2019 sit-in massacre—whose findings have yet to be published.

Idris considered appointing Adib as Minister of Justice but reportedly backed down after advice from confidants, citing concerns about Adib’s outspoken criticism of the constitutional document and perceived excessive candor.

Disagreements with Armed Movements

Regarding recent tensions between Idris and armed groups that signed the Juba Peace Agreement, a source close to Idris denied any fundamental disagreements. He emphasized that the Prime Minister mentioned these groups in his national address and acknowledged their patriotic role. The source noted some differences in opinion with the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), particularly over Idris’ desire to assign JEM leader Jibril Ibrahim a senior role in the cabinet.

However, JEM sources told Al Jazeera that their disagreement stems from Idris’ apparent unwillingness to adhere to the 2020 peace agreement, which specified power-sharing arrangements. Jibril Ibrahim recently told Al Jazeera that the terms of the peace agreement cannot be altered without the approval of the signatory movements.

A media source close to the Prime Minister praised Jibril’s past performance, calling him a statesman deserving of a higher post than Finance Minister. This view is not shared by JEM, which sees any attempt by Idris to reduce or reshuffle the peace agreement ministers as a challenge and a potential obstacle to consensus. The group may even boycott the government in protest, while continuing its participation in what it calls the “Dignity Battle,” a national duty.

Time Pressure

Time is not on Prime Minister Kamil Idris’ side, as tomorrow, Wednesday, marks one month since his appointment. He is racing to decide between announcing a limited cabinet formation—hampered by his dispute with JEM—or a full government that may be stalled by his insistence on rigorous, exception-free standards.

Meanwhile, Sudanese citizens await the fate of their new civilian government amid a turbulent world where Sudan’s crisis risks becoming a forgotten file among many others.