The Government They Deserve… Five Merits Worth Supporting and Ten Challenges Ahead

By Dr. Karrar Al-Tuhami

In a previous article dated May 5, 2025, under the same title, I wrote about the nature of the government the Sudanese people deserve. The idea of “the government they deserve” was discussed in an English book by the late intellectual Mansour Khalid titled “The Government They Deserve,” which addressed the role of Sudanese elites in political development.

▪️The phrase did not originate with Mansour; it has been present in political discourse for decades. Winston Churchill said over seventy years ago, “Every nation gets the government it deserves.” Before him, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson said, “Every nation gets the government it deserves.” And over two centuries earlier, the French royalist philosopher Joseph de Maistre stated,
“A country gets the leaders it deserves.”
This sentiment closely resembles a debated hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: “You are governed as you are,” or in another narration, “As you are, so shall your leaders be.”

▪️The pressing question today is: As a nation with a rich heritage, do we deserve a government that matches our historical legacy and deep-rooted identity? A wise and capable government that can heal our national wounds? The responsibility lies now with the public, the civil elite, civil society organizations, and political parties.

▪️The military institution has achieved a remarkable and historic success in this imposed war. It prevailed on the battlefield and rescued Sudan and its state from collapse, paving the way for the formation of the first truly independent civilian government that the people had long dreamed of—and now, it is taking shape quietly, with remarkable public acceptance.

◾️However, the real test does not lie in the names or qualifications of the ministers, but in the collective vision and systematic governance of the state, as well as the public and elite support. Regardless of a minister’s education or qualifications, their role will be limited. Often, they fall into the traps of personal misjudgments, because managing a state and solving its complex problems is far beyond the capacity of any individual or small group, no matter how learned or experienced.

▪️We have seen ministers with impressive academic credentials and glowing résumés, yet they stood baffled before simple issues—paralyzed, helpless, as if their hands were tied and their senses veiled.

▪️Governments need to broaden the scope of professional consultation and require a supportive public, not one that opposes or obstructs. The people must endure hardships with the government, monitor its actions, and be patient with it.
Even Dhul-Qarnayn, despite his divine endowment (“We gave him the means to everything”) stipulated that the people assist him with strength:
“So help me with strength; I will make a barrier between you and them.”
Therefore, it is imperative that elites, media professionals, and politicians from all parties support this government with strength, overlook minor failures in favor of major achievements, and focus on the positive aspects—especially the major goals—without drowning in negative criticism or petty details.
This government’s promising beginning features merits worthy of support and encouragement, such as:

First:

For the first time in decades, after much patience, the state has moved to form an independent government—a goal long championed by all Sudanese revolutions, yet previously failed due to elite selfishness.

Second:

The opening round of the “Government of Hope” introduced truly competent individuals whose professional and academic abilities are undisputed. We hope the government continues in this way without the Prime Minister’s plans being scattered by harmful pressures.

Third:

The new government lacks partisan impurities—those based on loyalty to party leaders rather than merit, which previously dominated ministerial appointments.

Fourth:

So far, tribal and regional biases have not surfaced. People are not asking, “What tribe is this minister from?” but instead, “Is he competent?”

Fifth:

It would be unwise to place high expectations on this government to solve all the country’s deep-rooted issues. It will undoubtedly face complex, interlinked challenges that require substantial assistance and solidarity, such as:

1. Economic crises, rampant inflation, and recession, which have deeply affected daily life.

2. Crime, widespread weapons, and a breakdown in security in the aftermath of war.

3. Tribal conflicts and demands from armed movements that harm national unity and are rooted in selfish interests.

4. Health crises, medicine shortages, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure.

5. Corruption and weak oversight systems over state financial and commercial institutions.

6. Foreign relations, and the harm inflicted by bullying neighbors and regional neglect.

7. Lost national wealth, smuggling of gold and resources, and lack of regulatory laws.

8. Unplanned housing, which has become a haven for crime, drugs, and street disorder.

9. Lawlessness and social behavior shaped by post-revolution chaos under the banner of absolute freedoms.

10. Unregulated foreign presence, with no laws to govern movement, raising concerns about espionage and street-level vagrancy.

So, will we stand united in support of our government to make it the government we truly deserve? Or will we mock it from the sidelines, proving we are unworthy of a virtuous government?
God is the only One we can rely on.