Ministry of Justice: The Gateway to Economic Renaissance in Post-War Sudan
By Dr. Nasr Eldin Abu Shaiba Al-Khalil
Amid Sudan’s immense political and economic challenges, the Ministry of Justice emerges as a pivotal institution—not only in upholding the rule of law, but also in directly shaping the national economy by creating a legal environment conducive to investment. The Ministry plays a central role in building trust in state institutions, as it is widely recognized that economic development cannot exist without justice, and justice cannot exist without fair law. Given that lawmaking is among its core responsibilities, the Ministry of Justice can, at this historic juncture, serve as the gateway to Sudan’s post-war economic renaissance. To fulfill this role, the Ministry must urgently undertake several measures:
1. Reforming Economic and Commercial Laws:
Laws governing bankruptcy, business registration, partnerships, companies, investment, and electronic transactions must be updated to align with modern realities. New legislation is also needed to address personal data protection, digital currencies, and advancements in artificial intelligence—all areas directly impacting the business climate and investment attraction.
2. Strengthening the Rule of Law:
Economic revival cannot flourish in a legally unstable environment. The Ministry must ensure legislation guarantees fair courts and effective mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes, thereby reinforcing the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors in Sudan’s legal system.
3. Combating Corruption and Enhancing Public Sector Governance:
Through drafting and enforcing necessary legislation, and leveraging its legal advisers embedded within government institutions, the Ministry serves as the first line of defense against corruption and a key instrument in ensuring administrative accountability.
4. Legal Representation in International Economic Agreements:
The Ministry acts as the government’s legal adviser in international and regional economic treaties, supporting Sudanese negotiators in major undertakings, including accession to the World Trade Organization.
5. Promoting Economic Legal Awareness:
The Ministry is tasked with spreading legal literacy among traders, investors, and entrepreneurs through publications and media, empowering citizens to participate knowledgeably in economic activities.
6. Ensuring the Independence of Legal Advisers:
It is crucial that legal advisers within government units operate independently, free from administrative or political pressure. Such independence safeguards public funds, ensures institutional accountability, and protects government decisions from legal flaws that could lead to corruption or disputes. Supporting professional competence and providing a safe working environment transforms legal advisers into a true force for upholding the rule of law across state institutions.
Furthermore, the Ministry can enhance its effectiveness by leveraging legal research from postgraduate programs in Sudanese universities, whose practical recommendations can inform legislative development and policy improvement. It is also fortunate that the current Minister combines both academic expertise and practical experience, facilitating these reforms. Greater engagement with society—the primary stakeholder in legislation—through an online platform for surveys and public consultations on draft laws prior to approval would reinforce participatory governance and ensure that laws reflect citizens’ needs and aspirations.
In Conclusion:
The Ministry of Justice is far more than a governmental body tasked with drafting legislation or representing the state in court; it is the true gateway to Sudan’s new renaissance. By consolidating the independence of legal advisers, utilizing academic research, and fostering public participation in legislative decision-making, the Ministry lays the foundation for a law-based state and strong institutions. Modern Sudan’s reconstruction begins with independent, enlightened, and scientifically informed justice capable of protecting rights, developing laws, and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations—making the Ministry of Justice the cornerstone of comprehensive national renewal.
God grant success.
