The Face of Truth: Kamil Idris… Stakes of the Moment and Political Transformations
Ibrahim Shglawi
In light of the transformations Sudan is undergoing after years of war, the appointment of Dr. Kamil El-Tayeb Idris as Prime Minister marks a pivotal moment in the course of political transition. Beyond being a step toward administrative stability, the appointment represents a genuine bet on a figure capable of addressing both domestic and international audiences, and of leading a sensitive phase that requires balancing popular aspirations with regional and global political and security shifts.
Sudan today faces multiple challenges, most notably restoring stability, rebuilding state institutions, and overcoming political and security fragmentation. In this context, Idris is seen as a symbolically consensual choice and a step toward recalibrating the transitional phase. Accordingly, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, issued a constitutional decree yesterday appointing him as Prime Minister—a decision that represents the first official appointment to the position since the transitional path faltered, and signals a significant shift in managing the current phase.
The timing of this appointment is laden with important implications, as it coincides with institutional voids and an escalation in the war marked by strategic maneuvers—making it a focus of both domestic and international attention. Idris’ academic and professional record, as well as his wide international network, provide him with a relative ability to navigate the complex scene. However, external support alone is insufficient to overcome these crises. Success in this mission requires genuine national consensus that goes beyond form to focus on substance. Our country is in dire need of stability, and of restoring peace and security.
Rebuilding Sudan does not stop at appointing a qualified individual—regardless of their stature—but requires comprehensive political consensus, a clear definition of transitional authority structures, and a shared will to move beyond factionalism and power-sharing disputes. The core question here is not just about Idris as a person, but about the powers he will be granted and his ability to lead a phase marked by fragility and overlapping local and international interests.
As Mahathir Mohamad once said: “The greatest battle a state faces after war is not with its enemies, but with itself: to rescue its institutions, restore public trust, and build peace through justice.” This is precisely what Sudan needs at this moment—a battle with its political self, which has burdened the state and weakened its national project.
This appointment cannot be separated from ongoing regional developments, whether through U.S. and Egyptian diplomatic efforts or deliberations at the UN Security Council and the Jeddah platform. The presence of an internationally accepted figure like Idris may help alleviate international pressure on Sudan and open doors for dialogue. However, success here depends on the existence of a genuine domestic base of support and a government program built on a practical economic and security vision, along with openness to reconstruction—not just temporary settlements or theoretical promises.
The experience of Sudan’s political transition since 2019 has proven that superficial agreements do not bring stability. What is required today is a foundational project that redefines the nature of the phase, clearly outlines the roles of transitional authorities, and lays the groundwork for a democratic path based on justice and the rule of law—not mere appeasement. This requires sincere political will and collective recognition that time no longer permits stalling. The transition—now 1,180 days old—must be taken seriously, in accordance with the amended 2025 Constitutional Charter, which lays the foundation for a new phase of good governance and sustainable development.
Although Dr. Idris does not belong to any traditional political party, his political neutrality could serve as a significant asset—if he receives genuine support from political, social, and media forces. However, the absence of this support, or continued disputes over how to frame the current phase, may render his mission impossible. Balancing relations with the military institution will be critical, as will managing relations with civilian forces.
According to our perspective in #The_Face_of_Truth, it must be acknowledged that Idris will not offer a magical solution. Rather, we expect him to skillfully manage this historic moment. His success will depend on his ability to transform this appointment into a national opportunity, not merely a response to circumstantial pressures. If the political elite recognizes that the real battle is not with opponents, but with the self that has obstructed the national project, Sudan may witness a new beginning. But if past mistakes are repeated, this step will be nothing more than an echo in a renewed political vacuum—where peace will be elusive, and the restoration of security increasingly difficult.
Wishing you well and good health.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com