The Face of Truth: Prime Minister… Not Yet Appointed!
Ibrahim Shglawi
Amid the complex Sudanese political landscape, signs of hesitation are evident in making a decisive move toward forming an executive government. While the constitutional document appears ready to serve as a legitimate framework for transition, the leadership continues to follow the approach of “delegation without appointment,” reflecting a lack of a comprehensive vision for forming a government capable of managing the transitional phase. This is happening at a time when political, security, and societal considerations are pressing at both the domestic and international levels. In this article, we aim to explore the issue in light of the available data.
The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council recently issued a decision assigning Ambassador Dafallah Al-Haj Ali as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, tasked with handling the duties of the Prime Minister. This decision sparked wide reactions, with observers describing it as “incomplete.” The expectation was the appointment of a fully empowered Prime Minister to lead the transitional phase, in line with the amended 2025 constitutional document, which emphasized the need for forming an independent, technocratic government to lead the transition over a 39-month period.
Sudan now stands at a crossroads. Continuing with a temporary approach could prolong the crisis, while a full appointment could mark a turning point in the transitional path. The leadership may view the delay in full appointment as part of a political maneuver intended to pave the way for broader agreements related to security, military, and political files, thereby avoiding further confrontations. This approach could be interpreted as an attempt to create a suitable environment before taking decisive steps. On the other hand, the continued partial assignments may be seen as a repetition of a traditional administrative approach aimed merely at keeping the machinery of government running, without addressing the root of the crisis or offering sustainable strategic solutions.
In this context, an important question arises: Can political stability be built in the absence of an officially appointed executive leadership? The answer leans toward no. State institutions cannot function effectively without leadership vested with full powers. Temporary delegation, regardless of the competence of the delegated individual, does not provide full legitimacy, nor the planning tools necessary to confront complex crises. It also fails to convince the public and both local and international partners of the seriousness of the transitional phase.
On another note, the political leadership may be aware that major security and logistical challenges make it difficult to form a complete government while military operations continue in large parts of the country. The security situation—particularly in Darfur and other peripheral regions—imposes real constraints that may push the leadership toward a more cautious path to avoid the risks associated with administrative vacuums or political divisions.
Despite these justifications, they do not negate the objective need for real executive leadership. Ambassador Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, a figure known for his diplomatic and administrative experience, was entrusted with this task. Over his career, he has earned a reputation for balance and crisis management. However, the critical question remains: Can a temporary assignment, regardless of the charisma of the assigned individual, fill the leadership void amid such a politically, economically, and security-complicated environment?
Sudan can no longer afford ambiguity or delay. The current moment demands clarity of vision and courage in decision-making, as the people are now awaiting a genuine transitional phase—one that is not managed through temporary assignments but by clear, empowered executive leadership that restores confidence and lays the foundation for stability. As we have said before, patchwork solutions do not make for a true transition. The country needs institutions with full mandates, not limited decisions that further complicate the general scene.
We are standing today at a historic turning point that requires moving beyond narrow calculations toward foundational decisions that make a difference, establish peace, and restore state institutions to their natural course. At this pivotal moment, we recall the words of the German philosopher Hegel: “Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion or boldness.”
According to what we see from #TheFaceOfTruth, the absence of full executive powers restricts the hands of the government apparatus and hinders its ability to make effective and impactful decisions. This entrenches a state of paralysis, instability, and inability to address crises. Will the political will rise from mere delegation to full appointment? And will the leadership respond to the aspirations of a people who expect more than balance games and time management? That remains to be seen in the coming days—and revealed through the courage of decision.
Wishing you all health and wellness.
Saturday, May 3, 2025
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