Truth Unveiled: The People’s Standards and the Dilemma of Cabinet Formation
Ibrahim Shglawi
Sudan’s Prime Minister, Dr. Kamal Idris, now faces one of the most complex tasks of his political career: completing the formation of the “Government of Hope” he announced in his inaugural address. To date, only five ministers out of the 22 stipulated in the amended 2025 Constitutional Document have been appointed.
The core dilemma lies in the fact that the Sudanese people, with their long experience in observing political performance, no longer view cabinet formation merely as a matter of political quotas or a balance of competencies. Rather, they perceive it as a direct indicator of the government’s direction and its stance on existential national issues—chief among them, the “Dignity War.” This war has transcended political and tribal affiliations in the public consciousness, redefining patriotism as a clear alignment with the army, the defense of state sovereignty, and rejection of foreign subordination.
A person’s stance on this war has become a fundamental criterion in determining the legitimacy of any public figure or potential official. The people, who have fought this battle with their blood, money, and honor, will not accept to be led by those who were hesitant, silent, or complicit in the nation’s moment of existential threat. Accordingly, the government currently in formation will be judged not merely by the competence of its members, but by their declared positions—whether they stand clearly with the nation, its people, and its institutions.
On the other hand, some decision-making circles seem not to have grasped this profound shift in public awareness. They continue to wager on elite balancing acts or so-called “closed-room engineering.” Such gambles will inevitably clash with the wall of popular rejection—just as has happened in regional experiences where governments collapsed within weeks of their formation, having carried seeds of failure from birth, as they failed to reflect the people’s aspirations.
Concerns deepen as political and media circles report leaks suggesting the exclusion of patriotic and active figures from the upcoming cabinet—such as former minister Khalid Al-Ayesir, whose name has become associated with a clear and bold stance in the media battle of the Dignity War. Al-Ayesir was a rare national voice who effectively and courageously countered misinformation campaigns, contributing to rebuilding the state’s narrative during one of its most difficult and challenging phases. Ignoring or bypassing him seems more like a response to pressure from power centers uncomfortable with independent and successful voices.
If his portfolio, as rumored, is assigned to a controversial figure, or one affiliated with media institutions openly hostile to the national cause, this will raise serious questions about the independence of political decision-making and the government’s true commitment to Sudan’s interests rather than to external parties or hidden power networks.
What may restore balance to the national decision-making compass is genuine engagement with the field. The Prime Minister must move beyond elite circles and visit one of the active military zones where soldiers stand firm in harsh conditions, defending the nation’s soil. Only there can the true meaning of aligning with the people be understood, sacrifices appreciated, and the full picture seen—not from the vantage point of elites, but from the very ground that defends the state’s survival.
Dr. Kamal Idris is now facing a real test—not just in his ability to select ministers, but in his willingness to confront power brokers attempting to impose their agendas on what is claimed to be a government of hope for the Sudanese.
As we see it in #Truth_Unveiled, the Sudanese people today demand a government that genuinely reflects their aspirations—not one shaped in isolated corridors that do not represent them. Political legitimacy is no longer measured by slogans or ambiguous positions, but by the government’s capacity to embody the people’s will—shaped in the crucible of war and sacrifice. If the upcoming government does not reflect this advanced societal awareness, it will possess nothing more than a superficial legitimacy—quickly eroded by a public that has become more capable than ever of discerning motives and reshaping the national equation.
Wishing you well and in good health,
Thursday, 10 July 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com