Face of Truth: Professor Al-Mansouri… A Controversy Settled by Taking the Oath

Ibrahim Shglawi

In a close follow-up of the case of Professor Ahmed Al-Tijani Abdulrahim Al-Mansouri, I made a direct call with him yesterday, obtaining credible statements that refute recent claims surrounding his appointment as Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources. These statements come amid growing anticipation and debate within Sudanese circles, particularly after his delay in taking the oath of office since July 15, 2025.

Although his appointment was officially announced, his presence abroad prevented him from being sworn in — a situation exploited by some to spread rumors, especially after Al-Sudani newspaper, in Cairo, asked Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris whether Al-Mansouri holds Emirati citizenship. Such a status would constitutionally disqualify him under the 2025 amendments to the Constitutional Document, which explicitly prohibit individuals with dual nationality from assuming ministerial positions.

The Prime Minister’s indication that a replacement was being considered triggered a wave of political and personal interpretations, fueling speculation over a deeper struggle between competence and vested interests.

In contrast, Al-Mansouri’s own statement — obtained in an exclusive recording — directly addressed the public. He categorically denied holding any nationality other than Sudanese, stressing that the circulating claims are pure fabrications. “I am a self-made man, from the village of Al-Manasir in Gezira State, and I have never carried any nationality other than my Sudanese one,” he said, adding that he will return next week to take the oath and that the Prime Minister is fully aware of this.

Al-Mansouri clarified that his nomination came through a platform of distinguished national scientists and experts, and that he accepted the post out of national responsibility and confidence in the Prime Minister, whom he described as “a man of trust and experience.” He explained that his delayed start was due to professional commitments spanning 36 years in his current field, which required careful arrangements before his departure.

Speaking on the challenges ahead, Al-Mansouri said he is fully aware of the violations and bureaucratic hurdles plaguing the livestock sector, and that he is prepared to confront them with a scientific approach and extensive executive experience. He pointed to his role in founding and managing Al-Rawabi Dairy Company in the UAE, which became one of the Gulf region’s most successful livestock production models.

Although his appointment passed the mandatory security clearance required before announcing ministerial names, the sudden talk of a “replacement” raises more questions than answers: Who benefits from excluding Al-Mansouri? Are there pressures on the Prime Minister from domestic or foreign entities? And do some opponents of reform fear the arrival of a man known for shutting down avenues of corruption in one of the country’s richest yet most neglected sectors?

It is clear that this is not about nationality or an oath-taking delay, but rather a deeper conflict between a reform project equipped with tools for real change, and entrenched interests accustomed to exploiting the nation’s wealth without oversight.

From the perspective of #Face_of_Truth, the Al-Mansouri file reflects a clash between a vision rooted in transparency, governance, and empowering national talent — and another still captive to narrow political calculations and private gains. Amid this, the real bet remains on the awareness of the Sudanese people, and on leadership that can rise above pressures and put the nation’s interest first.

The coming days will reveal whether this file will conclude with the oath-taking, or be added to the record of lost opportunities that deprived Sudan of capable minds and hands ready to build.

To be continued

Best regards,
Sunday, 10 August 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com