SUDAN NEWS ALERT: AP - Sudan’s PM reshuffles Cabinet to add rebel ministers

8/2/2021: AP - Sudan’s PM reshuffles Cabinet to add rebel ministers, by Samy Magdy

 AP report that Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok announced a Cabinet reshuffle to add rebel ministers as part the Juba peace deal as a “political consensus” aimed at “protecting this country from collapsing.”

Hamdok did not name an education minister, saying consultations are ongoing. However, the appointment of Mariam al-Mahdi and Jibril Ibrahim as foreign and finance ministers “could create some anxiety within the international community, given their Islamist-leaning background” as the transitional government seeks better ties with the US, Israel and the West. 

Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council think tank and a former U.S. diplomat, said the two appointments are a “very risky and somewhat perplexing move,” because they occupy the two most important Cabinet positions that donors must have faith in.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Reuters - Darfur rebel leader heads Sudanese finance ministry following cabinet shake-up

8/2/2021: Reuters - Darfur rebel leader heads Sudanese finance ministry following cabinet shake-up

 Reuters report that veteran Darfur rebel group the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader and Islamist Jibril Ibrahim has been appointed as finance minister in a cabinet overhaul. Ibrahim was an economic advisor for JEM before becoming leader. His appointment has been questioned as he was formerly an ally of former dictator Omar al-Bashir.

Rebel groups have also been given the mining, livestock, social development, education, infrastructure and federal government ministries, following the agreement.

The post of foreign minister went to Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi, a leader of the Umma Party and daughter of former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi. Khalid Omar Yousif, a leader of the Sudanese Congress Party, was appointed minister of cabinet affairs.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: US Institute of Peace - What Does Sudan’s New Cabinet Mean for its Transition?

8/2/2021: US Institute of Peace - What Does Sudan’s New Cabinet Mean for its Transition?, by Joseph Tucker

Horn of Africa expert Joseph Tucker proposes ways that Sudan can achieve a well-functioning Cabinet that demonstrates that “politicians are capable of governing and reduce the perennial unleashing of military coups that have plagued Sudan’s prior civilian governments”.

For new ministers representing the armed movements to gain public trust, Tucker suggests that the Juba peace deal is implemented with the public understanding its national impact, adding that “effective coordination across ministries—perhaps via a more proactive Ministry of Cabinet Affairs—and transparent decision-making” would help ministers conduct reforms and “create a more stable environment for elections.”

Tucker also calls for ministers to “push for the creation of outstanding government commissions, as well as institutions like the long-delayed Transitional Legislative Council,” which would “improve avenues for government oversight and public trust in both institutions.”