The Face of Truth | Ibrahim Shaglawi Sudan: The Search for a Prime Minister?! Multiple sources indicate that efforts are underway to select a Prime Minister to lead Sudan’s transitional phase following the end of the war. It is expected that this selection will bring surprises beyond the previously proposed names, as the political and social landscape has become increasingly complex. This calls for a new vision that considers the challenges of the current stage. The selection of a Prime Minister is a crucial decision in this critical period for the country, as the upcoming government will face complex internal challenges and regional and international pressures that shape the political scene. Therefore, the criteria for selecting this individual must take these complexities into account to ensure leadership capable of addressing challenges and achieving national aspirations. In this article, we will discuss these challenges, some of the proposed candidates, and the available selection options before the Sudanese leadership, which is working towards stabilizing the country. We can all agree that Sudan needs, at this stage, a young Prime Minister with a strong academic background and economic expertise that enables him to understand regional and international changes. He must also have a clear and decisive vision in addressing both internal and external challenges. This comes at a time when the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, intends to name a Prime Minister in the near future, in accordance with constitutional amendments that grant him the authority to make the selection. Reports from Al-Karama have revealed a list of nominated names, including Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Youssef, Dr. Kamal Idris, Professor Mohamed Al-Amin, and Professor Hanoud Abia Kadouf. In my opinion, all these names do not extend beyond the preferences of certain elites, academics, and perhaps some opinion leaders. This is because they all share independence from Sudanese political parties and are professionals in their respective fields. However, in my view, this is not enough to present any of them to lead the government under these complex circumstances. We need an entirely different type of leader—someone whose life experience aligns with the current demands. Possessing vision, influence, and charisma must be at the forefront of priorities, along with political pragmatism and the ability to establish balanced relationships with all parties without complications. Additionally, they should be familiar with modern administrative and technological developments, capable of making decisions, and possess credibility. Undoubtedly, a candidate with such qualities would be closer to the aspirations of the Sudanese people at this stage, and the public must have a say in this selection by ensuring their expectations are met. There is also widespread demand for the next Prime Minister to be a highly competent, non-partisan figure to ensure political and economic stability. Therefore, appointing a Prime Minister with full authority is essential to addressing security challenges and rebuilding institutions, especially given the ongoing battles and the war’s impact on the economy and living conditions. Moreover, it must be considered that the government’s term is expected to be at least four years, according to the amended 2025 constitutional document. This is not a short period, so the selection must be precise and well-calculated to prevent the government from collapsing before completing its term. It is clear that the appointment of an appropriate Prime Minister will shape the next phase—either fostering stability and progress or prolonging crises through a poor selection. Sudan needs an executive leadership that is aware, has a clear vision, and prioritizes national interests over narrow calculations and external influences. The choice of a Prime Minister after the war faces several obstacles, foremost among them political divisions between different factions, particularly between civilian and military forces. Sudan carries a long legacy of conflicts, where each party seeks to secure its interests in the upcoming government formation. Given these challenges, for the new Prime Minister to succeed, he must work towards building national consensus while securing broad internal support from various political and civil forces. Additionally, he must have a clear economic vision to guide the country out of crisis and possess diplomatic skills to wisely manage external and regional pressures. On the regional and international front, external factors play a significant role in shaping Sudan’s upcoming government. Sudan, situated in a strategically important region, is influenced by regional power dynamics, with neighboring countries potentially seeking to sway the Prime Minister selection process to safeguard their interests. Moreover, the international community, particularly major powers and financial institutions, is closely monitoring this process, and the candidate’s regional and international acceptance will significantly impact the final decision. Therefore, national institutions—led by the military with the backing of the Sudanese people—must work to provide the necessary safeguards to protect the chosen leader from undue external influences and pressures. Given these challenges, the selection of Sudan’s Prime Minister must be based on clear criteria, including charisma, competence, crisis management ability, and sensitivity in handling regional and international affairs. The Sudanese people aspire to leadership that can transition the country from instability to a new phase of stability and reconstruction. This requires a strategic vision and an inclusive leadership figure who commands national pride and guides the country toward restoring security, normalcy, and community prosperity, akin to other nations in the region. Based on the above, sources suggest that the next Prime Minister is likely to be a young figure from outside Sudan—someone who completed his higher education at the University of Khartoum before moving to a European country and later settling in the United States. According to The Face of Truth, Sudan’s success in overcoming this stage requires genuine political consensus among various parties to ensure political stability and lay the foundation for a new era of good governance and sustainable development. If this individual is selected, expectations indicate that he will offer a historic experience worthy of respect and appreciation. Wishing you all well. Monday, February 24, 2025 [email protected]