3 candidates shortlisted for Sudan’s prime minister role

PORT SUDAN – Three individuals have emerged as top contenders for the role of Sudan’s prime minister, with sources revealing that Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, is expected to announce his selection in the coming days.

The prime minister’s position has been vacant since the resignation of former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok on January 2, 2022, following months of political turmoil.

Hamdok resigned after the Transitional Sovereign Council, which at the time was dominated by military leaders from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused him of failing to secure national political consensus amid mounting pressure from various political factions.

Hamdok’s tenure had been marred by the coup that ousted him in October 2021, when Burhan, the leader of the SAF, took control of the government in a military takeover. The coup plunged Sudan into a deeper political crisis and led to widespread protests across the country.

However, under intense domestic and international pressure, Burhan agreed to a deal that saw Hamdok reinstated on November 20, 2021.

Despite this brief return to power, Hamdok’s efforts to navigate Sudan’s fractured political landscape were unsuccessful, and he ultimately resigned on January 2, 2022, citing an inability to fulfill his mandate in the face of ongoing political divisions.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Thursday, sources said Burhan is expected to announce the new prime minister “soon”, with three candidates now under consideration. These include Dr. Mohamed Al-Amin, the former head of the University of Nilein, Dr. Tijani Sisi Mohamed Atim, and Dr. Kamal Idris.

“The list has been narrowed to just three individuals, and the final decision is expected soon,” one source said.

In addition to the prime ministerial appointment, Burhan is reportedly planning to dismiss six state governors, including those from White Nile, Sennar, Gezira, Northern, and River Nile states.

The reshuffle follows recent decrees in which Burhan removed and appointed ministers, including those for Culture and Foreign Affairs.

“Burhan is determined to reshuffle his administration, including removing several state governors, in a bid to push forward with reforms,” another source confirmed.