Announcement of new Sudan govt postponed

The announcement of the new Sudanese government has been postponed, after it was scheduled to be made known on Wednesday. Consultations about candidates for ministerial posts still continue.

A source close to Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdouk told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that announcing the new government was delayed “because of continuing consultations about the candidates”. It is not clear when the new cabinet will be announced.

Hamdouk said on Tuesday that he had received 49 names for 14 portfolios. He stressed that he would form a government composed of technocrats.

Debate

There is widespread debate among activists on internet platforms and social media about the shortcomings and drawbacks on the list of candidates for ministerial positions, that was submitted by the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) to Prime Minister Hamdouk.

Some challenged the candidates’ personalities, political affiliations, and past loyalties. The main controversy is about the candidate for Foreign Minister, Omar Bashir, who served as ambassador during the regime of the toppled President Omar Al Bashir. Some people classify him as one of the former regime’s agents, while others defend him, as the proffered candidate is known for his efficiency and clean record.

Women

Women activists and defenders of women’s rights complain about the underrepresentation of women on the list of candidates for ministerial posts.

Analysts and leading commentators are quoted saying that quotas for different parties and groups have become a reality in the nominations for ministerial posts. Some of them advise Hamdouk to take time to select the most qualified people, pointing to the importance of balances between various forces within the community.

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