Sudan’s military leadership has appointed Kamil Idris, a former United Nations official and seasoned diplomat, as the country’s new Prime Minister the first such appointment since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council, announced the decision via a constitutional decree on Sunday, marking a pivotal development in the country’s ongoing political crisis.
Idris, a respected international law expert, previously served as Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from 1997 to 2008. He also held senior roles in Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contested the 2010 presidential election as an independent candidate against former president Omar al-Bashir.
His appointment comes at a time when Sudan remains mired in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti). The civil war has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 13 million people. Half of the population is now facing acute food insecurity, according to humanitarian agencies.
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Observers say Idris’ selection may signal a renewed effort to steer Sudan back towards civilian rule. He is widely seen as politically unaffiliated and a figure of neutrality, raising hopes for broader national dialogue. However, questions remain about the extent of his authority, particularly as fighting intensifies in various parts of the country.
The RSF has continued its offensive, including drone strikes near Port Sudan, where the military administration has been operating. In February 2025, the RSF and allied groups announced plans to establish a rival government, claiming to uphold principles of decentralisation and democracy.
