Sudan: A New Gov’t Amid Escalating Military-political Conflicts And A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

In a politically charged move that raises complex questions about Sudan’s future, Dr Kamal Idris was sworn in as Prime Minister in Port Sudan, the country’s temporary administrative capital, before Sovereign Council Head, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.

His appointment comes at a time of profound national turmoil: a brutal war has raged between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, while political and military factions aligned with the army remain deeply divided.

These challenges are compounded by an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with millions displaced and starving, and relief operations deliberately targeted, placing the new government before an immense test to restore stability or risk further fragmentation.

Controversial appointment amid legitimacy crisis

The appointment of Kamal Idris has stirred significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from across the political and military spectrum. Seen by many as a stopgap to fill the political vacuum amid ongoing conflict, the decision was made without broad consultation, particularly with armed movements and civil society groups.

Idris’ personal history has further fuelled scepticism: during his tenure as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from 1997 to 2008, he faced serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In 2007, an internal audit revealed he had falsified his birth date in official documents, prompting public rebuke from the United States and the United Kingdom, and leading hundreds of WIPO staff to demand his resignation, which he submitted in 2008 before completing his term. These past accusations cast a long shadow over his credibility and raise doubts about his ability to govern a fractured nation.

Compounding the controversy is uncertainty over Idris’ actual powers. Analysts suggest he may serve merely as a civilian façade for a military regime that has ruled since the October 2021 coup. Speaking to Al-Sudani, political analyst Mohamed Al-Hassan remarked: “Idris faces a dual challenge: to prove his integrity to the Sudanese people and to navigate the tension between public demands for reform and military constraints that limit his authority.”

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The legitimacy of the government remains in question, particularly after Revolutionary Front leader Al-Hadi Idris declared the new administration “lacks legitimacy,” calling on the international community to withhold recognition until it is restructured to include broad-based representation.

Power struggles and the role of islamic movement

Political sources suggest that Idris’ appointment may be part of a broader deal aimed at reintegrating the Islamic movement into the corridors of power through indirect means. In a column for Al-Tayar, analyst Abdelrahman Al-Khidr noted that “Al-Burhan is now under pressure from the Islamic movement, which seeks not only ideological influence but protection for the vast economic networks it has built over decades.”

This manoeuvring raises fears that the new government could become a tool for consolidating military and Islamist control rather than pursuing genuine reform.

Military crisis: a prominent commander killed and suspicions of Treason

The ongoing war continues to shape the political landscape. On 30 May, Major General Ihab Mohamed Youssef Al-Tayeb – commander of Kordofan operations and a chemical weapons expert – was killed along with several senior officers in clashes in Al-Khuwei, West Kordofan.

According to Idraak newspaper, General Ihab had overseen weapons deals with Iran, making him a high-value target. His death sparked suspicions of internal betrayal or security breaches, with some blaming fighters from the Zaghawa tribe, a key ally of the army. Reports emerged that the commander of the joint force, Abdullah Janna, had been detained amid rumours of his death, further escalating tensions within the military coalition.

Despite the Zaghawa’s role in supporting the army, their fighters reportedly feel marginalised and treated as second-class citizens within military and civilian institutions. These tensions peaked following the detention of Zaghawa commander Abdullah Janna in Kordofan, suspected of involvement in the ambush that killed General Ihab, allegedly after disclosing the location of a high-level military meeting he failed to attend.

The arrest has raised fears of a rupture in the army-Zaghawa alliance, prompting some factions to reconsider their positions at a time when Sudan faces mounting political and security threats. Such a situation threatens the cohesion of the alliance with the army. This sense of exclusion exacerbates tensions and may prompt some factions to re-evaluate their alliances, especially in light of recent military losses in Darfur and Kordofan.

Humanitarian catastrophe and targeting of aid

The humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Over 14 million people have been displaced, and 25.6 million face extreme hunger – including 755,000 in famine conditions – according to the UN’s 2025 report.

On 2 June, a humanitarian convoy operated by the World Food Programme and UNICEF was attacked by a drone near Al-Koma in North Darfur, killing five people and destroying vital supplies.

Both UN agencies condemned the attack, stating that the convoy’s route had been coordinated with warring parties. Sudanese media, including Al-Rakoba, pointed fingers at the Sudanese army, while the RSF condemned the strike, underscoring the ongoing battle over narratives and control.

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