IGAD welcomes Kamil El-Tayeb’s appointment as Sudan’s PM, urges inclusive dialogue

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu. (Photo: IGAD)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Wednesday, May 21, 2025

The position had remained unfilled since January 2022, when civilian leader Abdalla Hamdok resigned in the wake of a military coup orchestrated by al-Burhan in October 2021.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed the appointment of Dr Kamil El-Tayeb Idris as the new Prime Minister of Sudan.

Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman and the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, made the appointment on Monday.

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Kamil's appointment comes nearly three weeks after al-Burhan named Dafallah al-Haj Ali as acting Prime Minister and Minister for Cabinet Affairs. The position had remained unfilled since January 2022, when civilian leader Abdalla Hamdok resigned in the wake of a military coup orchestrated by al-Burhan in October 2021.

"The chairman of the sovereignty council issued a constitutional decree appointing Kamil El-Tayeb Idris Abdelhafiz as prime minister," a statement from Sudan's ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council said.

In a statement on Wednesday, IGAD's Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu lauded the appointment and expressed optimism that it could mark a turning point for Sudan, which has been embroiled in civil war for the past three years.

Inclusive political process

"The Executive Secretary hopes that this appointment will mark a meaningful step toward reviving an inclusive political process, and urges all Sudanese stakeholders to engage in broad-based national consultations aimed at restoring constitutional governance, forging peace, and laying the foundation for a stable and democratic Sudan," said Workneh.

The IGAD boss also reiterated the regional body's call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end civilian suffering, facilitate humanitarian access and create conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations.

"Silencing the guns is essential to ending civilian suffering, enabling humanitarian access, and creating an environment conducive to dialogue," Workneh said.

"IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and stability of Sudan, and stands ready to support efforts toward a peaceful, democratic, and sustainable future," he added.

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations (UN) have similarly welcomed Kamil's appointment.

AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the appointment "will contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to restore constitutional order and democratic governance in Sudan."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he " hopes the appointment will serve as the first step towards inclusive consultations aimed at forming a broad-based technocratic government and forging peace."