The African Union Commission has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Kamil al-Tayeb Idris as Sudan’s new civilian Prime Minister, describing it as a significant step toward restoring constitutional order and advancing democratic governance in the country.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, praised the development as a long-awaited move toward inclusive governance, especially amid the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He urged all stakeholders in Sudan to build on this momentum and commit to a peaceful, civilian-led, and representative transition process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
Dr. Idris, a renowned international law expert and former Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was officially appointed on 19 May 2025 by Sudan’s Sovereign Council. The council granted him full executive powers to dissolve the current caretaker government and form a new one, making him the first fully empowered Prime Minister since the resignation of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok in early 2022.
His appointment follows the African Union’s continued insistence that Sudan’s full membership in the continental body remains suspended until a credible civilian government is re-established. The AU’s founding charter prohibits military-led changes in governance, and the October 2021 coup had resulted in Sudan’s suspension from the Union.
The AU Chairperson reiterated the Commission’s readiness to support Sudan in cooperation with regional and international partners and emphasized the AU’s commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and stability. He also called for sustained dialogue and inclusive decision-making to ensure peace, development, and lasting democratic governance.
Observers say the appointment of Dr. Idris—whose career parallels that of former PM Hamdok in terms of international experience and reformist ideology—could mark a turning point if backed by genuine political will and societal consensus.
While the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, the African Union’s endorsement signals cautious optimism that Sudan may finally be entering a new chapter in its transition toward civilian rule.