Sudanese Finance Minister Dr. Jibril Ibrahim has expressed support for the appointment of a new civilian Prime Minister, highlighting its significance for the country's transition to civil governance.

In an interview, Ibrahim, who leads the Justice and Equality Movement—one of the factions involved in the Juba Peace Agreement signed in October 2020—stated that Prime Minister Kamel Idris requires extensive and prompt consultations to form his cabinet.

Ibrahim noted that Idris might resort to a partial cabinet announcement, particularly concerning ministries allocated to the signatories of the peace agreement, as well as the ministries of Interior and Defense, which are chosen by representatives of the armed forces within the Sovereignty Council.

This maneuver, as per Ibrahim, aims to fill current gaps in the executive branch and provides the Prime Minister with broader opportunities to form a government representing all states of Sudan.

The peace agreement explicitly stipulates that peace partners retain their allocated ministerial positions until the end of the transitional period.

It permits these parties to adjust their representation in the government as desired.

The transitional period has been extended to 39 months through amendments to the constitutional document, thereby prolonging the Juba Peace Agreement's validity, including certain aspects like transitional justice and the reconstruction of Darfur that extend beyond this period.

Addressing the issue of funding for Darfur, Ibrahim indicated that no financial resources had been allocated to the region due to the ongoing conflict.

He acknowledged the severe conditions in El Fasher, Darfur’s capital, where the Rapid Support Forces have imposed a blockade for over a year, leading to a decrease in the civilian population due to starvation tactics.

In terms of international response to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Ibrahim stated that the United Nations has not adequately addressed the hunger crisis in El Fasher despite Security Council resolutions demanding the blockade be lifted.

International organizations have faced significant challenges reaching El Fasher due to violent resistance from the Rapid Support Forces, including recent incidents where humanitarian aid convoys have been targeted.

The Sudanese military has made significant territorial gains since September of the previous year, particularly in and around Khartoum.

However, recent setbacks in combat situations, particularly in Kordofan, have occurred due to the fluid nature of warfare, according to Ibrahim, who reaffirmed the military's commitment to reclaiming Darfur.

Concerns related to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese military were dismissed by Ibrahim as unfounded, suggesting that a credible international investigative committee could verify these claims.

He acknowledged the presence of foreign fighters within the Rapid Support Forces and implicates them in recent attacks.

The potential for negotiations to resolve the ongoing crisis was also discussed.

Despite government forces expressing willingness to negotiate, Ibrahim asserted that talks should be directed toward those who support the Rapid Support Forces rather than the group itself.

The possibility of a new joint initiative from Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey was proposed as a more favorable context for resolution compared to individual efforts.

Lastly, while there are concerns about famine and agricultural setbacks during the rainy season, Ibrahim asserted that food shortages are localized, primarily in areas affected by the blockade.

He mentioned ongoing efforts to support agriculture, including securing seeds and fertilizers through international organizations, emphasizing the importance of upcoming agricultural seasons in mitigating food insecurity.