Completing the State Institutions… An Awaited Step| Sudanow Magazine

Calls to Expedite the Formation of Parliament and State Councils

Establishing Independent National Commissions… An Imperative

Dr. Abdel-Azim: Consolidating Military Gains Requires Strong and Effective Institutions

Coinciding with the advances achieved by the Armed Forces, the Joint Forces, and the supporting forces across various fronts and battlefields in Kordofan, Darfur, and the Blue Nile, calls have intensified from political forces, academic elites, and strategic experts for Sudan to move into a new phase centered on completing the construction of state institutions.

They argue that consolidating military gains cannot be achieved without building constitutional, legislative, and oversight institutions capable of managing the post-war phase, strengthening the rule of law, and launching a national reconstruction project.

They stressed the need for the country's leadership to move forward with completing Sudan's governance structures following the formation of the Constitutional Court. This includes establishing the National Parliament, the Council of States, state legislative councils, and independent national commissions, considering these institutions no less important than the military successes achieved on the ground.

The Beginning of a New Phase

Observers believe that completing the membership of the Constitutional Court represented a pivotal step in rebuilding state institutions after years of institutional vacuum imposed by the complexities of the transitional period and the war.

The Constitutional Court is responsible for safeguarding the constitutional document, adjudicating constitutional disputes, and protecting rights and freedoms. Observers emphasize that, despite its importance, this step should not be the end of the process, but rather the beginning of completing the remaining constitutional institutions upon which a modern state is built.

This would ensure an integrated system of governance and a proper distribution of powers among the executive, legislative, and oversight authorities on firm institutional foundations.

Legislative and Oversight Cover

Those concerned with public affairs place the formation of the National Parliament among the foremost priorities of the coming phase. Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, overseeing executive performance, and debating the state's public policies.

According to observers, the existence of an effective legislative authority would provide the government with political and constitutional support in managing domestic and foreign affairs and strengthen the legitimacy of major decisions, particularly those related to reconstruction, economic reform, and post-war arrangements.

A Voice for the Regions

The importance of the Council of States lies in its role as an institution representing the interests of the regions and advocating for their concerns in a country such as Sudan, characterized by significant geographical and social diversity.

Its existence is therefore considered essential for strengthening national participation and improving relations between the central government and the states.

Specialists believe that the war has exposed an urgent need for institutions capable of accommodating Sudan's diversity and providing an institutional platform for addressing development, services, and reconstruction in conflict-affected states, thereby contributing to national unity and political stability.

A Partner in Oversight and Development

Across Sudan's various states, calls are growing for the rapid formation of state legislative councils so that they can perform their role in overseeing executive performance, approving local legislation, and monitoring the implementation of development and service plans.

Observers believe that the presence of these councils would strengthen transparency and accountability while allowing broader participation by community forces and local stakeholders in decision-making, ultimately contributing to improved government performance at the state level.

Pillars of the Modern State

The demands are not limited to legislative institutions. They also extend to completing the establishment of independent national commissions, which represent some of the key pillars of a modern state.

These include the Anti-Corruption Commission, Civil Service Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Electoral Commission, alongside commissions concerned with administrative reform, transitional justice, and national reconciliation.

Specialists believe that the coming phase requires the activation of strategically important national institutions, such as an Economic and Social Council, a Supreme Council for Local Governance, and a National Reconstruction Council.

Such institutions would ensure scientific planning, coordinate government efforts, and mobilize national and international resources to rebuild what the war has destroyed.

Experts also point out that the successful performance of state institutions would send reassuring messages to investors and regional and international partners that Sudan is entering a more stable phase, thereby helping attract the support needed for reconstruction and economic recovery after years of war.

Completing the Justice System

Legal experts believe that completing the justice institutions should not stop at the Constitutional Court. It should also include supporting the Higher Judicial Council, strengthening the Public Prosecution, and developing law-enforcement institutions.

These measures would enable the state to deal effectively with the issues generated by the war, consolidate the rule of law, deliver justice, and protect rights.

They emphasize that building strong justice institutions is one of the most important foundations for restoring citizens' confidence in state institutions and sending positive messages to the regional and international community regarding Sudan's commitment to establishing a state governed by law.

The Battle for Institutions

Media expert and journalist Dr. Abdel-Azim Awad believes that Sudan is now standing at a decisive juncture that requires moving from managing the state through mechanisms imposed by wartime circumstances toward completing the institutional construction of the state.

Dr. Abdel-Azim stressed that the achievements on various battlefronts have restored confidence in the ability of state institutions to regain the initiative. This makes it necessary for civilian institutions to keep pace with developments on the ground so that citizens can see military victories translated directly into improved administration, better services, and respect for the rule of law.

He emphasized that the battle to build institutions is no less important than the battle to reclaim territory, as both serve one overarching objective: restoring the Sudanese state with all of its functions.

He noted that the formation of the Constitutional Court represents an important step, but it must be followed by similar steps to complete the remaining institutions of government, including the National Parliament, Council of States, state legislative councils, and national commissions.

He said these entities are not merely formal institutions; rather, they are constitutional instruments that contribute to decision-making, legislation, oversight of executive performance, and the provision of political and legal support for the government, thereby enhancing its ability to manage national affairs efficiently.

He further noted that international experiences demonstrate that consolidating military gains requires strong institutions capable of managing the post-war phase and transforming military victory into sustainable political and developmental stability.

An Important Conclusion

Whatever the case may be, the developments taking place across the country's various fronts and battlefields are opening a genuine window for Sudan to enter a new phase centered on completing the construction of the state and its institutions.

If the Armed Forces, the Joint Forces, and supporting forces have succeeded in reclaiming large areas of territory and securing a number of strategic locations, the next challenge lies in consolidating a state based on institutions, so that military gains can be transformed into lasting political, economic, and developmental stability.

The Constitutional Court represents an important beginning, but it is not the end of the road. There remains a pressing need for an effective parliament, a Council of States, state legislative councils, independent commissions, and integrated judicial and oversight institutions.

Such a framework would strengthen the rule of law, enhance citizens' confidence, and pave the way for a broad national reconstruction project.

Thus, the battle to reclaim the land and the battle to build the state can converge into a single path leading Sudan toward security, stability, renaissance, development, and reconstruction.

O my homeland… may you remain safe and steadfast. Tomorrow, we shall achieve a brighter future of hope.

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