Sudan’s new Prime Minister Kamil Idris has made history by naming Lemia Abdel Ghaffar Khalafallah as the country’s first woman to serve as Minister of Cabinet Affairs. The appointment, part of a broader shake-up announced on Sunday, is seen as a key step in shaping what Idris has described as a “government of hope.”

Khalafallah, formerly Secretary-General of the National Population Council, was dismissed from that position in November 2019 by then-Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, amid efforts to remove officials linked to the regime of ousted President Omer al-Bashir. Her return to government in such a high-profile role marks a significant milestone in Sudan’s political landscape.

The announcement formed part of a wider decree that introduced five ministers and three ministers of state, nearly completing a 22-member cabinet composed of independent professionals.

Alongside Khalafallah’s appointment, Al-Mutasim Ibrahim, who previously chaired the University of Shendi’s council, has been named Minister of Energy. Ahmed al-Dirdiri Ghandour takes on the role of Minister of Digital Transformation and Communications.

Al-Tohami Al-Zain Hajar has returned as Minister of Education and National Pedagogy, having held the role in a prior administration. Ahmed Adam Ahmed, a specialist in sports and physical education, was selected as Minister of Youth and Sports.

Three new ministers of state were also announced. Sulaima Ishaq, head of Sudan’s unit to combat violence against women and children, joins as Minister of State at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare. Mohamed Nour Abdel Dayem, who was Deputy Auditor General during al-Bashir’s rule, is now Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance. Omer Siddig, Sudan’s current Ambassador to China and veteran diplomat, becomes Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.