Khartoum – Sudan Now
Sudan’s Council of Ministers has approved the Darfur Regional Governance Bill for 2026, marking a significant step toward implementing governance arrangements envisioned under previous peace agreements for the conflict-affected region.
The bill was approved during the cabinet’s regular meeting in Khartoum chaired by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, following its presentation by Justice Minister Abdullah Mohamed Draf, according to the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA).
Prime Minister Idris stressed the importance of strengthening national unity and social cohesion among Sudan’s diverse communities and regions, describing Darfur as an integral part of Sudan and emphasizing the need to reinforce unity during the country’s ongoing conflict.
Darfur has remained at the center of Sudan’s political and security challenges for more than two decades. The region witnessed a devastating conflict that began in 2003 and later became a key component of successive peace negotiations, including the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement, which provided for regional governance arrangements and political representation.
The prime minister also called for greater integration among Sudan’s tribal and social groups, saying national solidarity remains essential to preserving stability and addressing the country’s current challenges.
Darfur Regional Governor Minni Arko Minnawi welcomed the cabinet’s approval of the legislation, describing it as a long-awaited development after years of discussion and political deliberations.
In a post published on his official social media account following the cabinet decision, Minnawi said the law had been approved after remaining under consideration for four years.
The approval comes amid ongoing debate over governance structures and power-sharing arrangements in Sudan, as political actors continue to discuss the future administration of regions affected by conflict and displacement.
Darfur remains one of the areas most heavily affected by the war that erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The conflict has displaced millions of people across Sudan, while fighting in parts of Darfur has triggered repeated humanitarian and security concerns.
The newly approved legislation is expected to provide a legal framework for the administration of Darfur and could become a key component of broader efforts aimed at strengthening regional governance and implementing provisions linked to previous peace agreements.
