Sudanese Council of Ministers: Approves Sudan Higher Council Hajj Umrah Bill 2026

• The Sudanese Council of Ministers approved the Higher Council for Hajj and Umrah Amendment Bill, 2026, presented by the Minister of Justice.
• The Cabinet also endorsed a national plan for urgent road maintenance and rehabilitation across Sudan, targeting critical infrastructure repairs.
• Significant attention was given to the "Water and Power for All Sudanese" solar energy initiative, including efforts to regulate imports and promote domestic manufacturing.
• Ministers received updates on ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, and corruption, alongside a project for establishing livestock production cities.
• Arrangements are underway to publish information on over 17,000 stolen vehicles documented by the Ministry of Justice, in coordination with relevant digital and traffic authorities.

A significant legislative step was taken with the approval of the Sudan Higher Council for Hajj and Umrah Amendment Bill, 2026, presented by the Minister of Justice.

The Sudanese Council of Ministers, during its regular session in Khartoum on Monday, made several key approvals impacting national governance and infrastructure. A significant legislative step was taken with the approval of the Sudan Higher Council for Hajj and Umrah Amendment Bill, 2026, presented by the Minister of Justice, Dr. Abdalla Mohamed Dirif. This endorsement signals the government's commitment to refining the regulatory framework for religious pilgrimages, ensuring a structured approach to these important national and religious undertakings. The bill's passage underscores the Cabinet's focus on modernizing administrative processes and legal frameworks.

Further bolstering national development, the Cabinet also gave its assent to an implementation plan for the Urgent National Project for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation in Sudan. This comprehensive initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, aims to address critical deficiencies across the nation's transportation network. The project's scope includes the repair of collapsed road sections, the remediation of potholes and cracks, and improvements to drainage and flood channels. Additionally, it targets the rehabilitation of vital city entrances and the crucial roads that connect various states and production areas, underscoring a focus on both urban and economic connectivity. To ensure the successful execution of this ambitious undertaking, the Council of Ministers directed the formation of a dedicated committee. This body is tasked with assessing the necessary machinery and other requirements for the project, as well as securing the requisite financial resources for its implementation.

A substantial portion of the Cabinet's discussions centered on advancing the nation's energy agenda, particularly through solar power. Minister of Energy, Engineer Al-Mo'tasem Ibrahim, provided an update on the progress of the "Water and Power for All Sudanese" project, highlighting its status as a national priority. This briefing also detailed practical measures being implemented to exempt solar energy systems intended for citizens' personal use from certain charges, aiming to make renewable energy more accessible. Preparations for an upcoming international conference, scheduled for later this month, which will focus on investment opportunities within the solar energy sector, were also outlined.

Dr. Graham Abdel-Gadir, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, conveyed the Cabinet's strong emphasis on the solar energy project's pivotal role. Ministers underscored its potential to significantly enhance citizens' quality of life and provide crucial support to productive sectors, including agriculture and industry. In a move to streamline the adoption of solar technology, the Cabinet reviewed ongoing efforts by the Customs Authority and the Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) to regulate and facilitate the procedures for importing solar energy systems. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance and the SSMO received a directive to accelerate the establishment of an additional, advanced laboratory. This facility is intended to rigorously test imported solar energy equipment, ensuring strict compliance with established quality and technical standards. The government also tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Customs Authority and the SSMO, with engaging business leaders and the private sector to explore and promote the domestic manufacturing of solar panels, signaling a strategic push towards self-sufficiency in renewable energy technology.

Beyond legislative approvals and energy initiatives, the Cabinet addressed a range of other critical national issues, including efforts to enhance security and stimulate key economic sectors. Dr. Graham Abdel-Gadir reported that ministers reviewed positive developments and ongoing efforts in the fight against smuggling, drug trafficking, and corruption, indicating a sustained governmental focus on these challenges.

In the realm of economic development, Professor Ahmed Al-Tijani Al-Mansouri, Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, briefed the Council on a significant project aimed at establishing livestock production cities across various states. This initiative points to a strategic effort to modernize and expand the nation's animal husbandry sector. Separately, the Minister of Justice, Dr. Abdalla Mohamed Dirif, brought attention to a pressing issue concerning public order: the accumulation of over 17,000 stolen vehicles in public yards and squares. He confirmed that data for more than 9,000 of these vehicles has already been meticulously documented. To facilitate their identification and return, arrangements are currently underway to publish comprehensive information on the collected and registered vehicles via an electronic platform, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Communications and the General Traffic Directorate.

The regular meeting of the Council of Ministers in Khartoum, presided over by Prime Minister Professor Kamil Idris, served as a comprehensive forum for reviewing and advancing diverse national priorities. This Monday session brought together key ministers to deliberate on a wide array of issues, reflecting the government's multi-faceted approach to governance and development.

From critical legislative amendments to ambitious infrastructure projects and strategic economic initiatives, the agenda reflected a broad governmental commitment to addressing both immediate challenges and long-term development goals. The discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors, from energy and transport to justice and economic production, all aimed at improving the lives of Sudanese citizens and fostering national progress.

Source: Original reporting via SNA