Sudan’s West Darfur State has graduated a new cohort of administrative officers following academic and military training covering strategic planning, administration, public financial management and criminal justice, in a move aimed at addressing shortages of administrative personnel and strengthening local governance institutions across the state.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the head of the West Darfur Civil Administration, Tigani Al-Tahir Karshoum, said the war had resulted in the loss of a number of civil service personnel, leaving a vacuum within state institutions.
“The graduation of the administrative officers was intended to provide qualified personnel capable of assuming responsibilities at the local-government level, adding that the state was working to lay the foundations for local governance and consolidate decentralized administration,” he said. “The centralization of resource management and community affairs had been among the factors contributing to Sudan’s problems.”
Karshoum called for the establishment of a state in which all citizens enjoy equal rights and people from marginalized areas participate in governance, while also opposing favoritism and patronage.
He urged the newly graduated officers to uphold justice, redress grievances, focus on essential services—particularly education and healthcare—and promote social cohesion and unity.
Karshoum also accused the Port Sudan-based government of pursuing policies aimed at fragmenting society, arguing that the practice of dividing marginalized communities along tribal lines should come to an end.
He thanked the selection committee, lecturers, facilitators, and trainers for their role in preparing what he described as leaders.
The Minister of Investment in the Transitional Peace Government said the graduation marked the beginning of a new phase in efforts to establish the Sudanese state, stressing the significant responsibilities placed on the administrative officers.
“The government was working towards building a state founded on transparency, justice, freedom and strong institutions, while criticizing the previous regime, which he said had remained in power for more than 37 years and negatively affected state institutions,” he said.
He urged the graduates to adopt the mindset of public servants whose primary responsibility is to serve citizens, rather than viewing their positions as placing them above the people.
He called on them to perform their duties with integrity and transparency and to treat citizens equally.
Meanwhile, West Darfur State Secretary-General Khalil Hamid Daqrushu said the state needed qualified administrative personnel with the competence, integrity and capacity to navigate complex circumstances while placing the interests of citizens above all other considerations.
“The administrative officers represent one of the main points through which citizens encounter the state, adding that the state was counting on young people and newly trained professionals to build an administrative system capable of addressing challenges, improving government performance and strengthening a culture of institutional work,” he said.
He added that the new cadre could also contribute to security, stability and development in the state.
Daqrushu urged the administrative officers to demonstrate responsibility, patience and wisdom, work collectively, safeguard official information, protect the dignity of citizens and comply with the laws, regulations and procedures governing public service.
and then