Ever since Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has pledged to be at an equal distance from the people, news have made the rounds on the appointment of former Wali (governor) of North Kordofan State Ahmed Haroun as acting head of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP). However, the decision on granting Haroun the President’s powers was only announced late Thursday, following a prolonged meeting of the party’s leadership chaired by Bashir. The President’s move, albeit tactically, to step down from the party’s presidency has raised controversy. Haroun’s remarks after his appointment made the issue even more ambiguous. Following the meeting, he told reporters that the party’s leaders were briefed by Bashir on the country’s political situation, and then were informed of delegating Haroun with the Presidents powers in order to be able to carry out his national duties and organizational work. The party leadership expressed understanding of the President’s move and readiness to arrange and adjust the partys situation to ensure it contributes positively to Bashir’s decision, Haroun added. Spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association Mohamed al-Asbat said Bashir wants to surround himself with his supporters rather than relying on a military team. This change also includes an “intimidation message” to protesters and rebels that his team has a history of “ending conflicts violently regardless of local or international charges against them,” he stressed. Like Bashir, Haroun has an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court.