facebooktwittertelegramwhatsapp
copy short urlprintemail
+ A
A -
webmaster
AFP
Khartoum
Rapturous crowds filled the streets of Khartoum on Saturday as Sudan’s generals and protest leaders signed a historic deal paving the way for civilian rule.
Thousands of cheering people gathered around the Friendship Hall next to the Nile, where the documents that will govern the country’s 39-month transition were signed.
“This is the biggest celebration I have ever seen in my country. We have a new Sudan,” said Saba Mohammed, a veiled 37-year-old woman, waving a small plastic flag.
Minutes earlier, the deal had been signed by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, deputy chief of the military council, and Ahmed al Rabie, representing the Alliance for Freedom and Change protest umbrella.
Heads of state, prime ministers and dignitaries from several countries — including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Egypt’s premier Mustafa Madbuli — attended the ceremony.
The constitutional declaration formalises the creation of a transition administration that will be guided by an 11-member sovereign council, comprising six civilians and five military figures.
After brandishing a signed green book containing the transition documents, protest leader Mohamed Naji al Assam called on the military council to work “together to establish a sustainable democracy”.
The agreement brought an end to nearly eight months of upheaval that saw masses mobilise against president Omar al Bashir, who was ousted in April after 30 years in power.
copy short url   Copy
18/08/2019
721