Sudan Opposition Leaders, Army Rulers Ink Power Sharing Deal

By Staff, Agencies

Sudan's protesters and ruling generals Wednesday inked a power sharing deal, paving the way for a civilian administration, a key demand of demonstrators since president Omar al-Bashir was deposed in April.

The two sides – representatives from the military council and the Forces for Declaration of Freedom and Change – signed a so-called political declaration, one of two documents that are part of the deal, at a ceremony in Khartoum.

The other document, a constitutional declaration, is likely to be signed within days, perhaps as early as Friday.

The signing is a key step in Sudan’s transition after months of street protests that prompted the military to oust autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir and take over the country in April. But the protesters, though initially cheering al-Bashir’s ouster, remained on the streets for several weeks, demanding the military hand over power to a civilian authority.

Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the military council, hailed the signing as a “historical moment in Sudan” as representatives of both sides shook hands.

Wednesday’s development came after intensive efforts and pressure form regional and international powers. The African Union and Ethiopia led the diplomatic mediation, following the deadly break-up of the Khartoum protest camp in June.