After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-welcomes-sudan-power-sharing-deal-as-important-step-forward-233635">first step towards a democratic transition</a>, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

"The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank.

Sudan's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-council-opposition-reach-power-sharing-agreement-233296">military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal</a> in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body.

That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators.

The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising.

Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid.

Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters.

The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats.

"Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP.

On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders.

The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change.

A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement.

'Giant red flag '

Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal.

"The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London.

"It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future."

Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms.

Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis.

One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament.

Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks.

"Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell.

"Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come."

'Huge responsibility'

Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments".

Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed.

"Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP.

"The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation."

The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats.

Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis.

"The economic situation is very difficult," he said.

"This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread."

Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11.&nbsp;

And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf.

"The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said.

"They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge. "The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank. Sudan's ruling military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body. That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators. The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising. Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid. Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters. The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats. "Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP. On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders. The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change. A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement. 'Giant red flag ' Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal. "The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London. "It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future." Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms. Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis. One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament. Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks. "Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell. "Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come." 'Huge responsibility' Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments". Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed. "Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP. "The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation." The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats. Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis. "The economic situation is very difficult," he said. "This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread." Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11. And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf. "The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said. "They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

Sudan deal first step to transition but challenges lie ahead

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday and dissolved the government in an effort to quell weeks of demonstrations that have rocked his iron-fisted rule.

Deadly protests have broken out across the east African country since the government tripled the price of bread on December 19, with demonstrators accusing the government of mismanaging the nation's economy and calling on the veteran leader to step down.

"I announce imposing a state of emergency across the country for one year," Bashir said in a televised address to the nation from the presidential palace in Khartoum.&nbsp;

"I announce dissolving the government at the federal level and at the provincial levels," he added.

Protest organisers vowed to press on with their demonstrations until Bashir steps down.

"We are calling on our people to continue with demonstrations until the main aim of this uprising, which is the stepping down of the regime chief, is achieved," said the Sudanese Professionals Association which is spearheading the campaign, just after Bashir announced a state of emergency.

Late on Friday, crowds of protesters took to the streets in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, but were quickly confronted with tear gas by riot police, witnesses said.

Hours after he made his announcements, Bashir issued two presidential decrees appointing 16 army officers and two security officers as new governors for the country's 18 provinces.

He also announced that five members of the outgoing cabinet, including ministers for foreign affairs, defence and justice, would retain their portfolios.

Soaring inflation&nbsp;

Bashir has remained defiant in the face of demonstrations, dismissing protesters' calls for him to step down after three decades in power.

Demonstrations first erupted in the farming town of Atbara but the rallies swiftly mushroomed into a major challenge to Bashir's rule.

Officials say 31 people have died in the violence while Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed including medics and children.

The country's feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has launched a sweeping crackdown to quell the protests, jailing hundreds of protesters, opposition leaders, activists and journalists.

Bashir, 75, swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 that overthrew the elected government of then premier Sadiq al-Mahdi.

It is not the first time Bashir has imposed a nationwide emergency. He did so in December 1999 when a political crisis erupted after he broke away with his then mentor Islamist Hassan al-Turabi.&nbsp;

'Difficult situation'&nbsp;

On Friday, he said he had asked to postpone meetings of a parliamentary panel that was set up to look into amending the country's constitution to allow a third presidential term. He did not elaborate.

Bashir is considering running for a third term after he was chosen as a candidate by his ruling National Congress Party for the election due next year.

Sudan's financial woes were long a cause of popular frustration before the anger spilt onto the streets after the bread price hike.

Soaring inflation along with acute foreign currency shortages have battered the economy, especially after the independence of South Sudan in 2011 took away the bulk of oil earnings.

"Our country is suffering from a difficult and complicated situation, the most difficult in its history," said Bashir, dressed in a turban and traditional Sudanese robe, in front of a group of advisers and outgoing ministers.

"The economic issue needs to be tackled by qualified people and for this I will form a government made of people of quality," he said.

The protest campaign has emerged as the biggest challenge the veteran leader has faced.

From the provinces to the streets of the capital, the demonstrations have spread through villages, towns and cities across the country.

They have drawn in a cross section of society including middle-class professionals, agricultural labourers, youths and Bashir's political opponents -- with thousands of women and men rallying across the country on some days.&nbsp;

Only the three conflict zones of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan have remained largely untouched.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and genocide arising out of the long-running conflict in Darfur. He denies the charges.

Protest organisers have called on political groups to join their movement by signing a "Document for Freedom and Change".

The text outlines a post-Bashir plan including rebuilding Sudan's justice system and halting the country's dire economic decline, the key reason for the nationwide demonstrations.

Bashir has countered the anti-government demonstrations with his own rallies, promising economic development and promoting peace.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday and dissolved the government in an effort to quell weeks of demonstrations that have rocked his iron-fisted rule.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a nationwide state of emergency on Friday and dissolved the government in an effort to quell weeks of demonstrations that have rocked his iron-fisted rule. Deadly protests have broken out across the east African country since the government tripled the price of bread on December 19, with demonstrators accusing the government of mismanaging the nation's economy and calling on the veteran leader to step down. "I announce imposing a state of emergency across the country for one year," Bashir said in a televised address to the nation from the presidential palace in Khartoum. "I announce dissolving the government at the federal level and at the provincial levels," he added. Protest organisers vowed to press on with their demonstrations until Bashir steps down. "We are calling on our people to continue with demonstrations until the main aim of this uprising, which is the stepping down of the regime chief, is achieved," said the Sudanese Professionals Association which is spearheading the campaign, just after Bashir announced a state of emergency. Late on Friday, crowds of protesters took to the streets in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, but were quickly confronted with tear gas by riot police, witnesses said. Hours after he made his announcements, Bashir issued two presidential decrees appointing 16 army officers and two security officers as new governors for the country's 18 provinces. He also announced that five members of the outgoing cabinet, including ministers for foreign affairs, defence and justice, would retain their portfolios. Soaring inflation Bashir has remained defiant in the face of demonstrations, dismissing protesters' calls for him to step down after three decades in power. Demonstrations first erupted in the farming town of Atbara but the rallies swiftly mushroomed into a major challenge to Bashir's rule. Officials say 31 people have died in the violence while Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed including medics and children. The country's feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has launched a sweeping crackdown to quell the protests, jailing hundreds of protesters, opposition leaders, activists and journalists. Bashir, 75, swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 that overthrew the elected government of then premier Sadiq al-Mahdi. It is not the first time Bashir has imposed a nationwide emergency. He did so in December 1999 when a political crisis erupted after he broke away with his then mentor Islamist Hassan al-Turabi. 'Difficult situation' On Friday, he said he had asked to postpone meetings of a parliamentary panel that was set up to look into amending the country's constitution to allow a third presidential term. He did not elaborate. Bashir is considering running for a third term after he was chosen as a candidate by his ruling National Congress Party for the election due next year. Sudan's financial woes were long a cause of popular frustration before the anger spilt onto the streets after the bread price hike. Soaring inflation along with acute foreign currency shortages have battered the economy, especially after the independence of South Sudan in 2011 took away the bulk of oil earnings. "Our country is suffering from a difficult and complicated situation, the most difficult in its history," said Bashir, dressed in a turban and traditional Sudanese robe, in front of a group of advisers and outgoing ministers. "The economic issue needs to be tackled by qualified people and for this I will form a government made of people of quality," he said. The protest campaign has emerged as the biggest challenge the veteran leader has faced. From the provinces to the streets of the capital, the demonstrations have spread through villages, towns and cities across the country. They have drawn in a cross section of society including middle-class professionals, agricultural labourers, youths and Bashir's political opponents -- with thousands of women and men rallying across the country on some days. Only the three conflict zones of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan have remained largely untouched. Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and genocide arising out of the long-running conflict in Darfur. He denies the charges. Protest organisers have called on political groups to join their movement by signing a "Document for Freedom and Change". The text outlines a post-Bashir plan including rebuilding Sudan's justice system and halting the country's dire economic decline, the key reason for the nationwide demonstrations. Bashir has countered the anti-government demonstrations with his own rallies, promising economic development and promoting peace.

President Bashir declares year-long state of emergency across Sudan

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Sudan deal first step to transition but challenges lie ahead

President Bashir declares year-long state of emergency across Sudan