Momentous developments across North and East Africa suggest the long-drawn-out process of political transition in the region — as well as the Middle East — is still in its infancy. So too does popular discontent in Syria, despite eight years of war, as well as in Egypt, notwithstanding a 2013 military coup that rolled back the advances of protests in 2011 that toppled President Hosni Mubarak.

What developments across North Africa and the Middle East demonstrate is that the drivers of the 2011 Arab Spring that swept the region and forced the leaders of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen to resign not only still exist, but constitute black swans that can upset the apple cart at any moment. The situation also suggests that the regional struggle between forces of change and ancient régimes and militaries backed by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is far from decided. 
 
Algeria and Sudan

If anything, protesters in Algeria and Sudan have learned something from the failed 2011 results: Don’t trust militaries, even if they seemingly align themselves with demonstrators, and don’t surrender the street until protester demands have been met. Distrust of the military has prompted an increasing number of Sudanese protesters to question whether chanting “the people and the army are one” is still appropriate. Slogans such as “freedom, freedom” and “revolution, revolution” alongside calls on the military to protect the protesters have become more frequent.

The protests in Algeria and Sudan have entered a critical phase in which protesters and militaries — worried that they could be held accountable for decades of economic mismanagement, corruption and repression — are tapping in the dark. With protesters emboldened by their initial successes in forcing leaders to resign, both the demonstrators and the militaries, including officers with close ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are internally divided about how to proceed. Moreover, neither side has any real experience in managing the crossroads at which they find themselves, while it is dawning on the militaries that their tired playbooks are not producing results.

In a telling sign, Sudan’s interim leader, Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, praised his country’s “special relationship” with Saudi Arabia and the UAE as he recently met with a Saudi-Emirati delegation at the military compound in Khartoum, a focal point of the protests. Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the protests, in what many suspect is part of an effort to ensure that Sudan does not become a symbol of the power of popular sovereignty and its ability to defeat autocracy.

Syria

The ultimate outcome of the dramatic developments in Algeria and Sudan and how the parties maneuver is likely to have far-reaching consequences in a region pockmarked by powder kegs ready to explode. Mounting anger as fuel shortages caused by Western sanctions against Syria and Iran bring life to a halt have sparked rare and widespread public criticism of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The anger is fueled by reports that government officials cut in line at petrol stations to fill up their tanks and buy rationed cooking gas and take more than is allowed.

Syria is Here, an anonymous Facebook page that reports on economics in government-controlled areas, took officials to task after state-run television showed the oil minister, Suleiman al-Abbas, touring petrol stations that showed no signs of shortage. “Is it so difficult to be transparent and forward? Would that undermine anyone’s prestige? We are a country facing sanctions and boycotted. The public knows and is aware,” the Facebook page charged.

The manager of Hashtag Syria, another Facebook page, was arrested when the site demanded that the oil ministry respond to reports of anticipated price hikes with comments rather than threats. The site charged that the ministry was punishing the manager “instead of dealing with the real problem.” Syrian journalist Danny Makki said, “It [Syria] is a pressure cooker.”

Egypt and Libya 
 
Similarly, authorities in Egypt, despite blocking its website, have been unable to stop an online petition against proposed constitutional amendments that could extend the rule of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi until 2034. The petition, entitled Batel (meaning “void” in Arabic), is, according to Netblocks — a group that maps web freedom — one of an estimated 34,000 websites blocked by Egyptian internet providers in a bid to stymie opposition to the amendments.

President Sisi is a reminder of how far Arab militaries and their Gulf backers are willing to go in defense of their vested interests in a bid to oppose popular sovereignty. Libyan renegade Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar is another. General Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) is attacking the capital Tripoli, the seat of the UN-recognised Libyan government that he and his Emirati, Saudi and Egyptian backers accuse of being dominated by Islamist terrorists.

The three Arab states’ military and financial support of Haftar is but the tip of the iceberg. 
 
The general has modeled his control of much of Libya on Sisi’s example of a military that not only dominates politics, but also the economy. As a result, the LNA is engaged in businesses ranging from waste management, metal scrap and waste export, and agricultural mega projects to the registration of migrant labor workers and control of ports, airports and other infrastructure. The LNA is also eyeing a role in the reconstruction of Benghazi and other war-devastated or underdeveloped regions.

What for now makes 2019 different from 2011 is that both sides of the divide realise that success depends on commitment to be in it for the long haul. Protesters also understand that trust in military assertions of support for the people can be self-defeating. They further grasp that they are up against a regional counterrevolution that has no scruples.

All of that gives today’s protesters a leg up on their counterparts from the Arab Spring of 2011. The jury is out on whether that will prove sufficient to succeed where the people of eight years ago failed. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/arab-world-algeria-sudan-protests-arab-spring-khalifa-haftar-libya-39083/">original article)</a>

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Momentous developments across North and East Africa suggest the long-drawn-out process of political transition in the region — as well as the Middle East — is still in its infancy.

Momentous developments across North and East Africa suggest the long-drawn-out process of political transition in the region — as well as the Middle East — is still in its infancy. So too does popular discontent in Syria, despite eight years of war, as well as in Egypt, notwithstanding a 2013 military coup that rolled back the advances of protests in 2011 that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. What developments across North Africa and the Middle East demonstrate is that the drivers of the 2011 Arab Spring that swept the region and forced the leaders of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen to resign not only still exist, but constitute black swans that can upset the apple cart at any moment. The situation also suggests that the regional struggle between forces of change and ancient régimes and militaries backed by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is far from decided. Algeria and Sudan If anything, protesters in Algeria and Sudan have learned something from the failed 2011 results: Don’t trust militaries, even if they seemingly align themselves with demonstrators, and don’t surrender the street until protester demands have been met. Distrust of the military has prompted an increasing number of Sudanese protesters to question whether chanting “the people and the army are one” is still appropriate. Slogans such as “freedom, freedom” and “revolution, revolution” alongside calls on the military to protect the protesters have become more frequent. The protests in Algeria and Sudan have entered a critical phase in which protesters and militaries — worried that they could be held accountable for decades of economic mismanagement, corruption and repression — are tapping in the dark. With protesters emboldened by their initial successes in forcing leaders to resign, both the demonstrators and the militaries, including officers with close ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are internally divided about how to proceed. Moreover, neither side has any real experience in managing the crossroads at which they find themselves, while it is dawning on the militaries that their tired playbooks are not producing results. In a telling sign, Sudan’s interim leader, Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, praised his country’s “special relationship” with Saudi Arabia and the UAE as he recently met with a Saudi-Emirati delegation at the military compound in Khartoum, a focal point of the protests. Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the protests, in what many suspect is part of an effort to ensure that Sudan does not become a symbol of the power of popular sovereignty and its ability to defeat autocracy. Syria The ultimate outcome of the dramatic developments in Algeria and Sudan and how the parties maneuver is likely to have far-reaching consequences in a region pockmarked by powder kegs ready to explode. Mounting anger as fuel shortages caused by Western sanctions against Syria and Iran bring life to a halt have sparked rare and widespread public criticism of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The anger is fueled by reports that government officials cut in line at petrol stations to fill up their tanks and buy rationed cooking gas and take more than is allowed. Syria is Here, an anonymous Facebook page that reports on economics in government-controlled areas, took officials to task after state-run television showed the oil minister, Suleiman al-Abbas, touring petrol stations that showed no signs of shortage. “Is it so difficult to be transparent and forward? Would that undermine anyone’s prestige? We are a country facing sanctions and boycotted. The public knows and is aware,” the Facebook page charged. The manager of Hashtag Syria, another Facebook page, was arrested when the site demanded that the oil ministry respond to reports of anticipated price hikes with comments rather than threats. The site charged that the ministry was punishing the manager “instead of dealing with the real problem.” Syrian journalist Danny Makki said, “It [Syria] is a pressure cooker.” Egypt and Libya Similarly, authorities in Egypt, despite blocking its website, have been unable to stop an online petition against proposed constitutional amendments that could extend the rule of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi until 2034. The petition, entitled Batel (meaning “void” in Arabic), is, according to Netblocks — a group that maps web freedom — one of an estimated 34,000 websites blocked by Egyptian internet providers in a bid to stymie opposition to the amendments. President Sisi is a reminder of how far Arab militaries and their Gulf backers are willing to go in defense of their vested interests in a bid to oppose popular sovereignty. Libyan renegade Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar is another. General Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) is attacking the capital Tripoli, the seat of the UN-recognised Libyan government that he and his Emirati, Saudi and Egyptian backers accuse of being dominated by Islamist terrorists. The three Arab states’ military and financial support of Haftar is but the tip of the iceberg. The general has modeled his control of much of Libya on Sisi’s example of a military that not only dominates politics, but also the economy. As a result, the LNA is engaged in businesses ranging from waste management, metal scrap and waste export, and agricultural mega projects to the registration of migrant labor workers and control of ports, airports and other infrastructure. The LNA is also eyeing a role in the reconstruction of Benghazi and other war-devastated or underdeveloped regions. What for now makes 2019 different from 2011 is that both sides of the divide realise that success depends on commitment to be in it for the long haul. Protesters also understand that trust in military assertions of support for the people can be self-defeating. They further grasp that they are up against a regional counterrevolution that has no scruples. All of that gives today’s protesters a leg up on their counterparts from the Arab Spring of 2011. The jury is out on whether that will prove sufficient to succeed where the people of eight years ago failed. (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Battle for the future of the Arab World

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 24th 2019

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they had agreed to send Sudan $3 billion worth of aid, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders after protests led to the ousting of president<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-authorities-arrest-members-of-bashirs-party-source-212213"> Omar al-Bashir</a>.&nbsp;

The two Gulf Arab countries will deposit $500 million with the Sudanese central bank and send the rest in the form of food, medicine and petroleum products, their state news agencies said in parallel statements.

The aid comes amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protest-leaders-halt-talks-with-military-212459">wrangling between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and protesters</a> and opposition groups who are demanding that civilians lead a two-year transitional period.

The protesters who have kept up a sit-in outside the Defence Ministry since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cash-worth-113-mn-seized-at-bashirs-home-sudan-army-ruler-212460">Bashir</a> was removed on April 11. They have demonstrated in large numbers over the past three days, pressing for a rapid handover to civilian rule.

TMC head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told state TV that the formation of a joint military-civilian council - one of the activists` demands - was being considered.

"The issue has been put forward for discussion and a vision has yet to be reached," he said.

"The role of the military council complements the uprising and the blessed revolution," said Burhan, adding that the TMC was committed to handing power over to the people.

But a coalition of protesters and opposition groups said the TMC was not serious about handing over power to civilians, describing the council as an "extension of the old regime".

"We have decided to opt for escalation with the military council, not to recognise its legitimacy and to continue the sit-in and escalate the protests on the streets," Mohamed al-Amin Abdel-Aziz, of the Sudanese Professional Association, told one of the largest crowds outside the defence ministry.

KOBAR PRISON&nbsp;

Burhan also confirmed for the first time that Bashir and a number of former officials, including presidential aide Nafie Ali Nafie, acting party head Ahmed Haroun and former first vice president Ali Osman Taha, are being held at a high-security prison in Khartoum North.&nbsp;

"All of them are at Kobar prison," he said, adding that "a large number of symbols of the former regime suspected of corruption will stand trial".&nbsp;

Burhan said authorities had found 7 million euros ($7.8 million) in Bashir`s home, along with $350,000, slightly more than previously reported.&nbsp;

The aid from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is the first major publicly announced assistance to Sudan from Gulf states in several years.&nbsp;

"This is to strengthen its financial position, ease the pressure on the Sudanese pound and increase stability in the exchange rate," the Saudi Press Agency said.

Sudan`s state news agency said the central bank strengthened the Sudanese pound to 45 pounds to the dollar from 47.5, in a measure that coincided with the sharp rise in the price of the pound against the dollar on the parallel market.&nbsp;

The two Gulf states have ties with Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.&nbsp;

Sudan has been suffering from a deepening economic crisis that has caused cash shortages and long queues at bakeries and petrol stations.

Analysts have blamed the crisis on economic mismanagement, corruption, and the impact of US sanctions, as well as the loss of oil revenue when South Sudan seceded in 2011.

In October 2017, the United States lifted some trade and economic sanctions on Sudan, but Sudan remained on the list of countries that the United States considers to be sponsors of terrorism.

Burhan said a committee could travel to the United States for discussions about lifting Sudan from the list by next week. Washington has said Sudan will not be removed from the list as long as the military is in power.

The designation makes Sudan ineligible for desperately needed debt relief and financing from international lenders.&nbsp;

The United States agreed in November to talks with Bashir`s government on how to get Sudan removed from the list, but no resolution was reached before his overthrow.

Over the last few years, Sudan`s cash-short government expanded money supply to cover the cost of expensive subsidies on fuel, wheat and pharmaceuticals, causing annual inflation of 73 per cent and the Sudanese pound to plunge against the dollar.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they had agreed to send Sudan $3 billion worth of aid, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders after protests led to the ousting of president Omar al-Bashir.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they had agreed to send Sudan $3 billion worth of aid, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders after protests led to the ousting of president Omar al-Bashir. The two Gulf Arab countries will deposit $500 million with the Sudanese central bank and send the rest in the form of food, medicine and petroleum products, their state news agencies said in parallel statements. The aid comes amid wrangling between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and protesters and opposition groups who are demanding that civilians lead a two-year transitional period. The protesters who have kept up a sit-in outside the Defence Ministry since Bashir was removed on April 11. They have demonstrated in large numbers over the past three days, pressing for a rapid handover to civilian rule. TMC head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told state TV that the formation of a joint military-civilian council - one of the activists` demands - was being considered. "The issue has been put forward for discussion and a vision has yet to be reached," he said. "The role of the military council complements the uprising and the blessed revolution," said Burhan, adding that the TMC was committed to handing power over to the people. But a coalition of protesters and opposition groups said the TMC was not serious about handing over power to civilians, describing the council as an "extension of the old regime". "We have decided to opt for escalation with the military council, not to recognise its legitimacy and to continue the sit-in and escalate the protests on the streets," Mohamed al-Amin Abdel-Aziz, of the Sudanese Professional Association, told one of the largest crowds outside the defence ministry. KOBAR PRISON Burhan also confirmed for the first time that Bashir and a number of former officials, including presidential aide Nafie Ali Nafie, acting party head Ahmed Haroun and former first vice president Ali Osman Taha, are being held at a high-security prison in Khartoum North. "All of them are at Kobar prison," he said, adding that "a large number of symbols of the former regime suspected of corruption will stand trial". Burhan said authorities had found 7 million euros ($7.8 million) in Bashir`s home, along with $350,000, slightly more than previously reported. The aid from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is the first major publicly announced assistance to Sudan from Gulf states in several years. "This is to strengthen its financial position, ease the pressure on the Sudanese pound and increase stability in the exchange rate," the Saudi Press Agency said. Sudan`s state news agency said the central bank strengthened the Sudanese pound to 45 pounds to the dollar from 47.5, in a measure that coincided with the sharp rise in the price of the pound against the dollar on the parallel market. The two Gulf states have ties with Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. Sudan has been suffering from a deepening economic crisis that has caused cash shortages and long queues at bakeries and petrol stations. Analysts have blamed the crisis on economic mismanagement, corruption, and the impact of US sanctions, as well as the loss of oil revenue when South Sudan seceded in 2011. In October 2017, the United States lifted some trade and economic sanctions on Sudan, but Sudan remained on the list of countries that the United States considers to be sponsors of terrorism. Burhan said a committee could travel to the United States for discussions about lifting Sudan from the list by next week. Washington has said Sudan will not be removed from the list as long as the military is in power. The designation makes Sudan ineligible for desperately needed debt relief and financing from international lenders. The United States agreed in November to talks with Bashir`s government on how to get Sudan removed from the list, but no resolution was reached before his overthrow. Over the last few years, Sudan`s cash-short government expanded money supply to cover the cost of expensive subsidies on fuel, wheat and pharmaceuticals, causing annual inflation of 73 per cent and the Sudanese pound to plunge against the dollar.

Saudi Arabia, UAE to send $3 billion in aid to Sudan

Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-council-committed-to-hand-power-over-to-people-sudans-army-ruler-212378">transfer to civilian rule</a>.

The protest leaders had planned to name members of a civilian body to take over from the ruling military council which took power on April 11 after ousting veteran leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-authorities-arrest-members-of-bashirs-party-source-212213">Omar al-Bashir</a>.

The momentum had been building all day Sunday as a sea of protesters waited outside army headquarters for the planned unveiling of the civilian council, but by nightfall it was clear it would not happen.

"We are suspending our talks with the military council," Mohamed al-Amin, a spokesman for the protest movement, told the tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the army complex.

He said the weeks-long sit-in will continue, and accused the military council of being little different from Bashir's ousted regime.

"We call for escalating and continuing the demonstrations until the demands are met," said Amin.

"We are treating the military council as an extension of the regime."

Wagdi Saleh, a leading figure of the protest movement, blamed the military rulers for the delayed unveiling of a civilian council.

He said that during talks on Saturday "the military council had shown its dark side."

"The chief of the council's political committee told our delegation that they are still considering our demand among 100 other demands from other political parties."

Madani Abbas Madani, a spokesman for Alliance for Freedom and Change, said late Sunday a "sovereign council, a government and a legislative body" would be announced "within days" by protest leaders.

The crowds responded by continuing to sing and dance, holding their mobile phones aloft, as the torches on their devices created a sea of light and speakers churned out nationalist songs.

"High! High! Sudan is up high," they chanted.

"Our revolution is civilian and protected by the people," they vowed.

'Power to the people'

Earlier Sunday new military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed he was committed to handing power to the people, and pledged to respond to the demonstrators' demands within a week.

The military council has been put in place for a planned two-year transition period.

"The council is committed to give power to (the) people," Burhan insisted, in his first interview on state television since taking power.

But he later hit out at protesters for erecting road blocks.

"I condemn the blocking of roads and searching people without authority," he told senior army officers, according to the military council.

"It can't continue like this because security is the responsibility of the state," Burhan said.

Protesters have set up their own make-shift checkpoints to frisk people who come to the protest site where they have been encamped since before Bashir's ouster.&nbsp;

Burhan on Sunday also confirmed that cash worth over 113 million dollars had been seized from deposed president Omar al-Bashir's residence.&nbsp;

He said a team of police, army and security agents found a cash haul including seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million) during a search at Bashir's home.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates meanwhile offered $3 billion on Sunday in financial aid to the cash-starved country.

The northeast African nation is one of the world's most impoverished countries and faces an acute foreign currency shortage -- a key factor which helped trigger nationwide protests against Bashir.

'End military rule'

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), at the forefront of the protests, had said it would unveil its own civilian council by Sunday night.&nbsp;

"All Sudanese people are in favour of the council to be announced by the SPA," Romaysaa Omar, one of the protesters at the sit-in area, told AFP.

On Saturday, protest leaders and the military rulers held talks about a power handover and had initially agreed to continue discussions.

The two sides have struggled to agree on the shape and form of a civilian leadership.

"What we want from them (the military) is a timetable to hand over power, so things don't drag on," said Ahmed al-Rabia, a leader of the umbrella group of unions for doctors, engineers and teachers.

Protest leaders say the civilian council would form a transitional government to rule Sudan for a four-year term, followed by elections.

"All we hope for is to be ruled by civilians and get rid of the military rule," said protester Ehsan Abdallah.

The military council has made some concessions to the protesters by agreeing to demands such as detaining Bashir and releasing many political prisoners and demonstrators.

Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule. The protest leaders had planned to name members of a civilian body to take over from the ruling military council which took power on April 11 after ousting veteran leader Omar al-Bashir.

Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule. The protest leaders had planned to name members of a civilian body to take over from the ruling military council which took power on April 11 after ousting veteran leader Omar al-Bashir. The momentum had been building all day Sunday as a sea of protesters waited outside army headquarters for the planned unveiling of the civilian council, but by nightfall it was clear it would not happen. "We are suspending our talks with the military council," Mohamed al-Amin, a spokesman for the protest movement, told the tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the army complex. He said the weeks-long sit-in will continue, and accused the military council of being little different from Bashir's ousted regime. "We call for escalating and continuing the demonstrations until the demands are met," said Amin. "We are treating the military council as an extension of the regime." Wagdi Saleh, a leading figure of the protest movement, blamed the military rulers for the delayed unveiling of a civilian council. He said that during talks on Saturday "the military council had shown its dark side." "The chief of the council's political committee told our delegation that they are still considering our demand among 100 other demands from other political parties." Madani Abbas Madani, a spokesman for Alliance for Freedom and Change, said late Sunday a "sovereign council, a government and a legislative body" would be announced "within days" by protest leaders. The crowds responded by continuing to sing and dance, holding their mobile phones aloft, as the torches on their devices created a sea of light and speakers churned out nationalist songs. "High! High! Sudan is up high," they chanted. "Our revolution is civilian and protected by the people," they vowed. 'Power to the people' Earlier Sunday new military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed he was committed to handing power to the people, and pledged to respond to the demonstrators' demands within a week. The military council has been put in place for a planned two-year transition period. "The council is committed to give power to (the) people," Burhan insisted, in his first interview on state television since taking power. But he later hit out at protesters for erecting road blocks. "I condemn the blocking of roads and searching people without authority," he told senior army officers, according to the military council. "It can't continue like this because security is the responsibility of the state," Burhan said. Protesters have set up their own make-shift checkpoints to frisk people who come to the protest site where they have been encamped since before Bashir's ouster. Burhan on Sunday also confirmed that cash worth over 113 million dollars had been seized from deposed president Omar al-Bashir's residence. He said a team of police, army and security agents found a cash haul including seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million) during a search at Bashir's home. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates meanwhile offered $3 billion on Sunday in financial aid to the cash-starved country. The northeast African nation is one of the world's most impoverished countries and faces an acute foreign currency shortage -- a key factor which helped trigger nationwide protests against Bashir. 'End military rule' The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), at the forefront of the protests, had said it would unveil its own civilian council by Sunday night. "All Sudanese people are in favour of the council to be announced by the SPA," Romaysaa Omar, one of the protesters at the sit-in area, told AFP. On Saturday, protest leaders and the military rulers held talks about a power handover and had initially agreed to continue discussions. The two sides have struggled to agree on the shape and form of a civilian leadership. "What we want from them (the military) is a timetable to hand over power, so things don't drag on," said Ahmed al-Rabia, a leader of the umbrella group of unions for doctors, engineers and teachers. Protest leaders say the civilian council would form a transitional government to rule Sudan for a four-year term, followed by elections. "All we hope for is to be ruled by civilians and get rid of the military rule," said protester Ehsan Abdallah. The military council has made some concessions to the protesters by agreeing to demands such as detaining Bashir and releasing many political prisoners and demonstrators.

Sudan protest leaders halt talks with military

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday that more than 113 million dollars worth of cash in three currencies has been seized from ousted leader Omar al-Bashir's residence.

He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros (US $7.8 million), US $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds (USD105 million) during a search at Bashir's home.

Sudan's new acting prosecutor general Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed meanwhile asked authorities to register all private properties belonging to officials of the previous regime, the official SUNA news agency reported.

He also asked them to stop processing requests for the transfer of ownership of properties that belonged to former regime officials and members of their families. 
&nbsp;

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday that more than 113 million dollars worth of cash in three currencies has been seized from ousted leader Omar al-Bashir's residence.

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday that more than 113 million dollars worth of cash in three currencies has been seized from ousted leader Omar al-Bashir's residence. He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros (US $7.8 million), US $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds (USD105 million) during a search at Bashir's home. Sudan's new acting prosecutor general Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed meanwhile asked authorities to register all private properties belonging to officials of the previous regime, the official SUNA news agency reported. He also asked them to stop processing requests for the transfer of ownership of properties that belonged to former regime officials and members of their families.

Cash worth $113 mn seized at Bashir's home: Sudan army ruler

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sudanese-demand-civilian-government-after-bashirs-fall-209924">Sudanese authorities </a>have arrested several top members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir, in a move that could bolster military rulers who are under mounting pressure by protesters to hand power to civilians.

In another part of a widening crackdown designed to remove remnants of Bashir's rule, the transitional military council (TMC) said it will retire all eight of the officers ranked lieutenant general in the National Intelligence and Security Service.

Opposition groups had demanded that the security agencies be restructured.

Sudan's public prosecutor has begun investigating Bashir on charges of money laundering and possession of large sums of foreign currency without legal grounds, a judicial source said earlier on Saturday.

SUITCASES LOADED WITH CASH

The source said military intelligence officers who searched Bashir's home found suitcases loaded with more than $351,000 and six million euros, as well as five million Sudanese pounds.

"The chief public prosecutor ... ordered the (former) president detained and quickly questioned in preparation to put him on trial," the judicial source told Reuters.

"The public prosecution will question the former president in Kobar prison," the source said. Bashir has not been questioned yet, the source added. Two of his brothers were also detained on allegations of corruption, the source said.

Relatives could not immediately be reached on Saturday for comment about the investigation.

Separately, a source in Bashir's National Congress Party said authorities arrested the acting party head Ahmed Haroun, former first vice president Ali Osman Taha, former Bashir aide Awad al-Jaz, the secretary general of the Islamic movement Al-Zubair Ahmed Hassan and former parliament speaker Ahmed Ibrahim al-Taher.

The source also said parliament speaker Ibrahim Ahmed Omar and presidential aide Nafie Ali Nafie were under house arrest.

HIGH-SECURITY PRISON

Bashir, who is also being sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of genocide in Sudan's western Darfur region, was ousted on April 11 by the military following months of protests against his rule and had been held at a presidential residence.

His family said this week that the former president had been moved to the high-security Kobar prison in Khartoum.

Hassan Bashir, a professor of political science at the University of Neelain, said the measures against Bashir are intended as a message to other figures associated with his rule that they are not above the law.

"The trial is a step that the military council wants to take to satisfy the protesters by presenting al-Bashir for trial," he said.

Bashir survived several armed rebellions, economic crises, and attempts by the West to turn him into a pariah during his 30-year rule before he was toppled in a military coup.

At a sit-in outside Sudan's Ministry of Defence that began on April 6, protesters, who sleep on the pavement, stood besides posters of Bashir that called on the ICC to put him on trial.

Sudanese authorities have arrested several top members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir, in a move that could bolster military rulers who are under mounting pressure by protesters to hand power to civilians.

Sudanese authorities have arrested several top members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir, in a move that could bolster military rulers who are under mounting pressure by protesters to hand power to civilians. In another part of a widening crackdown designed to remove remnants of Bashir's rule, the transitional military council (TMC) said it will retire all eight of the officers ranked lieutenant general in the National Intelligence and Security Service. Opposition groups had demanded that the security agencies be restructured. Sudan's public prosecutor has begun investigating Bashir on charges of money laundering and possession of large sums of foreign currency without legal grounds, a judicial source said earlier on Saturday. SUITCASES LOADED WITH CASH The source said military intelligence officers who searched Bashir's home found suitcases loaded with more than $351,000 and six million euros, as well as five million Sudanese pounds. "The chief public prosecutor ... ordered the (former) president detained and quickly questioned in preparation to put him on trial," the judicial source told Reuters. "The public prosecution will question the former president in Kobar prison," the source said. Bashir has not been questioned yet, the source added. Two of his brothers were also detained on allegations of corruption, the source said. Relatives could not immediately be reached on Saturday for comment about the investigation. Separately, a source in Bashir's National Congress Party said authorities arrested the acting party head Ahmed Haroun, former first vice president Ali Osman Taha, former Bashir aide Awad al-Jaz, the secretary general of the Islamic movement Al-Zubair Ahmed Hassan and former parliament speaker Ahmed Ibrahim al-Taher. The source also said parliament speaker Ibrahim Ahmed Omar and presidential aide Nafie Ali Nafie were under house arrest. HIGH-SECURITY PRISON Bashir, who is also being sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of genocide in Sudan's western Darfur region, was ousted on April 11 by the military following months of protests against his rule and had been held at a presidential residence. His family said this week that the former president had been moved to the high-security Kobar prison in Khartoum. Hassan Bashir, a professor of political science at the University of Neelain, said the measures against Bashir are intended as a message to other figures associated with his rule that they are not above the law. "The trial is a step that the military council wants to take to satisfy the protesters by presenting al-Bashir for trial," he said. Bashir survived several armed rebellions, economic crises, and attempts by the West to turn him into a pariah during his 30-year rule before he was toppled in a military coup. At a sit-in outside Sudan's Ministry of Defence that began on April 6, protesters, who sleep on the pavement, stood besides posters of Bashir that called on the ICC to put him on trial.

Sudanese authorities arrest members of Bashir's party: Source

Sudan's army ruler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-council-committed-to-hand-power-over-to-people-sudans-army-ruler-212378">General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday</a> that a delegation will travel to Washington for talks to seek Sudan's removal from the US' state sponsors of terrorism list.

"A delegation will travel to the United States this week or next week to discuss removing Sudan from its state sponsors of terrorism list," Burhan said in his first interview on state television since taking power.

Burhan took the helm after predecessor General Awad Ibn Ouf stood down less than 24 hours after becoming military council chief, following the ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir.

The United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo imposed on Sudan in October 2017.

But Washington kept Sudan in it state sponsors of terrorism list along with Iran, Syria and North Korea.

It had included Sudan in the blacklist in 1993 for Khartoum's alleged links with Islamist militants.

Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan between 1992 and 1996.

Washington, however, has praised the country's new military leader for freeing political prisoners, and on Thursday announced plans to dispatch an envoy to Khartoum to encourage a transition to democracy.

On Thursday State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said that the United States will "calibrate our policies based on our assessment of events" but added that talks on delisting Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism remained suspended.

"The will of the Sudanese people is clear: it is time to move toward a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law," she said.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at the time that the short-term US goal was to "get the military folks out of center-stage" and "back to being responsible for security, nothing else."

"Longer term is to make absolutely sure that whichever group is going to be responsible for the transition prepares a transition implementation that will lead to a truly democratic government that will reflect the will of the Sudanese people," he said.

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday that a delegation will travel to Washington for talks to seek Sudan's removal from the US' state sponsors of terrorism list.

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Sunday that a delegation will travel to Washington for talks to seek Sudan's removal from the US' state sponsors of terrorism list. "A delegation will travel to the United States this week or next week to discuss removing Sudan from its state sponsors of terrorism list," Burhan said in his first interview on state television since taking power. Burhan took the helm after predecessor General Awad Ibn Ouf stood down less than 24 hours after becoming military council chief, following the ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir. The United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo imposed on Sudan in October 2017. But Washington kept Sudan in it state sponsors of terrorism list along with Iran, Syria and North Korea. It had included Sudan in the blacklist in 1993 for Khartoum's alleged links with Islamist militants. Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan between 1992 and 1996. Washington, however, has praised the country's new military leader for freeing political prisoners, and on Thursday announced plans to dispatch an envoy to Khartoum to encourage a transition to democracy. On Thursday State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said that the United States will "calibrate our policies based on our assessment of events" but added that talks on delisting Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism remained suspended. "The will of the Sudanese people is clear: it is time to move toward a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law," she said. A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at the time that the short-term US goal was to "get the military folks out of center-stage" and "back to being responsible for security, nothing else." "Longer term is to make absolutely sure that whichever group is going to be responsible for the transition prepares a transition implementation that will lead to a truly democratic government that will reflect the will of the Sudanese people," he said.

Team to visit US to seek Sudan's removal from terror list: Army ruler

Sudan's new army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday said that the military council is committed to handing over power&nbsp;to civilians.

"The council is committed to giving power to (the) people," Burhan said in his first interview on state television since taking power, after his predecessor stood down less than 24 hours after becoming military council chief following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-authorities-arrest-members-of-bashirs-party-source-212213">ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir</a>.

Thousands of protestors gathered in the capital city of Khartoum demanding power from the military council.

Burhan also said that the military will respond to civilians'&nbsp;demand within a week.

Meanwhile, Sudanese authorities have arrested several top members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan's public prosecutor has begun investigating Bashir on charges of money laundering and possession of large sums of foreign currency without legal grounds, a judicial source said on Saturday.

Sudan's new army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday said that the military council is committed to handing over power to civilians. "The council is committed to giving power to (the) people," Burhan said in his first interview on state television since taking power, after his predecessor stood down less than 24 hours after becoming military council chief following the ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan's new army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday said that the military council is committed to handing over power to civilians. "The council is committed to giving power to (the) people," Burhan said in his first interview on state television since taking power, after his predecessor stood down less than 24 hours after becoming military council chief following the ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir. Thousands of protestors gathered in the capital city of Khartoum demanding power from the military council. Burhan also said that the military will respond to civilians' demand within a week. Meanwhile, Sudanese authorities have arrested several top members of the former ruling party of ousted President Omar al-Bashir. Sudan's public prosecutor has begun investigating Bashir on charges of money laundering and possession of large sums of foreign currency without legal grounds, a judicial source said on Saturday.

Committed to handing over power to civilians: Sudan's army ruler

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-authorities-arrest-members-of-bashirs-party-source-212213">overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir</a>.

The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

It did not specify if the money is a gift or a loan.

The deposit for the central bank is aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, SPA said.&nbsp;

In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, which became a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month.

Since his ouster, the pound has steadily strengthened on the black market, and on Sunday it jumped to 45 per dollar against 72 last week.

The official exchange rate is 47.5 pounds to the dollar.

Earlier media reports that Saudi Arabia was expected to send aid to Sudan were seen as a factor boosting the pound.

The Sudanese currency had plunged since the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017.

Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound.

The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. It did not specify if the money is a gift or a loan. The deposit for the central bank is aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, SPA said. In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, which became a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month. Since his ouster, the pound has steadily strengthened on the black market, and on Sunday it jumped to 45 per dollar against 72 last week. The official exchange rate is 47.5 pounds to the dollar. Earlier media reports that Saudi Arabia was expected to send aid to Sudan were seen as a factor boosting the pound. The Sudanese currency had plunged since the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017. Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound. The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

Saudi Arabia, UAE pledge $3 billion financial aid for Sudan

Protest leaders are to hold talks Saturday with Sudan's military rulers who have so far resisted calls to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-converge-on-sudan-defence-ministry-to-demand-civilian-rule-211676">transfer power to a civilian administration</a>, two leading figures in the protests told AFP.

"The military council will hold talks with the Alliance for Freedom and Change at 8:00 pm today," said Siddiq Yousef, a senior member of the umbrella group leading the protest movement.

The scheduled talks come a day ahead of plans by protest leaders to announce on Sunday a ruling civilian council that they say will replace the military body.

Another member of the Sudanese Professionals Association that launched the initial campaign against deposed president Omar al-Bashir in December also confirmed that talks will be held later on Saturday.

"Five representatives from the alliance will go today to the military council to discuss with them the transfer of power to a civilian rule," Ahmed al-Rabia told AFP.

He said if the military rulers refuse to hand over power then the protest leaders will continue with their plans of announcing a "sovereign civilian council" on Sunday.

"If they are willing to negotiate then there is a chance that tomorrow's announcement could be postponed," Rabia said.

"What we want from them is a timetable to hand over power, so things don't drag."

He said that since the ouster of Bashir the military council has held two rounds of talks with the protest leaders.

"During these talks we have felt that the military council has no desire to hand over power," Rabia said.

Protest leaders are to hold talks Saturday with Sudan's military rulers who have so far resisted calls to transfer power to a civilian administration, two leading figures in the protests told AFP.

Protest leaders are to hold talks Saturday with Sudan's military rulers who have so far resisted calls to transfer power to a civilian administration, two leading figures in the protests told AFP. "The military council will hold talks with the Alliance for Freedom and Change at 8:00 pm today," said Siddiq Yousef, a senior member of the umbrella group leading the protest movement. The scheduled talks come a day ahead of plans by protest leaders to announce on Sunday a ruling civilian council that they say will replace the military body. Another member of the Sudanese Professionals Association that launched the initial campaign against deposed president Omar al-Bashir in December also confirmed that talks will be held later on Saturday. "Five representatives from the alliance will go today to the military council to discuss with them the transfer of power to a civilian rule," Ahmed al-Rabia told AFP. He said if the military rulers refuse to hand over power then the protest leaders will continue with their plans of announcing a "sovereign civilian council" on Sunday. "If they are willing to negotiate then there is a chance that tomorrow's announcement could be postponed," Rabia said. "What we want from them is a timetable to hand over power, so things don't drag." He said that since the ouster of Bashir the military council has held two rounds of talks with the protest leaders. "During these talks we have felt that the military council has no desire to hand over power," Rabia said.

Sudan protest leaders to meet military rulers: Source

Huge crowds formed outside Sudan's defence ministry on Thursday, joining a sit-in protest to demand that the country's transitional military council hand power to civilians.

Hundreds of thousands packed the streets by early evening - the largest crowds to gather in the centre of the capital since last week, when former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted and the military council took over.

Protesters chanted "Freedom and revolution are the choice of the people" and "Civilian rule, civilian rule", and waved national flags. Giant screens showed a film documenting apparent abuses by the security services.

"We will remain in the street until power is handed to civilian authority," said 24-year-old protester Samia Abdallah. "We will bring down military rule."

The council has said it is ready to meet some of the protesters' demands, including fighting corruption, but has indicated that it would not hand over power to protest leaders.

It has said that a transitional period of up to two years will be followed by elections and that it is ready to work with anti-Bashir activists and opposition groups to form an interim civilian government.

"We are completely committed to handing over power within a maximum two years," one of the members of the council, Lieutenant General Salah Abdelkhalek, told state TV on Thursday.

"Perhaps the most difficult issue facing the military council now through its political committee is getting agreement from the political spectrum and the community forces on the naming of a prime minister," Abdelkhalek said. "The ball is in their court."

GULF RIVALRY

The head of the 10-man military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy are known for their ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, through Sudan's participation in the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Late on Thursday, the council's spokesman said an undersecretary at Sudan's foreign ministry had been dismissed over a statement from the ministry that had said preparations were under way for the visit of a delegation from Qatar, the regional rival of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Spokesman Shams El Din Kabbashi said the ministry had made the statement without consulting the council, state news agency SUNA reported.

The sit-in that began on April 6 outside the defence ministry in Khartoum was the culmination of 16 weeks of protests triggered by a worsening economic crisis in Sudan, leading to Bashir being ousted and arrested after three decades in power.

Sudanese have been struggling with sharp price rises and shortages of cash and basic products. Many analysts blame the country's economic troubles on mismanagement, corruption and the impact of US&nbsp;sanctions, as well as loss of oil revenue when South Sudan seceded in 2011.

In 2017 the US lifted trade sanctions but kept Sudan on its state sponsors of terrorism list, depriving it of debt relief from international lenders.

On Thursday the United States expressed its support for a democratic transition in Sudan, saying it was encouraged by the release of political prisoners and the cancellation of a curfew.

It said Washington's policies toward Sudan would be based on "our assessment of events on the ground and the actions of transitional authorities."

Huge crowds formed outside Sudan's defence ministry on Thursday, joining a sit-in protest to demand that the country's transitional military council hand power to civilians.

Huge crowds formed outside Sudan's defence ministry on Thursday, joining a sit-in protest to demand that the country's transitional military council hand power to civilians. Hundreds of thousands packed the streets by early evening - the largest crowds to gather in the centre of the capital since last week, when former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted and the military council took over. Protesters chanted "Freedom and revolution are the choice of the people" and "Civilian rule, civilian rule", and waved national flags. Giant screens showed a film documenting apparent abuses by the security services. "We will remain in the street until power is handed to civilian authority," said 24-year-old protester Samia Abdallah. "We will bring down military rule." The council has said it is ready to meet some of the protesters' demands, including fighting corruption, but has indicated that it would not hand over power to protest leaders. It has said that a transitional period of up to two years will be followed by elections and that it is ready to work with anti-Bashir activists and opposition groups to form an interim civilian government. "We are completely committed to handing over power within a maximum two years," one of the members of the council, Lieutenant General Salah Abdelkhalek, told state TV on Thursday. "Perhaps the most difficult issue facing the military council now through its political committee is getting agreement from the political spectrum and the community forces on the naming of a prime minister," Abdelkhalek said. "The ball is in their court." GULF RIVALRY The head of the 10-man military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy are known for their ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, through Sudan's participation in the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Late on Thursday, the council's spokesman said an undersecretary at Sudan's foreign ministry had been dismissed over a statement from the ministry that had said preparations were under way for the visit of a delegation from Qatar, the regional rival of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Spokesman Shams El Din Kabbashi said the ministry had made the statement without consulting the council, state news agency SUNA reported. The sit-in that began on April 6 outside the defence ministry in Khartoum was the culmination of 16 weeks of protests triggered by a worsening economic crisis in Sudan, leading to Bashir being ousted and arrested after three decades in power. Sudanese have been struggling with sharp price rises and shortages of cash and basic products. Many analysts blame the country's economic troubles on mismanagement, corruption and the impact of US sanctions, as well as loss of oil revenue when South Sudan seceded in 2011. In 2017 the US lifted trade sanctions but kept Sudan on its state sponsors of terrorism list, depriving it of debt relief from international lenders. On Thursday the United States expressed its support for a democratic transition in Sudan, saying it was encouraged by the release of political prisoners and the cancellation of a curfew. It said Washington's policies toward Sudan would be based on "our assessment of events on the ground and the actions of transitional authorities."

Protesters converge on Sudan defence ministry to demand civilian rule

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-transferred-to-khartoum-prison-211122">veteran leader Omar al-Bashir</a>, an AFP photographer said.

Every road leading to the protest site was full of people as throngs of demonstrators converged outside the complex in central Khartoum.

Protesters chanting "power to civilians, power to civilians" and "freedom, peace, justice" marched from several areas of the city towards the complex, a witness said.

"It's extremely difficult to move closer to the protest site as there are hundreds and hundreds of people everywhere on roads leading to the complex," a witness said.

The sit-in outside the army headquarters has been the epicentre of the protests for almost two weeks, but numbers had dwindled there in the days since Bashir was toppled. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's rally was not convened by protest organisers who campaigned for four months against Bashir's iron-fisted rule, but was a result of widespread calls by activists and individual demonstrators on social media networks.

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, an AFP photographer said.

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, an AFP photographer said. Every road leading to the protest site was full of people as throngs of demonstrators converged outside the complex in central Khartoum. Protesters chanting "power to civilians, power to civilians" and "freedom, peace, justice" marched from several areas of the city towards the complex, a witness said. "It's extremely difficult to move closer to the protest site as there are hundreds and hundreds of people everywhere on roads leading to the complex," a witness said. The sit-in outside the army headquarters has been the epicentre of the protests for almost two weeks, but numbers had dwindled there in the days since Bashir was toppled. Thursday's rally was not convened by protest organisers who campaigned for four months against Bashir's iron-fisted rule, but was a result of widespread calls by activists and individual demonstrators on social media networks.

Huge protest crowds mass again outside Sudan army headquarters: Source

The United States will not remove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-interim-military-council-fires-top-three-public-prosecutors-211057">Sudan </a>from the state sponsor of terrorism list until the country's leadership and policies change and the military no longer holds power, a US&nbsp;official said on Tuesday.

"We will be willing to look at removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism if there is significant change in the country's leadership and policies," the State Department official told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-next-for-sudan-after-bashirs-fall-211032">Explainer: What next for Sudan after Bashir's fall?</a>

The Trump administration suspended talks on normalising relations with Sudan after the military deposed veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week saying it would oversee a two-year transition, followed by elections.

The move was rejected by street protesters, who for weeks maintained pressure on Bashir to step down, and called on the military to hand over power to civilians.

Sudan was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993 under former US President Bill Clinton, cutting it off from financial markets and strangling its economy.

Washington lifted a 20-year trade embargo against Sudan in 2017 and was in the process of discussions on removing it from the US terror list when the military stepped in on April 11 to depose Bashir, who ruled Sudan for 30 years.

The Trump administration suspended the next round of the talks, scheduled for the end of April after the military took control.

"It is important that the will of the people is respected, and that Sudanese people be allowed a peaceful transition," the official said, adding that lifting the designation at this time was "out of the question" and restrictions remain in place.

Ihab Osman, chairman of the US-Sudan Business Council, said it was important that the United States and its allies, Britain and France, maintain pressure on the military to hand over power to an interim civilian government.

Osman told Reuters in an interview the United States should also look at ways to support the rebuilding of Sudan's economy, which has been crippled by decades of isolation under US-sanctions, as well as economic mismanagement and corruption under Bashir.

He said while the US-Sudanese relationship has largely been defined by counter-terrorism cooperation, there also "has to be something in it for the Sudanese people."

"We are not asking the United States to do the heavy lifting, or bankroll Sudan, but we need it to send the right signals," said Osman, acknowledging the suspension of US-Sudan talks.

The United States will not remove Sudan from the state sponsor of terrorism list until the country's leadership and policies change and the military no longer holds power, a US official said on Tuesday.

The United States will not remove Sudan from the state sponsor of terrorism list until the country's leadership and policies change and the military no longer holds power, a US official said on Tuesday. "We will be willing to look at removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism if there is significant change in the country's leadership and policies," the State Department official told Reuters. Explainer: What next for Sudan after Bashir's fall? The Trump administration suspended talks on normalising relations with Sudan after the military deposed veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week saying it would oversee a two-year transition, followed by elections. The move was rejected by street protesters, who for weeks maintained pressure on Bashir to step down, and called on the military to hand over power to civilians. Sudan was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993 under former US President Bill Clinton, cutting it off from financial markets and strangling its economy. Washington lifted a 20-year trade embargo against Sudan in 2017 and was in the process of discussions on removing it from the US terror list when the military stepped in on April 11 to depose Bashir, who ruled Sudan for 30 years. The Trump administration suspended the next round of the talks, scheduled for the end of April after the military took control. "It is important that the will of the people is respected, and that Sudanese people be allowed a peaceful transition," the official said, adding that lifting the designation at this time was "out of the question" and restrictions remain in place. Ihab Osman, chairman of the US-Sudan Business Council, said it was important that the United States and its allies, Britain and France, maintain pressure on the military to hand over power to an interim civilian government. Osman told Reuters in an interview the United States should also look at ways to support the rebuilding of Sudan's economy, which has been crippled by decades of isolation under US-sanctions, as well as economic mismanagement and corruption under Bashir. He said while the US-Sudanese relationship has largely been defined by counter-terrorism cooperation, there also "has to be something in it for the Sudanese people." "We are not asking the United States to do the heavy lifting, or bankroll Sudan, but we need it to send the right signals," said Osman, acknowledging the suspension of US-Sudan talks.

Washington will not remove Sudan from terror list while military rules: US official

The head of Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council has fired the three highest-ranking public prosecutors, the TMC said on Tuesday, after protesters demanded an overhaul of the judiciary as part of steps toward civilian government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-next-for-sudan-after-bashirs-fall-211032">Explainer: What next for Sudan after Bashir's fall?</a>

The Sudanese Professionals' Association spearheading the revolt has issued a long list of demands for wholesale change to end repression and ease an economic crisis after the military deposed veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week.

In a statement, the TMC said council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had sacked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-new-military-ruler-general-abdel-fattah-al-burhan-sacks-prosecutor-general-210978">chief prosecutor Omar Ahmed Mohamed Abdelsalam</a> and deputy public prosecutor Hesham Othman Ibrahim Saleh, as well as head of public prosecutions Amer Ibrahim Majid.

Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed Mahmoud was appointed to carry out Abdelsalam's duties, it said. Mahmoud's background was not immediately known.

In its first news conference on Monday, the SPA - which led months of protests that led to Bashir's overthrow after 30 years in power - called for the TMC to be dissolved in favour of an interim civilian ruling council with military representatives.

It also called for Abdelsalam's removal along with the chief of the judiciary and his deputies, and added that mass protests would not cease until the demands were met. The judiciary chief was not mentioned in the TMC statement.

On Tuesday, hundreds of University of Khartoum professors carrying signs reading "civilian transitional government" and "democracy" marched to a protesters' sit-in outside the Defence Ministry that began on April 6, a Reuters witness said.

Academics are among the most respected groups in Sudanese society, adding powerful symbolism to the march.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called TMC head Burhan to offer his backing, a spokesman for Sisi said.

The spokesman said in a statement that Sisi had affirmed "Egypt's full support for the security and stability of Sudan and its support for the will and choices of the Sudanese people".

TMC member Jalal al-Deen al-Sheikh met African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa and gave him a letter from Burhan on the situation in Sudan and inviting Mahamat to visit, the state news agency SUNA said.

It quoted Sheikh as saying Mahamat had expressed "understanding" for the decisions the TMC had taken so far.

The AU's Peace and Security Council on Monday called for the TMC to transfer power to a transitional civilian-led authority within 15 days or risk Sudan being suspended from the AU.

On Monday, Sheikh told a news conference in Addis Ababa, where the African Union is based, that the TMC was already in the process of picking a prime minister for civilian rule - ahead of elections promised within two years.

The head of Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council has fired the three highest-ranking public prosecutors, the TMC said on Tuesday, after protesters demanded an overhaul of the judiciary as part of steps toward civilian government.

The head of Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council has fired the three highest-ranking public prosecutors, the TMC said on Tuesday, after protesters demanded an overhaul of the judiciary as part of steps toward civilian government. Explainer: What next for Sudan after Bashir's fall? The Sudanese Professionals' Association spearheading the revolt has issued a long list of demands for wholesale change to end repression and ease an economic crisis after the military deposed veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week. In a statement, the TMC said council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had sacked chief prosecutor Omar Ahmed Mohamed Abdelsalam and deputy public prosecutor Hesham Othman Ibrahim Saleh, as well as head of public prosecutions Amer Ibrahim Majid. Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed Mahmoud was appointed to carry out Abdelsalam's duties, it said. Mahmoud's background was not immediately known. In its first news conference on Monday, the SPA - which led months of protests that led to Bashir's overthrow after 30 years in power - called for the TMC to be dissolved in favour of an interim civilian ruling council with military representatives. It also called for Abdelsalam's removal along with the chief of the judiciary and his deputies, and added that mass protests would not cease until the demands were met. The judiciary chief was not mentioned in the TMC statement. On Tuesday, hundreds of University of Khartoum professors carrying signs reading "civilian transitional government" and "democracy" marched to a protesters' sit-in outside the Defence Ministry that began on April 6, a Reuters witness said. Academics are among the most respected groups in Sudanese society, adding powerful symbolism to the march. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called TMC head Burhan to offer his backing, a spokesman for Sisi said. The spokesman said in a statement that Sisi had affirmed "Egypt's full support for the security and stability of Sudan and its support for the will and choices of the Sudanese people". TMC member Jalal al-Deen al-Sheikh met African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa and gave him a letter from Burhan on the situation in Sudan and inviting Mahamat to visit, the state news agency SUNA said. It quoted Sheikh as saying Mahamat had expressed "understanding" for the decisions the TMC had taken so far. The AU's Peace and Security Council on Monday called for the TMC to transfer power to a transitional civilian-led authority within 15 days or risk Sudan being suspended from the AU. On Monday, Sheikh told a news conference in Addis Ababa, where the African Union is based, that the TMC was already in the process of picking a prime minister for civilian rule - ahead of elections promised within two years.

Sudan's interim military council fires top three public prosecutors

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sudan-can-avoid-past-mistakes-by-drawing-lessons-from-its-history-210866">Sudan's Omar al-Bashir </a>has been ousted after three decades in power following months of mass protests. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-new-military-ruler-general-abdel-fattah-al-burhan-sacks-prosecutor-general-210978">military</a> has announced a transitional period of up to two years followed by elections, but demonstrators are pushing for a quick handover of power to civilians.

HOW DID BASHIR FALL?

Bashir, 75, was one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa and the Arab world. He took power in a coup in 1989 and had survived isolation from the West, civil wars, the split between Sudan and South Sudan, indictment by the International Criminal Court, and several previous bouts of protest.

But in December, a worsening economic crisis triggered protests that quickly spread across the country of 40 million, calling for Bashir to go. The protests continued for 16 weeks despite a security crackdown in which dozens died and thousands were detained.

On April 6, protesters stepped up the pressure with a sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Riot police and intelligence services tried to clear the area, but the army shielded them before announcing Bashir's overthrow on April 11.

Despite Bashir's close ties to the military's top leadership, mid- and lower-ranking officers more connected to society sympathised with the protesters' demands, said Hamid Eltigani, a Sudanese professor of public policy at the American University in Cairo.

As pressure from the street mounted, factions within the security establishment distanced themselves from Bashir as they sought to protect their positions, he said.

One Sudanese military officer said a deal was struck within the military leadership. "The faces had to be changed, and they all decided to change them without any bloodshed."

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

The appointment of defence minister and vice-president Awad Ibn Auf as head of the Transitional Military Council fuelled widespread anger among protesters because of his close association with Bashir.

He survived just 24 hours, stepping down late on Friday. Salah Abdallah Mohamed Saleh, better known as Salah Gosh, resigned as the head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) the following day.

Long considered the second most powerful man in the country after Bashir, Salah Gosh was another key target for the protesters.

WHO'S IN CONTROL NOW?

Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan replaced Ibn Auf as head of the military council. Burhan was the third most senior general in the Sudanese military and is little known publicly. As chief of Sudan's ground forces he oversaw Sudanese troops fighting in the Saudi-led Yemen war and has close ties to senior Gulf military officials.

Burhan's deputy is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known by his nickname Hemedti, who heads Sudan's Rapid Support Forces. The RSF is a paramilitary grouping that grew out of the Janjaweed militias that fought in Darfur and has provided troops to fight in Yemen.

Other members of the 10-man military council include a NISS representative and the chief of police.

A Sudanese source close to Sudan's military leadership said the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt had a role in planning "the removal of Bashir and General Ibn Auf and Salah Gosh" as part of a strategy of "weakening the power of the Islamists in power in Sudan".

Bashir came to power in an Islamist-backed coup. He belonged to the Islamic Movement, Sudan's equivalent of the Muslim Brotherhood, and imposed Sharia law.

WHO SUPPORTS THE NEW LEADERSHIP?

The UAE, a leading member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, was quick to welcome Burhan's appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan. Shortly after Burhan's nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke by telephone to Burhan, the presidential palace said in a statement, offering Egyptian support for Sudan's stability.

Sudan's TMC also reported that a joint UAE-Saudi delegation visited Khartoum and met with Buhan and Hemedti conveying a message of the two countries' willingness to extend support for Sudan "important and historic stage."

The UAE and Saudi, which supported the toppling of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi in Egypt and have worked to counter Islamists linked to the Brotherhood across the region, are following the same goal in Sudan, said the Sudanese source.

"They want to use economic aid to encourage some power centres in Sudan to weaken the presence of Islamists and their full control over economic institutions."

The influence of their regional rivals Qatar and Turkey, which both had ties to Bashir, will be limited, said the Sudanese military officer. "It was a tug of war, and right now UAE and Saudi won," he said.

Hemedti has received of Western diplomatic envoys, several of whom say they have pressed him to ensure a rapid transition to civilian rule. The British ambassador said the meeting was "not to endorse or confer legitimacy". The Dutch envoy said the meeting was held at Hemedti's invitation.

HOW MUCH COULD THE MILITARY CONCEDE?

Burhan has promised a civilian government after consultations with the opposition, and announced an easing of emergency measures and the release of political detainees. But there has been little word from the military on protesters' demands for a civilian presence in the ruling council, and for members of Bashir's entourage – some of whom face international sanctions and charges – to be held to account.

The military may be wary of ceding ground if it faces opposition from other parts of the security apparatus.

Bashir had the strongest links across different, overlapping branches of the security forces, which could start competing with each other now he's gone. While the RSF and the NISS are linked to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Islamists within Sudan's Popular Defence Forces have connections to Qatar, said Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University.

Military officers "basically wanted a soft landing for Bashir, and the army to be kept intact as an institution, and they have Egyptian backing in that strategy," said de Waal. "The problem is that the demands of the demonstrators are for democracy and they are the only people who want democracy. Nobody else wants democracy."

WHAT FATE FOR BASHIR?

When Ibn Auf announced Bashir's overthrow he said the former president had been detained. Sources told Reuters he was being held at the time under heavy guard at his residence.

The military council has said it will not extradite him, but may try him in Sudan.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Bashir in 2009 and 2010 on suspicion of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In his final years as president he defied the court, visiting friendly nations including several ICC member states.

Sudan and Bashir denied war crimes were committed, saying casualties in Darfur were exaggerated.

Some have speculated that he could follow the example of Tunisia's former leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and seek refuge in Saudi Arabia.

Sudan's Omar al-Bashir has been ousted after three decades in power following months of mass protests. The military has announced a transitional period of up to two years followed by elections, but demonstrators are pushing for a quick handover of power to civilians.

Sudan's Omar al-Bashir has been ousted after three decades in power following months of mass protests. The military has announced a transitional period of up to two years followed by elections, but demonstrators are pushing for a quick handover of power to civilians. HOW DID BASHIR FALL? Bashir, 75, was one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa and the Arab world. He took power in a coup in 1989 and had survived isolation from the West, civil wars, the split between Sudan and South Sudan, indictment by the International Criminal Court, and several previous bouts of protest. But in December, a worsening economic crisis triggered protests that quickly spread across the country of 40 million, calling for Bashir to go. The protests continued for 16 weeks despite a security crackdown in which dozens died and thousands were detained. On April 6, protesters stepped up the pressure with a sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Riot police and intelligence services tried to clear the area, but the army shielded them before announcing Bashir's overthrow on April 11. Despite Bashir's close ties to the military's top leadership, mid- and lower-ranking officers more connected to society sympathised with the protesters' demands, said Hamid Eltigani, a Sudanese professor of public policy at the American University in Cairo. As pressure from the street mounted, factions within the security establishment distanced themselves from Bashir as they sought to protect their positions, he said. One Sudanese military officer said a deal was struck within the military leadership. "The faces had to be changed, and they all decided to change them without any bloodshed." WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? The appointment of defence minister and vice-president Awad Ibn Auf as head of the Transitional Military Council fuelled widespread anger among protesters because of his close association with Bashir. He survived just 24 hours, stepping down late on Friday. Salah Abdallah Mohamed Saleh, better known as Salah Gosh, resigned as the head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) the following day. Long considered the second most powerful man in the country after Bashir, Salah Gosh was another key target for the protesters. WHO'S IN CONTROL NOW? Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan replaced Ibn Auf as head of the military council. Burhan was the third most senior general in the Sudanese military and is little known publicly. As chief of Sudan's ground forces he oversaw Sudanese troops fighting in the Saudi-led Yemen war and has close ties to senior Gulf military officials. Burhan's deputy is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known by his nickname Hemedti, who heads Sudan's Rapid Support Forces. The RSF is a paramilitary grouping that grew out of the Janjaweed militias that fought in Darfur and has provided troops to fight in Yemen. Other members of the 10-man military council include a NISS representative and the chief of police. A Sudanese source close to Sudan's military leadership said the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt had a role in planning "the removal of Bashir and General Ibn Auf and Salah Gosh" as part of a strategy of "weakening the power of the Islamists in power in Sudan". Bashir came to power in an Islamist-backed coup. He belonged to the Islamic Movement, Sudan's equivalent of the Muslim Brotherhood, and imposed Sharia law. WHO SUPPORTS THE NEW LEADERSHIP? The UAE, a leading member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, was quick to welcome Burhan's appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan. Shortly after Burhan's nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke by telephone to Burhan, the presidential palace said in a statement, offering Egyptian support for Sudan's stability. Sudan's TMC also reported that a joint UAE-Saudi delegation visited Khartoum and met with Buhan and Hemedti conveying a message of the two countries' willingness to extend support for Sudan "important and historic stage." The UAE and Saudi, which supported the toppling of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi in Egypt and have worked to counter Islamists linked to the Brotherhood across the region, are following the same goal in Sudan, said the Sudanese source. "They want to use economic aid to encourage some power centres in Sudan to weaken the presence of Islamists and their full control over economic institutions." The influence of their regional rivals Qatar and Turkey, which both had ties to Bashir, will be limited, said the Sudanese military officer. "It was a tug of war, and right now UAE and Saudi won," he said. Hemedti has received of Western diplomatic envoys, several of whom say they have pressed him to ensure a rapid transition to civilian rule. The British ambassador said the meeting was "not to endorse or confer legitimacy". The Dutch envoy said the meeting was held at Hemedti's invitation. HOW MUCH COULD THE MILITARY CONCEDE? Burhan has promised a civilian government after consultations with the opposition, and announced an easing of emergency measures and the release of political detainees. But there has been little word from the military on protesters' demands for a civilian presence in the ruling council, and for members of Bashir's entourage – some of whom face international sanctions and charges – to be held to account. The military may be wary of ceding ground if it faces opposition from other parts of the security apparatus. Bashir had the strongest links across different, overlapping branches of the security forces, which could start competing with each other now he's gone. While the RSF and the NISS are linked to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Islamists within Sudan's Popular Defence Forces have connections to Qatar, said Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University. Military officers "basically wanted a soft landing for Bashir, and the army to be kept intact as an institution, and they have Egyptian backing in that strategy," said de Waal. "The problem is that the demands of the demonstrators are for democracy and they are the only people who want democracy. Nobody else wants democracy." WHAT FATE FOR BASHIR? When Ibn Auf announced Bashir's overthrow he said the former president had been detained. Sources told Reuters he was being held at the time under heavy guard at his residence. The military council has said it will not extradite him, but may try him in Sudan. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Bashir in 2009 and 2010 on suspicion of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In his final years as president he defied the court, visiting friendly nations including several ICC member states. Sudan and Bashir denied war crimes were committed, saying casualties in Darfur were exaggerated. Some have speculated that he could follow the example of Tunisia's former leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and seek refuge in Saudi Arabia.

Explainer: What next for Sudan after Bashir's fall?

Ousted Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir has been transferred to a Khartoum prison following his toppling by the army last week, a source from his family told AFP on Wednesday.

"Last night, Bashir was transferred to Kober prison in Khartoum," the source said without revealing his name for security reasons.

Bashir was ousted by the army last Thursday after four months of protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule. The country's new military rulers had said he was being held "in a secure place".

Ousted Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir has been transferred to a Khartoum prison following his toppling by the army last week, a source from his family told AFP on Wednesday.

Ousted Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir has been transferred to a Khartoum prison following his toppling by the army last week, a source from his family told AFP on Wednesday. "Last night, Bashir was transferred to Kober prison in Khartoum," the source said without revealing his name for security reasons. Bashir was ousted by the army last Thursday after four months of protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule. The country's new military rulers had said he was being held "in a secure place".

Ex-Sudan president Omar al-Bashir transferred to Khartoum prison

Sudan's new military ruler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-disparate-opposition-comes-together-post-bashir-210807">General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan </a>sacked the country's prosecutor general on Tuesday, the military council said, after protesters demanded he be fired.

"Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has issued a declaration sacking the prosecutor general Omer Ahmed Mohamed," the council said in a statement.

Burhan replaced Mohamed with Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed as the country's new acting prosecutor general, the council said.

On Monday the group spearheading the protest movement against the old regime demanded the military council sack the prosecutor general.

Sudan's new military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan sacked the country's prosecutor general on Tuesday, the military council said, after protesters demanded he be fired.

Sudan's new military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan sacked the country's prosecutor general on Tuesday, the military council said, after protesters demanded he be fired. "Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has issued a declaration sacking the prosecutor general Omer Ahmed Mohamed," the council said in a statement. Burhan replaced Mohamed with Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed as the country's new acting prosecutor general, the council said. On Monday the group spearheading the protest movement against the old regime demanded the military council sack the prosecutor general.

Sudan's new military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan sacks prosecutor general

Sudan Protesters say they blocked attempt to break up the sit-in. To know more watch the video

Sudan Crisis: Protesters Show No signs of Quitting

By Willow Berridge

A military coup d’etat in Sudan has ended Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule.

This is the sixth coup the country’s military has led since independence in 1956. The military was pressured into the coup by the country’s third major civilian uprising. Historically, the two most famous uprisings were the October Revolution of 1964, which ushered out Sudan’s first military regime, and the April Intifada of 1985, which ousted the second.

As in the 1985 uprising, the military maintains that they are siding with a popular uprising. A Transitional Military Council has been formed and its leadership maintains that it’s committed to bringing back a civil state and multi-party democracy.

But there’s still considerable scepticism towards the new military leaders. Protesters continue their sit-in outside army headquarters, which originally began nine days ago when they demanded the army support the movement against al-Bashir. They now fear the army may use force to break it up.

The continuing protests have forced the Transitional Military Council to change its leader once already. And there are worrying signs that the transition to civilian rule will not be smooth.

There is a real risk that a trend which emerged during the last two transitional periods of 1964 - 1965 and 1985 - 1986 will be repeated. On both occasions, key rebel groups didn’t participate in the negotiations. This meant that negotiated settlements of the country’s broader conflicts were doomed from the get-go.

The other danger is the military’s future role. Key here will be the relationship between the new military transition council and the civilian leaders of the Intifada.

Sudan has seen this movie play out before. In 1985, Siwar al-Dahab became chairman of a transitional military council after he had ousted President Gaafar Nimeiry in a coup. After elections, he surrendered power to prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi.

Siwar al-Dahab, relatively unambitious but politically conservative, played on divides between the political parties and the professionals, and between left-leaning and Islamist-leaning factions in the professional movement. The result was that the Intifada failed to achieve a number of its aspirations for more meaningful social transformation.

It’s crucial that the professionals and other political forces do not allow the same issues that divided them in 1985 to divide them today. This could play into the hands of the factions in the military that want to maintain the authoritarian system which awarded the majority of the government’s budget to the security sector.

The principal players

Events since al-Bashir was forced out suggest there’s still a lot left to play for.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf was named as al-Bashir’s replacement. But he was forced to step down after just one day as protesters regarded him as too close to al-Bashir’s regime.

General Abdel-Fattah Burhan then took over the military council, immediately promising to “uproot” al-Bashir’s regime. He also promised to hand over power to civilians after a two year transition period.

Burhan, a soldier by profession, has never previously taken any political positions. His role in the army included responsibility for Sudan’s operations alongside the Saudi led coalition in Yemen. He also has close ties to the Transitional Military Council’s new deputy leader Mohammad Hamdan aka Himeidti, who helped him remove al-Bashir from power.

Himeidti is the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, a private military force which was partially integrated into the military and security services. The unit is regarded by many as a re-branded version of the Janjaweed militias of which Himeidti was himself apart. These perpetrated mass atrocities during the government’s counter-insurgency against the rebel movement in Darfur from 2003.

How the leaders of the Darfur rebel factions react to Himeidti’s involvement will be crucial to the viability of any transitional government Burhan leads.

Equally important is who comes out on top in the current contest over key ministerial posts.

Control of ministries 
 
The Transitional Military Council has demanded that it’s represented in both the interior and defence ministries.

Care needs to be taken on these appointments. Whoever controls these ministries will be in a position to determine the fate of the deeply entrenched, and highly corrupt, military and security complex established by al-Bashir and his Islamist allies.

It’s also crucial that any new technocratic cabinet is not seen as being biased towards one political group or set of interests.

Historically there has been a great deal of crossover between prominent professional unions and the political parties. Particularly with regards to lawyers, doctors and university lecturers who played a prominent role in the forerunner of today’s Sudan Professional Association.

In 1964, many of the professionals who participated in the first transitional cabinet were members or sympathisers of the Sudan Communist Party. In 1985, a good number of them sympathised to a greater or lesser extent with political Islam.

During the uprising the Sudan Professional Association has been good at not making its affiliations clear. But as it becomes more public – and members engage in talks and join transitional bodies – there will inevitably be considerable speculation as to its sympathies.

Representation of marginalised groups 
 
The new cabinet should also take two other issues on board: women’s representation and regional representation.

Previous transitional cabinets have been very male dominated. This needs to change, particularly given the enormous presence of women on the streets during this uprising.

Regional representation is also key. There’s a real risk that the trend from the last two transitional periods continues. Then, political forces based in the riverain north negotiated the transition to democracy and rebels did not participate in the interim governments. This meant that the war in the periphery continued, as did the regional inequalities that fed it.

Then it was the southern-based rebels that were sidelined during the transitional process. Now it could be those who have taken up arms in the West of the country.

It’s crucial that both east, west and the new south – and particularly the groups targeted by the regime’s lethal counter-insurgencies – are given fair representation.

(Willow Berridge is Lecturer in History, Newcastle University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sudan-can-avoid-past-mistakes-by-drawing-lessons-from-its-history-115470">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp;

By Willow Berridge A military coup d’etat in Sudan has ended Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. This is the sixth coup the country’s military has led since independence in 1956.

By Willow Berridge A military coup d’etat in Sudan has ended Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. This is the sixth coup the country’s military has led since independence in 1956. The military was pressured into the coup by the country’s third major civilian uprising. Historically, the two most famous uprisings were the October Revolution of 1964, which ushered out Sudan’s first military regime, and the April Intifada of 1985, which ousted the second. As in the 1985 uprising, the military maintains that they are siding with a popular uprising. A Transitional Military Council has been formed and its leadership maintains that it’s committed to bringing back a civil state and multi-party democracy. But there’s still considerable scepticism towards the new military leaders. Protesters continue their sit-in outside army headquarters, which originally began nine days ago when they demanded the army support the movement against al-Bashir. They now fear the army may use force to break it up. The continuing protests have forced the Transitional Military Council to change its leader once already. And there are worrying signs that the transition to civilian rule will not be smooth. There is a real risk that a trend which emerged during the last two transitional periods of 1964 - 1965 and 1985 - 1986 will be repeated. On both occasions, key rebel groups didn’t participate in the negotiations. This meant that negotiated settlements of the country’s broader conflicts were doomed from the get-go. The other danger is the military’s future role. Key here will be the relationship between the new military transition council and the civilian leaders of the Intifada. Sudan has seen this movie play out before. In 1985, Siwar al-Dahab became chairman of a transitional military council after he had ousted President Gaafar Nimeiry in a coup. After elections, he surrendered power to prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi. Siwar al-Dahab, relatively unambitious but politically conservative, played on divides between the political parties and the professionals, and between left-leaning and Islamist-leaning factions in the professional movement. The result was that the Intifada failed to achieve a number of its aspirations for more meaningful social transformation. It’s crucial that the professionals and other political forces do not allow the same issues that divided them in 1985 to divide them today. This could play into the hands of the factions in the military that want to maintain the authoritarian system which awarded the majority of the government’s budget to the security sector. The principal players Events since al-Bashir was forced out suggest there’s still a lot left to play for. Lieutenant General Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf was named as al-Bashir’s replacement. But he was forced to step down after just one day as protesters regarded him as too close to al-Bashir’s regime. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan then took over the military council, immediately promising to “uproot” al-Bashir’s regime. He also promised to hand over power to civilians after a two year transition period. Burhan, a soldier by profession, has never previously taken any political positions. His role in the army included responsibility for Sudan’s operations alongside the Saudi led coalition in Yemen. He also has close ties to the Transitional Military Council’s new deputy leader Mohammad Hamdan aka Himeidti, who helped him remove al-Bashir from power. Himeidti is the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, a private military force which was partially integrated into the military and security services. The unit is regarded by many as a re-branded version of the Janjaweed militias of which Himeidti was himself apart. These perpetrated mass atrocities during the government’s counter-insurgency against the rebel movement in Darfur from 2003. How the leaders of the Darfur rebel factions react to Himeidti’s involvement will be crucial to the viability of any transitional government Burhan leads. Equally important is who comes out on top in the current contest over key ministerial posts. Control of ministries The Transitional Military Council has demanded that it’s represented in both the interior and defence ministries. Care needs to be taken on these appointments. Whoever controls these ministries will be in a position to determine the fate of the deeply entrenched, and highly corrupt, military and security complex established by al-Bashir and his Islamist allies. It’s also crucial that any new technocratic cabinet is not seen as being biased towards one political group or set of interests. Historically there has been a great deal of crossover between prominent professional unions and the political parties. Particularly with regards to lawyers, doctors and university lecturers who played a prominent role in the forerunner of today’s Sudan Professional Association. In 1964, many of the professionals who participated in the first transitional cabinet were members or sympathisers of the Sudan Communist Party. In 1985, a good number of them sympathised to a greater or lesser extent with political Islam. During the uprising the Sudan Professional Association has been good at not making its affiliations clear. But as it becomes more public – and members engage in talks and join transitional bodies – there will inevitably be considerable speculation as to its sympathies. Representation of marginalised groups The new cabinet should also take two other issues on board: women’s representation and regional representation. Previous transitional cabinets have been very male dominated. This needs to change, particularly given the enormous presence of women on the streets during this uprising. Regional representation is also key. There’s a real risk that the trend from the last two transitional periods continues. Then, political forces based in the riverain north negotiated the transition to democracy and rebels did not participate in the interim governments. This meant that the war in the periphery continued, as did the regional inequalities that fed it. Then it was the southern-based rebels that were sidelined during the transitional process. Now it could be those who have taken up arms in the West of the country. It’s crucial that both east, west and the new south – and particularly the groups targeted by the regime’s lethal counter-insurgencies – are given fair representation. (Willow Berridge is Lecturer in History, Newcastle University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Sudan can avoid past mistakes by drawing lessons from its history

Crowds of protesters arrived at a sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in Khartoum chanting and waving flags on Monday (April 15), in a move to reinforce the demonstration after the military attempted to break it up earlier in the day.

Sudan crisis: Protesters demand immediate civilian government rule

Sudan’s Defence Minister Awad Ibn Aouf said on Friday that he is stepping down as head of the country’s transitional military council, a day after former president Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a coup.

Sudan defence minister steps down as head of transitional military council

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-demand-immediate-civilian-rule-to-bring-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-to-justice-210443">replace by a civilian one with representatives</a> from the army.

"We want the military council to be dissolved and be replaced by a civilian council having representatives of the army," Mohamed Naji, a senior leader of the Sudanese Professionals Association, told reporters.

Though the military leaders had announced earlier that they will not extradite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-ousted-president-bashirs-party-urges-release-of-leaders-report-210152">ousted president Omar al-Bashir</a>, still the protests continued to demand Bashir should be brought to justice.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008.

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to replace by a civilian one with representatives from the army.

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to replace by a civilian one with representatives from the army. "We want the military council to be dissolved and be replaced by a civilian council having representatives of the army," Mohamed Naji, a senior leader of the Sudanese Professionals Association, told reporters. Though the military leaders had announced earlier that they will not extradite ousted president Omar al-Bashir, still the protests continued to demand Bashir should be brought to justice. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008.

Protesters demand dissolving of ruling military council in Sudan

Sudan protest continues, demands Army to handover power to civilian govt. Watch complete video to know more.

Sudan protest continues, demands Army to handover power to civilian govt

Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed Saturday to "uproot" deposed president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-should-ensure-civilian-led-transition-sooner-than-two-years-us-209707">Omar al-Bashir's regime</a> and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule.&nbsp;

"I announce the restructuring of state institutions according to the law and pledge to fight corruption and uproot the regime and its symbols," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said, a day after he was sworn in to head Sudan's new ruling military council.

He also ordered the release of all prisoners jailed by special emergency courts and the immediate lifting of a night-time curfew imposed by the council earlier this week.

Career soldier Burhan took the helm of Sudan's transitional military council on Friday when his predecessor General Awad Ibn Ouf -- a close aide of ousted veteran president Bashir -- quit after little more than 24 hours in power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaa-salah-sudans-singing-protester-who-fights-for-people-209816">Also read:&nbsp;Sudan's singing protester Alaa Salah who fights for people</a>

Burhan also pledged Saturday that individuals implicated in killing protesters would face justice.

His initial announcements indicated he wanted to show the tens of thousands of protesters on the streets that he is not part of the regime's old guard and was genuinely committed to reform.

He also accepted the resignation of the head of the feared National Intelligence and Security Service, Salah Abdallah Mohammed Salih -- widely known as Salih Ghosh -- the military council announced.

Salih Ghosh had overseen a sweeping crackdown against protesters in four months of mass demonstrations that led to the army's toppling of Bashir on Thursday.

Demand for civilian rule

Dozens of protesters were killed and thousands of activists, opposition leaders and journalists arrested.

The police said Friday that 16 people had been killed in live fire in Khartoum alone over the previous two days as NISS agents led a last stand for Bashir before the army intervened.

But in a statement Saturday evening, Burhan said the deputy chief of the NISS was a member of the newly formed 10-member council which also includes the police chief and military figures.

Burhan named as the council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, who is also known as Himeidti, field commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) counter-insurgency unit, which rights groups have accused of abuses in war-torn Darfur.

A photograph published by state news agency SUNA had shown Burhan talking with protesters outside army headquarters on Friday, before his elevation to the top job.

Khartoum erupted with joy when Ibn Ouf tendered his resignation on Friday night barely 24 hours after taking the oath of office.

But protest organisers urged demonstrators to keep up their week-old vigil outside army headquarters.

Ibn Ouf had served as Bashir's defence minister right up to the president's downfall, ending three decades of iron-fisted rule.

A former military intelligence chief, Ibn Ouf remains under US sanctions for his role in the regime's brutal response to a 2003 ethnic minority rebellion in Darfur region.

Bashir himself came to power in a 1989 Islamist military coup, toppling an elected government led by Sadiq al-Mahdi.&nbsp;

Burhan comes with less baggage from Bashir's deeply unpopular rule than Ibn Ouf.

The grass-roots Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) composed of doctors, teachers and engineers, has spearheaded the nationwide protests.&nbsp;

While welcoming Ibn Ouf's departure, it demanded that Burhan swiftly "transfer the powers of the military council to a transitional civilian government" and said it would continue to stage sit-ins to that end.

'Violating the constitution'

Bashir remained in custody and his National Congress Party on Saturday urged the military council to release arrested members.

"We consider (the) taking of power by the military council as violating the constitution's legitimacy," the NCP said in a statement.

"The NCP rejects the detention of its leaders, among them its acting president" Ahmed Harun, it added, calling for their immediate release.

Outside the Middle East, the formation of a military government to replace Bashir has met with widespread criticism.

The African Union said Bashir's overthrow by the military was "not the appropriate response to the challenges facing Sudan and the aspirations of its people".

The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) called for dialogue and a peaceful transition of power, in a joint statement from their summit in Ndjamena, Chad.

The European Union urged the army to carry out a "swift" handover to civilian rule, and former colonial ruler Britain said that the two-year transition announced by the military "is not the answer."

"We need to see a swift move to an inclusive, representative, civilian leadership," said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

But Saudi Arabia backed the transitional military council and promised an aid package including, wheat, medicine and "petroleum products", the Saudi Press Agency reported Saturday.

Members of the military council have sought to reassure foreign diplomats about its intentions.

"This is not a military coup, but taking the side of the people," the council's political chief Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin told Arab and African diplomats at a meeting broadcast on state television on Friday.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has longstanding arrest warrants against Bashir for suspected genocide and war crimes during the regime's brutal campaign of repression in Darfur.

But the military council has said it would never extradite him or any other Sudanese citizen.

Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed Saturday to "uproot" deposed president Omar al-Bashir's regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule.

Sudan's second new military leader in as many days vowed Saturday to "uproot" deposed president Omar al-Bashir's regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule. "I announce the restructuring of state institutions according to the law and pledge to fight corruption and uproot the regime and its symbols," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said, a day after he was sworn in to head Sudan's new ruling military council. He also ordered the release of all prisoners jailed by special emergency courts and the immediate lifting of a night-time curfew imposed by the council earlier this week. Career soldier Burhan took the helm of Sudan's transitional military council on Friday when his predecessor General Awad Ibn Ouf -- a close aide of ousted veteran president Bashir -- quit after little more than 24 hours in power. Also read: Sudan's singing protester Alaa Salah who fights for people Burhan also pledged Saturday that individuals implicated in killing protesters would face justice. His initial announcements indicated he wanted to show the tens of thousands of protesters on the streets that he is not part of the regime's old guard and was genuinely committed to reform. He also accepted the resignation of the head of the feared National Intelligence and Security Service, Salah Abdallah Mohammed Salih -- widely known as Salih Ghosh -- the military council announced. Salih Ghosh had overseen a sweeping crackdown against protesters in four months of mass demonstrations that led to the army's toppling of Bashir on Thursday. Demand for civilian rule Dozens of protesters were killed and thousands of activists, opposition leaders and journalists arrested. The police said Friday that 16 people had been killed in live fire in Khartoum alone over the previous two days as NISS agents led a last stand for Bashir before the army intervened. But in a statement Saturday evening, Burhan said the deputy chief of the NISS was a member of the newly formed 10-member council which also includes the police chief and military figures. Burhan named as the council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, who is also known as Himeidti, field commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) counter-insurgency unit, which rights groups have accused of abuses in war-torn Darfur. A photograph published by state news agency SUNA had shown Burhan talking with protesters outside army headquarters on Friday, before his elevation to the top job. Khartoum erupted with joy when Ibn Ouf tendered his resignation on Friday night barely 24 hours after taking the oath of office. But protest organisers urged demonstrators to keep up their week-old vigil outside army headquarters. Ibn Ouf had served as Bashir's defence minister right up to the president's downfall, ending three decades of iron-fisted rule. A former military intelligence chief, Ibn Ouf remains under US sanctions for his role in the regime's brutal response to a 2003 ethnic minority rebellion in Darfur region. Bashir himself came to power in a 1989 Islamist military coup, toppling an elected government led by Sadiq al-Mahdi. Burhan comes with less baggage from Bashir's deeply unpopular rule than Ibn Ouf. The grass-roots Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) composed of doctors, teachers and engineers, has spearheaded the nationwide protests. While welcoming Ibn Ouf's departure, it demanded that Burhan swiftly "transfer the powers of the military council to a transitional civilian government" and said it would continue to stage sit-ins to that end. 'Violating the constitution' Bashir remained in custody and his National Congress Party on Saturday urged the military council to release arrested members. "We consider (the) taking of power by the military council as violating the constitution's legitimacy," the NCP said in a statement. "The NCP rejects the detention of its leaders, among them its acting president" Ahmed Harun, it added, calling for their immediate release. Outside the Middle East, the formation of a military government to replace Bashir has met with widespread criticism. The African Union said Bashir's overthrow by the military was "not the appropriate response to the challenges facing Sudan and the aspirations of its people". The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) called for dialogue and a peaceful transition of power, in a joint statement from their summit in Ndjamena, Chad. The European Union urged the army to carry out a "swift" handover to civilian rule, and former colonial ruler Britain said that the two-year transition announced by the military "is not the answer." "We need to see a swift move to an inclusive, representative, civilian leadership," said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. But Saudi Arabia backed the transitional military council and promised an aid package including, wheat, medicine and "petroleum products", the Saudi Press Agency reported Saturday. Members of the military council have sought to reassure foreign diplomats about its intentions. "This is not a military coup, but taking the side of the people," the council's political chief Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin told Arab and African diplomats at a meeting broadcast on state television on Friday. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has longstanding arrest warrants against Bashir for suspected genocide and war crimes during the regime's brutal campaign of repression in Darfur. But the military council has said it would never extradite him or any other Sudanese citizen.

Sudan coup: New military ruler vows to 'uproot' deposed president's regime

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-will-not-be-extradited-military-rulers-209837">army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir</a>, state media reported.

Steven Koutsis met with the military council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Himeidti, at the presidential palace in Khartoum.

The Sudanese deputy briefed Koutsis on the current situation in the country and the reason for forming the military council, the official SUNA news agency reported as state television broadcast footage of their meeting.

"Himeidti told him about the measures taken by the military council to preserve the security and stability of the country," SUNA reported.

Sudan's military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took power after the army ousted Bashir on Thursday.

Himeidti heads Sudan's controversial counter-insurgency unit -- the Rapid Support Force (RSF) -- which rights groups have accused of abuses in the war-torn Darfur region.

About 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since a brutal conflict erupted there in 2003, when ethnic rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government of Bashir.

The United States, which has blacklisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, has insisted that Khartoum needs to improve its human rights record if it wants to be removed from the list.

Washington imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997 for its alleged links to Islamists which were lifted in October 2017, but the much awaited economic recovery has failed to materialise.

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, state media reported.

Sudan's new military rulers briefed Washington's top envoy to Khartoum on Sunday about security after the army's ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, state media reported. Steven Koutsis met with the military council's deputy Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, widely known as Himeidti, at the presidential palace in Khartoum. The Sudanese deputy briefed Koutsis on the current situation in the country and the reason for forming the military council, the official SUNA news agency reported as state television broadcast footage of their meeting. "Himeidti told him about the measures taken by the military council to preserve the security and stability of the country," SUNA reported. Sudan's military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan took power after the army ousted Bashir on Thursday. Himeidti heads Sudan's controversial counter-insurgency unit -- the Rapid Support Force (RSF) -- which rights groups have accused of abuses in the war-torn Darfur region. About 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since a brutal conflict erupted there in 2003, when ethnic rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated government of Bashir. The United States, which has blacklisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, has insisted that Khartoum needs to improve its human rights record if it wants to be removed from the list. Washington imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997 for its alleged links to Islamists which were lifted in October 2017, but the much awaited economic recovery has failed to materialise.

Sudan military rulers brief US envoy: State media

Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf said on Friday (April 12) that he was stepping down as head of the country's transitional military council, a day after former president Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a coup.

Sudan gets 2nd interim leader in 3 days

Sudanese demand civilian government after Bashir's fall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-will-not-be-extradited-military-rulers-209837">Sudan ousted president Omar al-Bashir</a>'s party on Saturday urged the country's new ruling military council to release their leaders.

"We consider the military council's power grab a violation of constitutional law," the National Congress Party said in a statement.

"The NCP rejects the detention of its leaders, among them its acting president and a large number of prominent members, and calls for their immediate release."

The military on Friday stated that they will not extradite Bashir.

"The president is currently in custody," the head of the military council's political committee, Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin, told a news conference.

Meanwhile, the military leaders also reached out to the people and reassured them that their only concern was to maintain public order.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008.

(With inputs from AFP)

Sudan ousted president Omar al-Bashir's party on Saturday urged the country's new ruling military council to release their leaders. "We consider the military council's power grab a violation of constitutional law," the National Congress Party said in a statement.

Sudan ousted president Omar al-Bashir's party on Saturday urged the country's new ruling military council to release their leaders. "We consider the military council's power grab a violation of constitutional law," the National Congress Party said in a statement. "The NCP rejects the detention of its leaders, among them its acting president and a large number of prominent members, and calls for their immediate release." The military on Friday stated that they will not extradite Bashir. "The president is currently in custody," the head of the military council's political committee, Lieutenant General Omar Zain al-Abdin, told a news conference. Meanwhile, the military leaders also reached out to the people and reassured them that their only concern was to maintain public order. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008. (With inputs from AFP)

Sudan ousted president Bashir's party urges release of leaders: Report

Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service head, Salih Ghosh has resigned from his post, military rulers said on Saturday.

"The chief of the transitional military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has accepted the resignation of... the chief of NISS," the transitional military council said.

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-sudans-military-council-steps-down-a-day-after-bashir-toppled-209979">Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf stepped down</a> abruptly as head of the country's transitional ruling military council.

"In order to ensure the cohesion of the security system, and the armed forces in particular, from cracks and strife, and relying on God, let us begin this path of change," Ibn Auf said.

Meanwhile, the country's military said on Friday that they will not extradite ousted president, Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service head, Salih Ghosh has resigned from his post, military rulers said on Saturday. "The chief of the transitional military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has accepted the resignation of.

Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service head, Salih Ghosh has resigned from his post, military rulers said on Saturday. "The chief of the transitional military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has accepted the resignation of... the chief of NISS," the transitional military council said. Earlier today, Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf stepped down abruptly as head of the country's transitional ruling military council. "In order to ensure the cohesion of the security system, and the armed forces in particular, from cracks and strife, and relying on God, let us begin this path of change," Ibn Auf said. Meanwhile, the country's military said on Friday that they will not extradite ousted president, Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan's intelligence chief resigns: Military council

President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan in autocratic style for 30 years, was on Thursday (April 11) overthrown and arrested in a coup by the armed forces. Watch video to know more.

Sudan military overthrown Bashir's regime, 30-year rule ends

The United States on Thursday suspended discussions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-topples-president-omar-al-bashir-209598">Sudan on normalising relations</a> between the two countries after the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir and said it would run the country for two years.

The State Department, while declining to declare the takeover a coup, said it supported a peaceful and democratic Sudan and believed the Sudanese people should be allowed a peaceful transition sooner than only in two years.

"The Sudanese people should determine who leads them in their future," spokesman Robert Palladino said at a news briefing. "The Sudanese people have been clear that they have been demanding a civilian-led transition. They should be allowed to do so sooner than two years from now."

Military leaders in Sudan said presidential elections would take place after a two-year period of military rule following the ouster of Bashir.

The so-called "Phase II" talks between the United States and Sudan were initiated after the Obama administration moved to lift a 20-year-old trade embargo against Khartoum in recognition of the country's help in fighting Islamic State and progress in improving its human rights record.

The United States first imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997, including a trade embargo and blocking the government's assets, for human rights violations and terrorism concerns. It laid on more sanctions in 2006 for what it said was complicity in the violence in Darfur.

Asked whether the United States supported Bashir being put on trial before the International Criminal Court for Darfur atrocities, Palladino said: "We believe that the victims of Darfur deserve justice, that accountability is essential for achieving lasting piece in Darfur."

He declined to say whether the United States supported that justice being meted out by the ICC, which sits in The Hague. The Trump administration has said it will withdraw or deny visas of any ICC judges or prosecutors if the court investigated possible war crimes against US forces in Afghanistan.

The United States on Thursday suspended discussions with Sudan on normalising relations between the two countries after the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir and said it would run the country for two years.

The United States on Thursday suspended discussions with Sudan on normalising relations between the two countries after the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir and said it would run the country for two years. The State Department, while declining to declare the takeover a coup, said it supported a peaceful and democratic Sudan and believed the Sudanese people should be allowed a peaceful transition sooner than only in two years. "The Sudanese people should determine who leads them in their future," spokesman Robert Palladino said at a news briefing. "The Sudanese people have been clear that they have been demanding a civilian-led transition. They should be allowed to do so sooner than two years from now." Military leaders in Sudan said presidential elections would take place after a two-year period of military rule following the ouster of Bashir. The so-called "Phase II" talks between the United States and Sudan were initiated after the Obama administration moved to lift a 20-year-old trade embargo against Khartoum in recognition of the country's help in fighting Islamic State and progress in improving its human rights record. The United States first imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997, including a trade embargo and blocking the government's assets, for human rights violations and terrorism concerns. It laid on more sanctions in 2006 for what it said was complicity in the violence in Darfur. Asked whether the United States supported Bashir being put on trial before the International Criminal Court for Darfur atrocities, Palladino said: "We believe that the victims of Darfur deserve justice, that accountability is essential for achieving lasting piece in Darfur." He declined to say whether the United States supported that justice being meted out by the ICC, which sits in The Hague. The Trump administration has said it will withdraw or deny visas of any ICC judges or prosecutors if the court investigated possible war crimes against US forces in Afghanistan.

Sudan should ensure civilian-led transition sooner than two years: US

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