A Sudan protest leader, left, and a military chief, right, signed the agreement in front of mediators/Credit/BBC
Sudan Military, Civilians Sign Power-Sharing Deal but Odds Still High
After massive civil protests against Sudan’s former ruler, Omar al-Bashir, a junta group stepped in to ‘help’ but the military intervention has dovetailed into yet a new crisis. The military boys have refused to leave the power against earlier arrangements.
Protesters have secured a new power-sharing accord after all-night talks. But to grant that the accord will yield the expected result is still iffy.
ALSO READ:
Protests return in Sudan after AU deadline, Police tear-gas protesters
Sudan: US urges ‘No Violence’ as protest is expected on Sunday
It said the military would be in charge for the first 21 months, then a civilian-run administration would take over the following 18 months, followed by elections.
A second agreement on Sudan constitutional issues is expected to be finalised on Friday.
It is a “historic moment” for the country, the deputy head of Sudan’s ruling military council, Mohamed Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagolo, is quoted as saying by AFP news agency.
The signing of the document appears to confirm an agreement made in principle earlier this month.
That agreement laid out a plan rotate control of the sovereign council – the top tier of power – for just over three years.
The BBC writes that the agreement means that after 30 years of military rule, Sudan is now three years away from a fully civilian administration – in theory.
“The finer details of the deal and its constitutional elements have not been agreed upon. There is still a “sovereign council” to be appointed to lead the country through its transition.
However some among the protesting masses might feel that they’ve got the short end of the stick.
The very military they challenged – and under whom they suffered pain and death on the streets – remains in power for now and will lead the interim government initially. The generals could possibly secure immunity from prosecution.
Justice in the eyes of the protesters will not have been served yet, but their chants for the fall of the regime have ushered in this new phase”