Sudan army, civilians usher in ‘a new page’
ENCOURAGED BY DEVELOPMENTS AND PEACEFUL TRANSITION, UAE SAYS
Sudan’s pro-democracy movement and ruling military council signed a final power-sharing agreement yesterday at a ceremony in the capital, Khartoum, after weeks of tortuous negotiations.
The deal paves the way for a transition to a civilian-led government following the military overthrow of President Omar Al Bashir in April. Earlier this month, the two sides initialled a constitutional document in the wake of international pressure and amid growing concerns the political crisis that followed Al Bashir’s ouster could ignite civil war. General Abdul Fattah Burhan, head of the military council, called the signing a “victorious and historic day for our nation.”
“The revolution has achieved its goals,” he said, vowing the military would guarantee the transition to civilian rule. Protest leader Mohammad Naji Al Asam said the two sides have ushered in a “new page” in Sudan’s history after three decades of “repression and corruption.”
Dr. Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir were present at the signing ceremony. “The UAE encouraged by developments in Sudan & supportive of constitutional & peaceful transition. Lots more to do to
help...” Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, tweeted yesterday. Tens of thousands of Sudanese celebrated in Khartoum and elsewhere across the country.
Sudan yesterday celebrated a historic deal between generals and protest leaders for a transition to civilian rule, which many hope will bring increased freedom and prosperity.
“Today, the country begins its historic transition to democracy,” read the front page of the Tayar newspaper, a headline echoed by most other dailies.
But the road to democracy remains fraught with obstacles, even if the mood was celebratory as foreign dignitaries as well as thousands of citizens from all over Sudan converged for the occasion.
CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION
The deal reached on August 4 — the Constitutional Declaration — brought an end to nearly eight months of upheaval that saw masses mobilise against president Omar Al Bashir, who was ousted in April after 30 years in power.
The agreement brokered by the African Union and Ethiopia was welcomed with relief by both sides — protesters celebrated what they see as the victory of their “revolution”, while the generals took credit for averting civil war.
Hundreds of people boarded a train from the town of Atbara — the birthplace of the protests back in December — on Friday night, dancing and singing on their way to the celebrations in Khartoum, videos shared on social media showed.
“Civilian rule, civilian rule,” they chanted, promising to avenge the estimated 250 allegedly killed by security forces during the protests.
After yesterday’s signing, Sudan kicks off a process that includes important first steps.
VETERAN ECONOMIST TO BE TRANSITIONAL PM
The composition of the civilian-majority transition ruling council is to be announced today.
On Thursday, former senior UN official Abdullah Hamdok,
a veteran economist, was designated as transitional prime minister. He is expected to focus on attempting to stabilise Sudan’s economy, which went into a tailspin when the oil-rich south seceded in 2011 and was the trigger that sparked the initial protests.
At Khartoum’s central market, shoppers and stallholders interviewed by AFP all said they hoped a civilian government would help them put food on the table.
“Everybody is happy now,” said Ali Yousuf, a 19-year-old university student who works in the market to get by.
“We were under the control of the military for 30 years but today we are leaving this behind us and moving towards civilian rule,” he said, sitting
I’m 72 and for 30 years under Al Bashir, I had nothing to feel good about. Now, thanks to God, I am starting to breathe.” Ali Eisa Abdul Momen | Vegetable seller
next to tomatoes piled directly on the ground.
“All these vegetables around are very expensive but now I’m sure they will become cheaper.”
While it remains to be seen what changes the transition can bring to people’s daily lives, residents old and young were eager to exercise a newfound freedom of expression.
“I’m 72 and for 30 years under Al Bashir, I had nothing to feel good about. Now, thanks to God, I am starting to breathe,” said Ali Eisa Abdul Momen, sitting in front of his modest selection of vegetables at the market.
However, observers have warned that the transitional government will have little leverage to counter any attempt by the military to roll back the uprising’s achievements and seize back power.
One of the most immediate diplomatic consequences of the compromise reached this month could be the lifting of a suspension slapped on Sudan by the African Union in June.