A deal for a speedy return to civilian rule has been reached in Sudan, drawing praise from the African Union which has described it as a meaningful step toward a definitive end to the country’s political crisis.
The AU in a statement says it welcomes the signing of the framework agreement between Sudan’s military junta and civilian politicians who were at loggerheads over the nature and span of the transition to constitutional rule.
The ruling military council on Monday signed the initial deal to restore civilian rule in Sudan with the pro-democracy coalition Forces of Freedom and Change.
The agreement allows for a two-year civilian-led transition which would culminate in democratic elections for a new political leadership of the country.
Despite a brief period of a power-sharing government including civilians, Sudan has been under military rule since Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in 2021, two years after the overthrow in a popular uprising of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat Tuesday said the signatories to the deal now have “to remain open to the political forces that have not signed the agreement”.
He also urged all parties “to work together in good faith, for the establishment of the democratic institutions ensuring the restoration of the constitutional order of the Sudanese transition.”
The AU under a trilateral group has backed the negotiations between the army and civilians as a way to restore stability, end mass protests and save Sudan’s crashing economy.
Mahamat reiterated the support of the AU for the efforts of the trilateral group which also involved the United Nations and IGAD.
The international community also needs to support Sudan “in this crucial phase of its history with strict respect for its sovereignty, independence, unity and the choices of its people,” Mahamat added.
Meanwhile, Sudna’s neighbour Ethiopia also welcomed the initial transition deal calling it “an important step” that would lead the country to free and fair elections.
“Ethiopia, while fully supporting the agreement and its implementation, has full confidence in the wisdom of the Sudanese military and political forces to lead their country to a democratic transition to the satisfaction of the aspiration of the Sudanese people,” the Foreign Affairs ministry in Addis Ababa said in a statement.
MG/as/APA