OIC welcomes Sudan power-sharing deal

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday welcomed the signing of a power-sharing deal between Sudan's ruling military council and opposition.

In a statement, OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al-Othaimeen called on the international community to provide all forms of support to Sudan during the country's transitional period.

He said the pan-Muslim body was ready to mobilize its effort to support security, stability and development in Sudan.

On Wednesday, Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) and Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition initialed a power-sharing deal in Khartoum after marathon talks, in a move that paves the way for the handover of power to a civilian administration.

Under the deal, Sudan's transition period will be three years, ending with general elections.

An 11-member sovereign council will also be formed, five members of whom will be picked up by the opposition and five by the military and one independent to be agreed on by the two rivals. A council of ministers will be formed by the FFC.

Sudan has been in turmoil since the military deposed autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April after months of popular protests against his 30-year rule.