Sudan: protesters resume talks with army after deadlock

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) – Negotiations between Sudan’s ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and protest leaders resumed Wednesday over forming a new governing body after more than a monthlong deadlock

The latest development comes after a standoff between the two sides following the June 3 killing of protesters outside the military’s headquarters in the capital.

It also follows the TMC’s decision late last month to accept a proposal submitted by the African Union and Ethiopia on sharing power with the opposition.

The two sides will resume talks on the longstanding issue of power sharing between civilians and the military, including the formation of a civilian-led transitional government, a council of ministers and a sovereign council.

The Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) opposition alliance agreed to resume the talks on the condition that they last no more than three days. It also called on the government to release political prisoners.

It further stressed the importance of holding an independent investigation into the killing of protesters.

Sudan has remained in turmoil since April 11, when the military establishment announced the “removal” of President Omar al-Bashir after months of popular protests against his 30-year rule.