Sudan's premier replaces national police chief, deputy

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - Sudan’s prime minister announced the dismissal Sunday of the country’s police chief and his deputy following protests calling for measures against officials linked to ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

Police Force Director-General Adel Mohamed Bashaer was replaced by Ezz Eldin Sheikh Ali and Othman Mohamed Younes was also dismissed, Abdalla Hamdok said on his official Twitter account, without providing further details.

The decision follows nationwide protests on June 30 calling for wide-ranging political, legal and economic reforms after nearly a year since the formation of the transitional government.

A police source said Ali, 58 is a qualified officer who joined the force in 1985 and has worked in various units.

Last year, mass protests by opposition activists forced the military to negotiate a power-sharing deal with civilians. The agreement was signed in July 2019.

Al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan since 1989, was ousted by the military in April 2019 after mass demonstrations against his rule.

The former president was sentenced to two years in prison in December for corruption. He is also facing charges of undermining the constitution over the 1989 military coup he led.