UPDATE - Sudan military rulers, opposition sign transition deal

UPDATES WITH DETAILS

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) – Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition groups on Wednesday signed a power-sharing deal that paves the way for the handover of power to a civilian administration.

The signing of the deal came after marathon talks between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition throughout the night to iron out some details of the accord.

The agreement was signed in the capital Khartoum in the presence of African mediators.

"In this historical moment, we are proud to declare that the two sides have succeeded in breaking their standoff," African mediator Hassan Hebbat told reporters.

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

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.

Meanwhile, the two sides agreed to delay discussions about the formation of a transitional council as the TMC and FFC disagreed about their percentage in the proposed council.

Opposition leader Ibrahim Al-Amin said a "constitutional document" will be signed on Friday, without elaborating about its details.

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.