Sudan opposition demands 'civilian' governing council

KHARTOUM (AA) - The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) on Monday demanded that Sudan’s ruling Military Transitional Council (MTC) be replaced with a “sovereign civilian council”.

At a press conference, SPA spokesman Mohamed Naji al-Asam called for a civilian council to be drawn up -- with limited military representation -- “to oversee formation of a transitional government” tasked with carrying out needed political and economic reforms.

He also reiterated the SPA’s demand for the dissolution of ousted President Omar al-Bashir’s National Congress Party.

“We’re also calling for the abolition of Sudan’s security, press and public order laws and for the total restructuring of state and military institutions,” he said.

Al-Asam further called for an end to Sudan’s many armed conflicts; for the return of all displaced populations to their homes; and for improved relations with South Sudan.

Last Thursday, the Sudanese army ousted al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year rule and established the MTC to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year “transitional period”.

On Saturday, MTC chief Lieutenant-General Abdel-Fattah Burhan pledged to carry out wide-ranging political and economic reforms.

In a televised address, Burhan said that the two-year transitional period would conclude with “free and fair” presidential elections.

He also vowed to prosecute corrupt officials linked to the al-Bashir regime, along with anyone found guilty of involvement in the recent killing of protesters.