Sudan ruling council replaces country’s chief justice

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) – Sudan’s Military Transitional Council (MTC) has sacked the country’s chief justice amid ongoing protests demanding the departure of all government officials affiliated with the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

On Tuesday, the head of the MTC, Lt. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, announced that Chief Justice Abdul-Magid Idris had been replaced by Yehia al-Tayeb Abu-Shoura.

The dismissal of Idris, who is known for his closeness to the al-Bashir regime, had been one of the demonstrators’ chief demands.

Demonstrators are also calling on the MTC to relinquish executive authority to a civilian government.

Earlier Tuesday, the MTC also announced the dismissal of Mohamed Hamid Suleiman, the head of Sudan’s state-run radio and television agency.

On Sunday, the MTC dismissed former council head Awad Ibn Auf -- and his deputy -- and announced sweeping changes to the army leadership.

Last week, the Sudanese army ousted al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year rule. The MTC was established shortly afterward to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year transitional period.