Sudanese professional union demands civilian government

KHARTOUM (AA) - The Sudanese Professional Association on Friday called on the country’s ruling Military Transitional Council (MTC) to “immediately” relinquish executive authority to a civilian government.

In a statement, the association described the MTC's assumption of power on Thursday as “absurd theater”.

“Our position is based on the Sudanese people's experience dealing with the regime’s longstanding practice of using deception and theater,” the statement read.

Accusing the MTC of protecting the interests of Sudan’s deep state “under a different guise”, the association vowed to peacefully resist an army-imposed curfew and state of emergency.

On Thursday, the army announced the “removal” of President Omar al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since 1989, following months of popular protests against his rule.

It also announced the imposition of a two-year transitional phase to be overseen by the MTC; the suspension of Sudan’s 2005 constitution; and the dissolution of the country’s presidency, parliament and council of ministers.