Sudan’s vice president, premier sworn in amid protests

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - Sudan’s newly appointed first vice president, prime minister and 15 governors of states have been sworn on Sunday amid protests in the country.

Addressing a ceremony at the presidential palace after the officials took oath, President Omer Al-Bashir said military personnel are the “most suitable leaders” to manage the current crisis in the country, referring to newly appointed governors of the state.

“The new plans of reforms in the country need special capabilities and special men to implement it,” he stressed.

Bashir also issued a presidential decree on Sunday to appoint Youssef Mystafa Alhawli as new minister of finance.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Omdurman, the twin city of the capital Khartoum, refusing the new arrangements made by Bashir including the declaration of the state of emergency and dissolution of the government.

The protesters were chanting anti-Bashir slogans and asking him to step down.

On Friday, Al-Bashir declared the state of emergency for one year, dissolving the federal and states governments amid widespread protests that have rocked the country for more than two months.