(Photo by Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The African Union congratulated the Sudan Transitional Military Council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups after both parties reached an agreement towards a democratic transition and civilian rule in Sudan.
In a statement, the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat reiterated the AU’s commitment to accompany the Sudanese people in their pursuit towards a democratic Sudan.
“The Chairperson highly commends the people of Sudan on the occasion of this important breakthrough and recognizes their commitment to the peaceful expression of their legitimate aspirations for a peaceful and democratic Sudan,” the statement read in part.
Earlier on Friday, the ruling military council and the Forces for Freedom and Change reached a deal in which it is expected that the groups will share power during a transitional period. This will be followed by the election of a successor to former president Omar al-Bashir.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two sides will establish a sovereign council by rotation between the military and civilians. The council will operate for a period of at least three years.
The two sides also agreed to postpone the establishment of a legislative council and to form an independent technocratic government and to launch a transparent, independent investigation into violent events in recent weeks.
Mahamat also thanked Special Envoys Professor Mohamed el Hacen Lebatt and Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir and their teams, the International Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community for their efforts.
