After months of back and forth negotiations, Sudan’s main opposition and the ruling Military Council appear to have struck a deal.
In the deal announced early Saturday, the two parties agreed on a constitutional declaration, ushering in a new period for the transitional government.
According to African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt, the deal outlines the powers and the relationships between the branches of the transitional government.
The deal comes comes after weeks of protracted negotiations brokered by the African Union and neighbouring Ethiopia amid sporadic bouts of violence in the capital Khartoum and other cities.
Sudan has been in a state of political turmoil since the army ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in April, with dozens of demonstrators killed during street protests.
As news of the agreement emerged, people began gathering on Nile Street, a main avenue in the capital Khartoum, honking car horns and ululating in celebration.
“We’re victorious!” some people chanted while others sang the national anthem.
Once the transitional government starts work, Sudan embarks on a three-year transition period expected lead to elections.
The constitutional declaration stipulates the powers of the sovereignty council, the prime minister and the legislative council during the transitional period.
It also addresses affiliation of the security and military bodies as well as the commissions of elections, border and peace.
On July 17, the TMC and the opposition alliance signed a political declaration which determines the political structures of the transitional period.
It stipulates the establishment of a joint sovereignty council of 11 members, including five civilians, five military representatives and one civilian to be selected through mutual consultation.
