21 Aug 2019 | 09:10 AM UTC
Sudan: Formation of transitional sovereign council announced August 20 /update 120
Civilian protest leaders and ruling military council announce new transitional sovereign council August 20; three-year transition to civilian rule expected
Event
On Tuesday, August 20, the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and civilian opposition leaders announced the formation of a sovereign council aimed at governing the country during the transition to civilian rule. It is expected to remain in place for three years and three months before democratic elections are held in the country. The council is composed of 11 members, including six civilians and five military officers and is currently led by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan. A system of rotational military-civilian leader is in place.
Associated protests may take place throughout the country over the coming days. A heightened security presence and other localized disruptions are possible during the protests; clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Military officials claimed on July 24 that another coup d'état attempt against ruling generals had been foiled. At least a dozen people were arrested. The alleged coup attempt marks the second coup d'état plot thwarted this month in Sudan and comes as the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition-led groups are working to settle a power-sharing deal that would outline a three-year transition process that culminates with elections.
The TMC came to power after removing President Omar al-Bashir from office on April 11 following months of protests. Initially, the council announced it would rule until presidential elections could be held in two years. A sit-in demonstration was held in Khartoum until June 3 to demand increased civilian participation in negotiations, when it was violently dispersed by security forces. On July 3, opposition Alliance for Freedom and Change leaders agreed to participate in direct negotiations with the TMC; talks were previously suspended in May due to a dispute over whether a civilian or military official should rule the transitional body.
Advice
Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.
