17 Jul 2019 | 09:45 AM UTC
Sudan: Protesters and military sign power-sharing agreement July 17 /update 108
Power-sharing agreement has been signed between civilian protest leaders and the ruling military council in Sudan on July 17; protests remains a possibility
Event
The power-sharing agreement between the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and civilian opposition leaders has been signed early in the morning (local time) on Wednesday, July 17, following numerous postponements over the previous days due to remaining discrepancies between both parties. While the political declaration has been reached, both parties are working on a constitutional declaration, which is expected to be signed on Friday, July 19.
As of Wednesday morning, it remains unclear if the protest called by the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) civil group scheduled to take place in Khartoum North on Thursday, July 18, to commemorate those killed by security forces in recent protests will take place following the signature of the agreement. If the protest goes ahead as planned, a heightened security presence, along with transportation and business disruptions are to be expected. Clashes between protesters and security forces remains a possibility.
Context
Civilian protest leaders and the TCM reached a power-sharing agreement on July 5, which is expected to form a joint council with a rotational military-civilian leader. Under the agreement, the council will also rule for around three years, after which new elections will be held.
The TCM 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 TCM; 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, particularly those in Khartoum and other urban areas, 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.
