Sudan opposition demands 'civilian' governing council
Sudanese Professional Association also calls for dissolution of ousted president’s National Congress Party
KHARTOUM
The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) on Monday demanded that Sudan’s ruling Military Transitional Council (MTC) be replaced with a “sovereign civilian council”.
At a press conference, SPA spokesman Mohamed Naji al-Asam called for a civilian council to be drawn up -- with limited military representation -- “to oversee formation of a transitional government” tasked with carrying out needed political and economic reforms.
He also reiterated the SPA’s demand for the dissolution of ousted President Omar al-Bashir’s National Congress Party.
“We’re also calling for the abolition of Sudan’s security, press, and public order laws and for the total restructuring of state and military institutions,” he said.
Al-Asam further called for an end to Sudan’s many armed conflicts; for the return of all displaced populations to their homes; and for improved relations with South Sudan.
Last Thursday, the Sudanese army ousted al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year rule and established the MTC to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year “transitional period”.
On Saturday, MTC chief Lieutenant-General Abdel-Fattah Burhan pledged to carry out wide-ranging political and economic reforms.
In a televised address, Burhan said that the two-year transitional period would conclude with “free and fair” presidential elections.
He also vowed to prosecute corrupt officials linked to the al-Bashir regime, along with anyone found guilty of involvement in the recent killing of protesters.
