Sudan ruling council replaces country’s chief justice

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Sudan’s Military Transitional Council (MTC) has sacked the country’s chief justice amid ongoing protests demanding the departure of all government officials affiliated with the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

On Tuesday, the head of the MTC, Lt. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, announced that Chief Justice Abdul-Magid Idris had been replaced by Yehia al-Tayeb Abu-Shoura.

The dismissal of Idris, who is known for his closeness to the al-Bashir regime, had been one of the demonstrators’ chief demands.

Demonstrators are also calling on the MTC to relinquish executive authority to a civilian government.

Earlier Tuesday, the MTC also announced the dismissal of Mohamed Hamid Suleiman, the head of Sudan’s state-run radio and television agency.

On Sunday, the MTC dismissed former council head Awad Ibn Auf -- and his deputy -- and announced sweeping changes to the army leadership.

Last week, the Sudanese army ousted al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year rule. The MTC was established shortly afterward to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year transitional period.