Sudan's first Cabinet since the ouster of president Omar al-Bashir was sworn in on Sunday as the African country transitions to a civilian rule following nationwide protests that overthrew the former leader.

The 18-member Cabinet led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, which includes four women, took oath at the presidential palace in Khartoum, an AFP correspondent reported.

It is expected to steer the daily affairs of the country during a transition period of 39 months.

Read more:

Sudan’s PM announces formation of transitional cabinet

Sudan court charges Bashir with holding illegal foreign funds

The line-up was formed after Sudan last month swore in a "sovereign council" — a joint civilian-military ruling body that aims to oversee the transition.

The 18 ministers were seen greeting members of the sovereign council, including its chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in images broadcast by state television from the palace.

"We have to put in a lot of efforts to meet our people's demands," Information Minister Faisal Mohamed Saleh told reporters after the swearing in ceremony.

"The world is watching us. It is waiting to see how we can solve our issues."

The sovereign council itself is the result of a power-sharing deal between the protesters and generals who had seized power after the army ousted Bashir in April.

Hamdok's cabinet, which has the country's first female foreign affairs minister, is expected to lead Sudan through formidable challenges that also include ending internal conflicts in three regions.

Rebel groups from marginalized regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states had waged long wars against Bashir's forces.

"The road ahead is not easy. We will face many challenges but we have to work on them," said Walaa Issam, Minister for youth and sports.

(Cover: Members of the Sudanese cabinet pose for a photograph, with new Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok (5th L) and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan's ruling military council (5th R), after taking oath at the presidential palace in Khartoum, September 8, 2019. /VCG Photo)