Sudan's military and opposition agree in principle on joint council

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Sudan's military rulers and an opposition coalition have agreed in principle on the formation of a joint body to lead a transition from 30 years of rule by Omar al-Bashir, but not on the new council's make-up, two sources said.

The two sides were holding their first formal discussions as opposition groups and protesters push for a rapid handover to civilian rule following the ouster of al-Bashir earlier this month.

The sources said there was agreement over the formation of a joint council, but not over how many seats either side should have.

Sudanese soldiers are seen on their vehicles as they move with a military convoy outside the defense ministry compound in Khartoum, Sudan, April 25, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC), which ousted and arrested al-Bashir after months of protests, has said it will rule for up to two years ahead of elections.

Angry citizens on Saturday attacked a meeting for the opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) in the Sudanese capital Khartoum which resulted in injury of more than 60 PCP members, besides arrest of around 140 of the party members for hours.

The PCP participated in the government of the ousted al-Bashir at the executive and legislative levels and was a supporter of the national dialogue initiative.

The PCP political secretary Idris Suleiman said in a statement Saturday that a small group of young people were responsible for attacking the party's meeting.

Sudanese then president Omar al-Bashir addresses the National Dialogue Committee meeting at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, Sudan, April 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

The TMC urged all parties to refrain from violence, assault on citizens and their properties and state utilities, saying, "freedom is for everybody and must be exercised with the spirit of national responsibility so that our country would surpass this phase."

(With input from Reuters, Xinhua)