Sudanese people back on the streets; trial of Bashir’s regime is a popular demand

Mahmoud Mohammadi

Thousands of demonstrators rallied outside the headquarters of the Sudanese army to demand the handover of power to a civilian government. They announced the continuation of the sit-in for the 14th consecutive day to confirm several demands, including the release of the remaining detainees and the accountability of those involved in committing crimes of corruption or murder.

The Sudanese Freedom and Change Forces called Friday for Friday prayers in the square, announcing that elders supporting the movement would pray and deliver a Friday sermon to the masses of protesters and then continue the sit-in to press the Transitional Military Council to hand over power to a civilian government.

The demands of the protesters

On Thursday, more than a million Sudanese demonstrators rallied in front of the army headquarters in Khartoum, a week after the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, and stressed their commitment to implement the six demands of their movement: the dismantling of the regime, the formation of a civilian government, a legislature and a civilian presidential council.

The assembly was the largest since the ouster of former President al-Bashir a week ago and the military junta was handed over to the Authority. Hundreds of thousands gathered in the streets of the capital by evening. “Freedom and revolution are the people’s choice.”

Meeting demands

The Sudanese military council said it was prepared to meet some of the demands of the protesters, including the fight against corruption, stressing that the transition period will be two years followed by elections and is ready to work with opposition groups to form a civilian government.

“The most difficult issue facing the military council now through the political committee is the agreement between the various political factions and the community forces to name a prime minister,” said Salah Abdel Khaliq, a member of the military junta on state television. The ball is now in their court, according to Reuters reported.