Sudan’s military agrees to reinstate ousted prime minister, officials say

The deal includes the restoration of Hamdok as prime minister and the release of all detainees, mediators say [Getty]

CAIRO — Military and government officials say a deal has been reached between Sudan’s military and civilian leaders to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The officials also said Sunday that government officials and politicians arrested since the Oct. 25 coup will be released as part of the deal between the military and political parties, including the largest Umma Party.

Hamdok will lead an independent technocratic Cabinet, the officials said. They said the U.N., the U.S., and others played “crucial roles” in crafting the deal.

The coup, more than two years after a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government, has drawn international criticism. The United States, its allies, and the United Nations have condemned the use of excessive force against protesters.

Sudanese have been taking to the streets in masses since last month’s military takeover, which upended the country’s fragile transition to democracy. The agreement comes just days after doctors said at least 15 people were killed by live fire during anti-coup demonstrations.

The military has tightened its grip on power, appointing a new, military-run Sovereign Council. The council is chaired by coup leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

The Sovereign Council will meet later Sunday before announcing the deal, the officials said.

A national initiative formed after the coup that includes political parties and public figures said in a statement that Hamdok would be reinstated and will form a technocratic Cabinet. It said the deal would be signed later Sunday along with a political declaration. It did not elaborate.

Mohmmed Youssef al-Mustafa, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals’ Association, said there is a deal but the SPA would comment when it is announced officially.

The group called on people to take to the streets Sunday to reiterate their demands for civilian democratic rule and denounce any partnership with the military.