Sudan's Army, Opposition Sign Power-Sharing Deal

By Mohammed Amin



Sudan's ruling military council and opposition signed a power-sharing deal on Saturday, paving the way for elections and civilian rule.



The deal was signed by the deputy leader of the Transitional Military Council, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and Ahmed Rabiaa of the opposition Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) alliance.



The signing ceremony was attended by a host of regional leaders and foreign diplomats as well as the Commissioner of the African Union.



Under the power-sharing deal, a sovereign council, consisting of six civilians and five military personnel, will run the country until elections.



According to the agreement, the country's prime minister will be appointed with the approval of the council on Aug. 20, and will be sworn in in front of the council and head of the Supreme Court on Aug. 21.



Sudan has remained in turmoil since April 11, when the military establishment announced long-serving President Omar Bashir's removal after months of popular protests against his 30-year rule. -