Sudanese Prime Minister Says Deal With Military Allows Return To Democracy

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said Wednesday that his political deal with the head of the ruling military council allows the restoration of the country's democratic transition.

The agreement announced Sunday between Hamdok and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, stipulates 14 points, including the return of Hamdok as prime minister, formation of a qualified professionals' (technocratic) government, release of political prisoners and a pledge to jointly continue the nation's democratic path.

In an interview with private Sudania 24 TV, Hamdok said he "wasn't hesitant to sign the political agreement because it allows the restoration of the civilian and democratic transition."

He pointed to the importance to "complete the constitutional and national merit, conduct elections ... to continue the economic reform and achieve peace."

Hamdok said the agreement was also to stop bloodshed and "to preserve the gains of the last two years."

Following al-Burhan measures that deposed Hamdok's government on Oct. 25, Sudan witnessed mass rallies and protests that caused the death of 42 civilians, according to Sudan's Doctors Committee.

Before the military takeover, Sudan was administered by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials which was overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023 as part of a precarious power-sharing pact between the military and the Forces of Freedom and Change coalition.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara -