(Image: AP)
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) — A dispute between Sudan’s military and a paramilitary group again forced the delay of signing a deal with politicians to restore the country’s democratic transition, which was derailed by a 2021 coup, a pro-democracy bloc said Wednesday.
The bloc, known as the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, announced the postponement in a statement saying that the deal would not be signed Thursday as planned.
The bloc said the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Force were still negotiating on a reform for the security and military sector to be included in the final agreement. They are discussing the integration of the Rapid Support Force into the military.
The bloc’s statement said the military and the paramilitary force had made progress and only one point remined unresolved. It did not offer further details.
It was the second time within less than a week that Sudanese parties failed to meet a deadline set to sign the agreement between the generals and pro-democracy groups. It originally had been scheduled to be signed last Saturday.
The deal aims at restoring Sudan’s short-lived transition to democracy, which was halted byr an October 2021 military coup that removed a Western-supported, power-sharing administration.
The coup dashed Sudanese aspirations for democratic government after three decades of autocracy and repression under Islamist-backed strongman Omar al-Bashir.
A months-long popular uprising had led the military to oust al-Bashir and his Islamist government in April 2019. Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court over the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region, has been imprisoned in Khartoum.
According to a draft of the deal obtained by The Associated Press, the military would withdraw from politics and be barred from non-military businesses. The deal includes an overhaul of the security apparatuses that will eventually lead to a unified, professional and non-partisan national military.Political parties would form a civilian administration to lead the chaos-stricken nation through elections in two years. They are to name a prime minister who would form a Cabinet and chair the Defence and Security Council, which decides on security issues.The dispute has focused on the integration of the Rapid Support Force into the military. The force, led by powerful Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of former janjaweed militias that executed a brutal crackdown in Darfur over the past two decades.The second postponement came as Sudan braced for anti-coup demonstrations called by protest groups for Thursday. That is the anniversary of the overthrow of President Jaafar al-Nimeiri in a bloodless coup in 1985 after a popular uprising against his repressive rule.Authorities ordered tight security measures in the capital ahead of the protests, with the military bolstering its presence in Khartoum over the past few days. Armored vehicles were parked at most intersections near the Presidential Palace, and trucks belonging to both the army and the Rapid Support Force were seen parolling downtown after sunset Wednesday.___Magdy reported from Cairo.JOIN THE CONVERSATION Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free)Sign InRegisterReferences
- ^ Code of Conduct (www.niagarafallsreview.ca)
Newer articles:
- South Sudan seeks inclusion in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves - 07/04/2023 01:21
- ONGC Videsh wins $190-million arbitration awards against Sudan - 07/04/2023 00:43
- South Sudanese Bank Plans Є50 Million Investment in Silk Bank - 06/04/2023 07:38
- Early Marriage and Unintended Pregnancies the 'Elephant in the Room' in Camp for Displaced Persons, South Sudan - 06/04/2023 06:10
- UN, C. Equatoria State government to register IDPs - 06/04/2023 05:14
Older news items
- Tanzania to host FIBA Africa basketball competition - 06/04/2023 00:22
- In flood-hit South Sudan, women harness power of plants - 05/04/2023 07:24
- More efforts, funding urged to help South Sudan meet mine clearance target - 05/04/2023 07:02
- Indian President promises support to South Sudan in ongoing political process - 05/04/2023 06:45
- DR Congo - Nairobi Process Making Progress, Says Kenyatta - 05/04/2023 01:16
Latest news items (all categories):
- The citizens of South Sudan Should Disown the SPLM - 24/04/2025 17:12
- [video] South Sudan’s security crisis and the looming war - 24/04/2025 17:05
- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Remembers Day Pope Francis Kissed his Feet in Heartfelt Tribute - 24/04/2025 16:58
- MTN Group reshuffles leadership in Rwanda, South Sudan - 24/04/2025 16:55
- South Sudan on brink again as fragile peace teeters - 24/04/2025 16:49
Random articles (all categories):
- As Thousands Flee South Sudan, Ugandan Refugee Camp Becomes World's Largest - 05/04/2017 03:31
- Official: Ugandan troops are withdrawing from South Sudan - 12/10/2015 08:20
- South Sudan leaders reach key deal on the selection of governors for the country's 10 states - 17/06/2020 11:45
- South Sudan: Government plans to boost collection of none-oil revenue - 03/10/2022 09:01
- Kerry: South Sudan agrees to deployment of regional force - 22/08/2016 10:26
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 94803 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 22584 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 21928 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 20612 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 19475 times