AU chairperson welcomes political deal in Sudan; calls for regular and free elections

African Union (AU) Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat on Sunday commended much-needed step towards return to constitutional order in Sudan. Lauding political deal, chairperson Mahamat learned about signing of agreement reached between General Commander of Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on vember 21, AU said in a statement released on ir official Twitter handle. Calling it an "important step" forward, he described deal as a "return to constitutional order as enshrined in Khartoum agreement of August 19, 2019," which framed consensual and democratic transition in Sudan.

AU chairperson also encourd all political, social, civil and military actors to deepen orientation and to implement it inclusively and effectively, in a climate of peace and national reconciliation. commission chief also called on international community to renew ir commitment in solidarity with Sudan "so that it regains peace and prepares in a democratic consensus, for a regular and free election." As per Mahamat, elections are "only path to put a definitive end to institutional turmoil in country and ensure its sustainable development."

Elections in Sudan expected to be held in 2023

Ousted Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has returned to power under a deal intended to end hostilities that have killed at least 40 protestors in last months. deal signed on Sunday will see Hamdok leading a 'techcratic cabinet' until elections are held in 2023, military commander and Sudan's top general, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said in a televised statement, as quoted by CBC news. Both leaders agreed that PM will have complete freedom to choose a government of national competencies. Additionally, at least four political prisoners, including Omar Al-Daqeer and Yasser Arman, will be released as a part of agreement, Sputnik reported.

agreement is expected to ease political tension that ensued following coup. Additionally, it will also buy time for both sides to mutually come to a power-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, it is currently unclear as to how much power Hamdok will hold, remaining under military oversight. As per Sputnik, critics believe that move is directed to allow maximum control in hands of military aiming to curb violence perpetrated in wake of coup.

(Im: AP/Twitter/@FelixUDPS)