Sudanese new military council head meets protesters, listening to demands

Ruling military council of Sudan is now in talks with the mass protests’ organizers following the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who has ruled the country for about thirty years.

The new head of military council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, promised transition of powe in two years time period to a civilian government.

In his first televised message to the nation Burhan said, “I invite all the people of Sudan, including political parties and civil society groups to engage in dialogue.”

For about four months people protested demanding stepping down of Bashir and bring to an end his dictatorship rule in Sudan. On Thursday military overthrew him and General Awad Ibn Auf became the head of military council to help power transition in the hands of civilian in about two years of time.

However, protesters were not satisfied with Ibn Auf becoming the head of council and demanded for his resignation too.

Ibn Auf stepped down on Friday amid the public outcry as he was too close to Bashir. Burhan took the chair and he had earlier served as general inspector of armed forces under the deposed leader. He met the protesters and listened to their demands.

It is feared the Bashir dominated military may rule the country indefinitely or may hand power to one of its own.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Professionals Association has urged the protesters to continue a seven-day sit-in outside the military headquarters in capital city Khartoum.