Sudanese Parties Expected to Sign New Deal on Civilian Rule

 Protesters march during a rally against military rule following the last coup, in Khartoum, Sudan November 23, 2022. (Reuters)
Protesters march during a rally against military rule following the last coup, in Khartoum, Sudan November 23, 2022. (Reuters)
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Sudanese Parties Expected to Sign New Deal on Civilian Rule

 Protesters march during a rally against military rule following the last coup, in Khartoum, Sudan November 23, 2022. (Reuters)
Protesters march during a rally against military rule following the last coup, in Khartoum, Sudan November 23, 2022. (Reuters)

The Sudanese military and the opposition Forces of Freedom and Change are expected on Monday to sign a new political framework agreement that would pave the way for the establishment of civilian rule in the country.

International and regional figures have been invited to attend the signing ceremony that will be held at the presidential palace in Khartoum.

Sudanese head of the Sovereign Council Abdul Fattah al-Burhan is expected to be present, along with his deputy Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo and other military figures. Leaders of the Forces of Freedom and Change and other figures are set to attend.

The “tripartite mechanism” that includes the United Nations, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as the “quartet” that includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the US and UK, will be present at the ceremony.

Leading member of the Forces of Freedom and Change Al-Wathiq Al-Barir told Asharq Al-Awsat that other political forces and groups that support the democratic transition will be able to join and sign the “political declaration” at a later time.

He said the Justice and Equality Movement, led by Gibril Ibrahim, and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, led by Minni Minnawi, still refuse to join the declaration.

They can join at any time, added Al-Barir.

The Forces of Freedom and Change said on Sunday the articles of the political declaration are clear in achieving the goals of the December 2019 revolution and the transition towards civilian democratic rule.

It vowed to exert all efforts to unite civilian forces that are keen on ending military rule. It pledged to establish a new constitution and reach a final agreement that would pave the way for implementing the objectives of the revolution and transition in achieving justice and dismantling the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

It vowed to carry out security and military reforms and outline their duties in the civilian democratic state.

Meanwhile, authorities released prominent politician Wagdi Salih, who was the forefront of an anti-corruption committee tasked with dismantling Bashir's regime.



12 Turkish Soldiers Killed by Gas Exposure During Cave Search in Northern Iraq

A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
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12 Turkish Soldiers Killed by Gas Exposure During Cave Search in Northern Iraq

A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi/File Photo
A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria January 28 ,2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

Twelve Turkish soldiers died after being exposed to methane gas during a search operation in a cave in northern Iraq, the defense ministry said on Monday.

In a statement, the ministry said the incident took place on Sunday during a mission to locate the remains of a Turkish soldier killed during a military operation against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Other soldiers who are also exposed to the gas in the cave have been taken to the hospital for treatment, the ministry said.

The cave was at an altitude of 852 meters (2,795 foot) and was known to have been used as a hospital by the PKK in the past, although it had since been cleared by Turkish soldiers.

Türkiye and the PKK have waged a 40-year conflict which has often spilled over into Iraq and Syria. Türkiye has set up a series of bases in northern Iraq, where the PKK has been established for decades.