Sudan’s army will withdraw from negotiations meant to find a way out of the country’s political crisis, its military leader Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan said on Monday in a major concession to the pro-democracy groups that have been calling on the military to step aside.
The decision leaves civilians to hammer out a political road map by themselves, after which Gen Burhan said he would dissolve the military-led Sovereign Council that he chairs when a civilian government is formed.
In a televised address to the nation, he said the military would abide by the solution the civilians would reach.
Gen Al Burhan's surprise announcement would allow the pro-democracy and other civilian groups to restore the political transition process derailed by a military coup last October that he led.
The announcement also comes at a time when the movement against the military was gaining steam after security forces killed nine protesters and wounded more than 600 last week during the largest anti-military rallies in months.
The latest deaths took the number of protesters killed since the October 25 coup to 114. About 6,000 others have been injured.
Gen Al Burhan's change of tack, however, also puts the resolve and unity of the pro-democracy groups to the test.
They have been beset by differences and internal divisions, exchanging accusations of opportunism or betrayal of the principles of the 2018-19 uprising that toppled the 29-year regime of dictator Omar al Bashir.
Gen Al Burhan said the aim of his decision to withdraw the military from the negotiations is to "allow the political and revolutionary forces along with other national factions to sit down and form a government of independent technocrats that takes care of the requirements of the transitional period".
"The armed forces will not be used as a bridge for any political force to reach power and will be committed to the implementation of the outcome of that dialogue," said Gen Al Burhan.
"I hope that these forces will immediately start a serious dialogue that restores the unity of the Sudanese people."
After the formation of the government, he said, the military-led Sovereign Council that he chairs will be dissolved and a supreme council of the armed forces will be formed to take charge of security and defense issues.
Gen Al Burhan's announcement followed the indefinite postponement last month of the negotiations facilitated by the UN, the African Union and the regional IGAD group.
The postponement followed the boycott of the process by virtually all opposition groups. The United Nations said the boycott rendered the negotiations meaningless.
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
Match info:
Burnley 0
Manchester United 2
Lukaku (22', 44')
Red card: Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Man of the match: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)
Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
If%20you%20go
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results for Stage 2
Stage 2 Yas Island to Abu Dhabi, 184 km, Road race
Overall leader: Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Fernando Gaviria COL (UAE Team Emirates) 2. Elia Viviani ITA (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 3. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal)
Secret Pigeon Service: Operation Colomba, Resistance and the Struggle to Liberate Europe
Gordon Corera, Harper Collins
