KHARTOUM - Sudan's military rulers and the
main opposition coalition initialled a constitutional
declaration on Sunday, paving the way to the formation of a
transitional government following the overthrow of long-time
leader Omar al-Bashir.
The two sides reached agreement on Saturday on the shape of
a transitional government in lengthy negotiations that followed
Bashir's overthrow by the army in April.
Sunday's formalities were attended by African Union and
Ethiopian mediators, who had helped broker the accord. Those
present in the room clapped and cheered as army and civilian
representatives held up copies of the agreement.
Ethiopian mediator Mahmoud Drir said the agreement
"establishes civilian and democratic rule that seeks to build a
state of law, a state of equality, a state which does not
marginalise its citizens".
The parties are expected to put their final signatures on
the agreement on Aug. 17 at a ceremony in Khartoum attended by
foreign leaders.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the
formation of a sovereign council, which will run the country
during a three-year transitional period leading up to elections,
will be announced on Aug. 18.
A new prime minister will be named on Aug. 20 and a cabinet
on Aug. 28. The cabinet and the sovereign council will meet
together on Sept. 1, the sources said, ahead of the appointment
of a legislative assembly in three months.
The 300-member assembly will serve during the transitional
period. The main opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and
Change (FFC), will have 67% of its seats and other political
groups not associated with Bashir will have the rest.