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Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdo has pledged to establish a “technocratic government” made up of qualified professionals who will lead the country on the path to democracy after a military coup.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Hamdo – who was ousted by the military on October 25 but reinstated as interim prime minister. signing an agreement on Sunday, with the Sudanese general to restore the transition to civilian power – he said the new government will be independent.
Hamdok said the cabinet, which is currently being formed, will focus on establishing a constitutional conference in June 2023 and holding elections to end the “transition to democracy and its obligations.”
“You all know that [holding] the election will take at least a full year, and may take a year and a half, ”he said a few hours after signing a political agreement with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Hamdo had been under house arrest by the military for weeks. The military disbanded its cabinet and arrested several civilians who held high-ranking positions under the power-sharing agreement reached in 2019 after ousting longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir.
The 14-point agreement signed between Hamdok and the military signed at the Khartoum presidential palace on Sunday envisages the release of all political prisoners arrested in the coup and stipulates that the 2019 constitutional declaration will be the basis for political transition. Details read on state television.
The coup has provoked international criticism. Sudanese people have been taking to the streets en masse since the military took over, which overturned the country’s fragile transition to democracy.
There have been at least 41 people dead in confrontations with the police since the coup, as security forces have sometimes used direct shifts to disperse protesters against the coup.
Hamdok pledged to launch an independent investigation into the killings and violations, and said the agreement was signed “to prevent further bloodshed.”
‘Total freedom’
Hamdok told Al Jazeera that the agreement guarantees that the prime minister has “the power and authority” to form an independent and technocratic government “in complete freedom and without any pressure.”
However, it is not clear how much power the next government will have.
The appointment of cabinet ministers must be approved by the Sovereign Council headed by Al-Burhan.
Pro-democracy activists have rejected Sunday’s deal and pledged to step up anti-military rallies. They have also ruled out any negotiations or cooperation with the army.
The Civil Coalition for Freedom and Change (FFC), which was sharing power with the military, said it did not support any agreement with the armed forces.
The Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) also rejected the political agreement on Sunday.
Although many disagree with the development, Hamdok said he signed the agreement, driven by the “responsibilities” placed on his shoulders.
“I have decided and signed this political agreement, even though I know that many may disagree, oppose or reject it, simply because the intentions and desires of the people were much greater,” he said.
The former UN economist said he has no “personal intentions” to remain a leader beyond the transition period, and that he has no interest in joining a particular party or group.
“I repeat that I have no personal gain, otherwise I would not have accepted the office with all the challenges it has faced in the last two years,” Hamdok said.
Cameron Hudson, a former chief of staff for the U.S. special envoy to Sudan, said protests could now be made after the deal against the military and Hamdok.
The deal was a “major commitment by the prime minister,” Hudson told Al Jazeera, because it essentially validates what this coup has called “bad behavior.”
“Demonstrators have every right to worry about what message this sends to the country and to look forward to the auspices of the democratic transition,” he added.
Meanwhile, several countries have welcomed the deal.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country was “encouraged” by the deal, but warned authorities it was using excessive force to quell the protests.
“I am pleased with the reports that the Khartoum talks will lead to the release of all political prisoners, the reinstatement of Hamdo by the prime minister, the suspension of the state of emergency and the restoration of coordination,” Blinken wrote on Twitter.
“I also repeat our call for the security forces not to use excessive force against peaceful protesters,” he said.
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