This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
On Saturday, August 17, 2019, Sudan's capital, Khartoum, witnessed a rare display of jubilation as generals and opposition leaders signed documents governing the country's three-year transition to civilian rule.
The ceremony, held in a hall by the Nile River, was attended by several high-ranking foreign officials, marking a significant event in the once-pariah state.
Worldwide congratulations poured in after the signing, with officials and revelers alike hailing it as the beginning of a 'new Sudan'.
"I welcome this historic moment for Sudan. This agreement responds to the demands of the Sudanese people who have tirelessly called for change and a better future," said Britain's Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed his country's support for the establishment of a government that protects the rights of all Sudanese citizens and leads to free and fair elections.
According to the agreement, several key steps will be taken before embarking on the long and obstacle-ridden road to 2022 polls.
The first step is the planned announcement of the composition of a ruling sovereign council, comprising six civilians and five members of the military, on Sunday.
Abdalla Hamdok, a former UN economist, will be formally appointed as prime minister on Tuesday, followed by the formation of a cabinet.
As Sudanese families celebrated their newfound freedom, obtained during eight months of protests that left at least 250 people dead, some members of the opposition alliance expressed concerns that the euphoria could be short-lived.
Deep distrust remains between the incoming sovereign council's main players, with some fearing that the power-sharing compromise reached earlier this month short-changed their revolution.
