This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
September 7, 2019
The African Union has lifted its suspension of Sudan, three months after freezing its membership following a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
The decision was made by the AU's Peace and Security Council, which cited Sudan's announcement of its first cabinet since the ousting of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir.
Abdalla Hamdok, Sudan's new premier, unveiled an 18-member cabinet on Thursday, marking a major step in the transition toward civilian rule after decades of authoritarianism.
According to AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki, the move marked 'the beginning of a new era' for Sudan.
The cabinet formation followed the signing of a power-sharing deal between the movement that led the months-long protests against Bashir and the generals who seized power after ousting him.
A joint civilian-military ruling body was sworn in and tasked with overseeing the transition, with the legislative body to be formed within 90 days.
The AU's Peace and Security Council announced the decision in a tweet, stating that Sudan had established a civilian-led government.
