Kamogelo Muvhenzhe
Abdalla Hamdok’s resignation, six weeks after he was reinstated as prime minister, comes after weeks of political deadlock and widespread protests.
During a military coup in October last year, Sudan declared a state of emergency and dispelled their civilian leadership, a move that triggered pro-democracy protests.
Hamdok, who had taken office in 2019, was kidnapped by the military during the coup, and was forced to step down. However, he returned to his post in November after making a deal with the coup leaders.
Hamdok announced his resignation late on Sunday, saying that stepping down would allow for another person to lead the nation and complete its transition to a civilian, democratic country.
“I have tried my best to stop the country from sliding towards disaster. The country was at a dangerous turning point that threatened its whole survival,” he said.
He said he was resigning after being unable to forge an agreement to bring the transition forward. He called for dialogue to reach a new agreement for the transition.
In December, thousands of Sudanese protesters rallied to mark three years since the start of mass demonstrations that led to the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir.
According to the Sudan Central Doctors’ Committee, 57 people have been killed at protests since the coup started, including two people on Sunday.
The US state department said in a tweet that any new appointments should follow the power-sharing deal struck in 2019.
“Sudan’s next prime minister and cabinet should be appointed in line with the constitutional declaration to meet the people’s goals of freedom, peace, and justice,” it said.
“Violence against protesters must cease.”
Image source: @NationBreaking
