Awad Ibn Auf, Military Leader Who Led the Coup in Sudan Has Stepped Down
Defence Minister, Awad Ibn Auf has announced his decision on state TV to step down, naming Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan as his successor.
The army has said it will stay in power for two years, followed by elections, but protest leaders said they will not leave the streets until the military hands over to a civilian government.
Former President Bashir’s downfall followed months of unrest that began in December over rising prices. Mr. Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.
The new man in charge is also a top military figure, but the Associated Press news agency reported that his record is cleaner than other Sudanese generals. He is also said to have met with protesters to hear their views.
President Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the Darfur conflict. However, the military council has said it will not extradite Mr. Bashir, who denies the charges, although he may be put on trial in Sudan.
