Sudanese professional union demands civilian government

<p>KHARTOUM (AA) – The Sudanese Professional Association on Friday called on the country’s ruling Military Transitional Council (MTC) to “immediately” relinquish executive authority to a civilian government.</p> <p>In a statement, the association described the MTC's assumption of power on Thursday as “absurd theater”.</p> <p>“Our position is based on the Sudanese people's experience dealing with the regime’s longstanding practice of using deception and theater,” the statement read.</p> <p>Accusing the MTC of protecting the interests of Sudan’s deep state “under a different guise”, the association vowed to peacefully resist an army-imposed curfew and state of emergency.</p> <p>On Thursday, the army announced the “removal” of President Omar al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since 1989, following months of popular protests against his rule.</p> <p>It also announced the imposition of a two-year transitional phase to be overseen by the MTC; the suspension of Sudan’s 2005 constitution; and the dissolution of the country’s presidency, parliament and council of ministers.</p>