Ousted Sudanese premier released, to be reinstated

(Update 1: Adds Hamdok’s release)

Khartoum, Nov 21 (EFE).- Ousted Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok has been freed by the military to sign a new deal reinstating him as head of the government almost a month after he was toppled by a coup, a source close to the negotiations told told Efe.

“The Army has lifted Hamdok’s house arrest that had been imposed on him since 25 October,” the member of the so-called National Mediation Initiative said.

The initiative was created to end the crisis triggered by the coup orchestrated by military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Hamdok is expected to meet al-Burhan to make the agreement official, according to the source, who requested anonymity.

Earlier in the day, the mediating team issued a statement confirming a deal between Hamdok and the military. One of Hamdock’s conditions was the release of “all political detainees.”

During the coup, Hamdok and his wife were arrested and taken to al-Burhan’s residence.

After 36 hours at al-Burhan’s house, Hamdok and his wife were moved to their residence. Hamdok was placed under house arrest, although he has been able to receive different diplomats and representatives.

On 25 October, al-Burhan dissolved the joint military-civilian Sovereign Council, a transitional framework that took charge following the ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir.

At least 40 people have been killed in demonstrations since the coup, according to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors. EFE