Sudan celebrates transition agreement

This time, the people of Sudan have cause for celebration.

After weeks of violence, unrest, and stalemate, Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council and the country's main pro-democracy opposition have agreed to a new transitional government, African Union Envoy to Sudan Mohamed el-Hassan Lebatt said on Saturday. Lebatt said both sides will continue talks over the technical details of the deal on Saturday, but they have "fully agreed on the constitutional declaration" in the wake of the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April.

The document outlining the relationship between the transitional government's branches comes after weeks of negotiations overseen by the AU and Ethiopia following violent responses from Sudan's security forces to the opposition's protests. The declaration reportedly says that the opposition coalition will appoint a prime minister as soon as the document is signed. The prime minister will then form a new, transitional government, which will consist of a 300-member legislative assembly.

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Once the government begins its work, Sudan will start its three-year transition period that is supposed to culminate in free elections.

Protest leader Omar al-Dagir reportedly said the deal will be signed on Sunday. During celebrations in Sudan, some people chanted "We're victorious," while the opposition coalition called the deal a "first step with more to follow."