Sudan's Al-Bashir Hands Over Gov't to Newly Appointed Deputy

Friday embattled Sudan President Omar al-Bashir handed over the reins of the country to ruling party National Congress Party’s (NCP) deputy Ahmed Mohamed Haroun, who is expected to remain in the position until the next general conference.

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"President Omar al-Bashir has transferred his authority as chief of the party to Ahmed Haroun," the ruling National Congress Party said in a statement.

Al-Bashir delegated his powers and authority to Haroun amid criticism and protests calling for his resignation, a release from the party stated. "Haroun will serve as the acting chief of NCP until the party's next general convention, where a new president of the party will be elected," the statement disclosed.

Protests broke out across Sudan, in December, with demonstrators accusing the al-Bashir Administration of mismanaging the economy. Last week, the strongman leader push back by declaring a year-long state of emergency across the country, but the protesters remain resolute.

Officials reported that some 31 people have died as a result of protest-related violence, while Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed.

The unpopular head of state, just last week, dissolved the government and shelved a plan to push through legislation to extend political term limits.

President al-Bashir dissolved the federal and provincial governments, appointing 16 army officers and two National Intelligence and Security Service officials as governors of the country's 18 provinces. The Sudanese leader also ordered the creation of special emergency courts to investigate violations during the state of emergency.

Haroun, who is allegedly wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, was elected as the party’s deputy leader this week. 

NCP has an overwhelming majority in parliament. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2020.