Sudan’s prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok has resigned.
This is coming on the heels of renewed protests which have rocked the fragile African country in recent times.
An October coup had paved the way for a military takeover which ensured that Abdalla Hamdok was placed under house arrest.
Hamdok had reached an understanding with the military to share power.
The country was just a month away from transitioning to civilian rule when the military took over.
Just yesterday, protesters took to the streets again, demanding civilian rule.
The army stepped in to suppress the protests and two lives were lost.
With Prime Minister Hamdok’s exit, power now lies squarely in the hands of the military.
An economist by training, Hamdok has worked with the United Nations and is well respected internationally.
The protests were precipitated by his moves to get the embattled nation debt forgiveness which meant removal of fuel subsidy.
Naturally, the prices of basic goods began to rise, fueling protests that have now culminated in his resignation.
In his farewell speech, he noted that the country is “sliding towards disaster’’ despite everything that has been done to stop that from happening.
In November after the coup, he had reached an agreement with the military that would see him lead the nation to an election.
Protesters don’t seem to be backing down anytime soon.
They’re demanding a total return to civilian governance.
Between the coup and now, at least 55 people have lost their lives in the protest.
Time shall tell if the protests will usher in a new era or embolden the military to keep the nation in bondage.
