US calls for civilian rule in Sudan after PM Hamdok resigned

The United States has urged Sudanese leaders to ensure civilian rule and end violence against protesters after Abdalla Hamdok resigned as prime minister.

"After PM Hamdok's resignation, Sudanese leaders should set aside differences, find consensus and ensure continued civilian rule," the US State Department's Bureau of African Affairs said in a tweet on Monday.

The US State Department said any new appointments should follow the power-sharing deal struck in 2019.

"Sudan's next PM and cabinet should be appointed in line with the constitutional declaration to meet the people's goals of freedom, peace, and justice," it said. 

"Violence against protesters must cease," it added.

READ MORE: Sudan PM Hamdok resigns amid anti-military protests

Hamdok steps down

Hamdok announced on Sunday that he was resigning after being unable to forge a consensus to bring the transition forward. He called for dialogue to reach a new agreement for the transition.

His resignation came hours after the latest round of mass rallies against the military. 

At least 57 civilians have been killed as security forces have moved to contain or disperse demonstrations since the October 25 coup, according to medics aligned with the protest movement. 

Reaction on social media in Sudan was divided, with some saddened by the loss of a leader who they said stood out for his wisdom. While others, still angry with Hamdok for returning after the coup, expressed their resolve to end military rule.

READ MORE: Protests in Sudan loom after military crack down

A key partner for the international community

Hamdok, an economist and former United Nations official widely respected by the international community, had served as prime minister under a military-civilian power-sharing deal that followed the overthrow of former leader Omar al Bashir in 2019.

He had been a key partner for the international community as Sudan sought to emerge from decades of isolation and sanctions under Bashir and to end an economic crisis, with Western backing

The military dissolved his government in a coup in October, but he returned a month later under a deal that tasked him with forming a government of technocrats ahead of elections in 2023 before announcing his resignation.

READ MORE: Anti-coup protests in Sudan turn deadly again as security forces open fire