Sudan Coup Leader al-Bashir Steps Down

The head of Sudan military council has stepped down a day after long-time leader Omar al-Bashir was toppled in a coup.

Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf announced his decision in a broadcast on state TV on Friday.

It comes after protesters refused to leave the streets, saying the coup leaders were too close to Mr Bashir.

The army has insisted that it is not seeking power and Sudan’s future would be decided by the protesters.

Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has been ousted Thursday and arrested by the military after nearly 30 years in power.

Speaking on state TV, defence minister Awad Ibn Auf said the army would oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections.

He also said a three-month state of emergency was being put in place.

Protesters, however, have vowed to stay on the streets despite an overnight curfew being imposed by the military.

Demonstrations against Mr Bashir, who has governed Sudan since 1989, have been taking place for several months.