Brutal Sudan general says 'open' to technocratic government

Sudan's General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has said his military junta might be open to a technocratic government.
2 min read
18 June, 2019
General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is feared in Sudan [Getty]

A notorious general in Sudan's ruling military council has said he could be willing to form a technocratic government, following weeks of protests demanding civilian rule.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claimed on Monday that the military are "partners" with Sudanese pro-democracy protesters in the country, despite a government militia gunning down over 100 protesters two weeks ago, at a sit-in in Khartoum.

"We are actually not in dispute and we are partners in this glorious revolution," Dagalo said.

"They say a technocratic government and we are ready."

Weeks of protests in Sudan let to the overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir with generals taking power in the country and promising a return to civilian rule within two years.

Activists have continued their protests and called for a swift transition to democracy, organising sit-ins and a general strike against the military junta.

The massacre of around 128 protesters on 3 July - with their bodies dumped into the River Nile - led to mass outcry at the military's brutal tactics.

The Rapid Support Forces, commmanded by Dagalo - also known by his nickname Hemedti - was thought to be responsible for the killings.

Despite being blamed for the massacre, Dagalo said this week that he would hang "those responsible".

"We are working hard to take those who did this to the gallows," deputy leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo said on Sunday in a speech broadcast on state television.

"Whoever committed any fault" will be held accountable, he added.