ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Monday commended Sudan's military council and opposition alliance for "placing the country's interests above all other considerations" by signing an agreement on the constitutional declaration.
The remark was made by the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, who commended the Sudanese parties for reaching an important agreement that lays the foundations for a democratic transition in the country, the AU said in a statement.
On Sunday, Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Freedom and Change Alliance signed an agreement on the constitutional declaration which includes the establishment of a transitional government for a period of 39 months.
"This development lays the foundations for a democratic transition with a civilian-led government and is an important achievement for Africa in its desire to solve its own problems," Faki stressed.
Faki also urged all bilateral and multilateral partners to redouble their efforts to provide Sudan and its transitional authorities with the necessary support.
He also reiterated the "continued commitment of the African Union to support the people and authorities in Sudan in their quest for peace, reconciliation and prosperity."
The AU has called for the need for a Sudanese-owned process, and frequently urged foreign actors to refrain from interference in Sudan's internal politics since the military ouster of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in April this year after months of street protests.
The signed agreement on the constitutional declaration, among other things, commits the transitional government to work to achieve comprehensive peace and justice, and end the war by addressing the root causes of the Sudanese problem and tackling its effects.
The document further stipulates that the transitional government works to achieve legal reform, rebuild and improve the legal and judicial system and ensure independence of the judiciary and sovereignty of law.
Regarding external relations, the document stipulated setting up a balanced foreign policy while preserving the country's sovereignty, security and borders.
Meanwhile, the document determines the powers of the sovereignty council and the establishment of a council of ministers with executive powers.
The document, which stipulates that the prime minister should be selected by the Freedom and Change Alliance and approved by the sovereignty council, also provides that 67 percent of the seats of the legislative council go to the Freedom and Change Alliance and the rest to the other parties which contributed to the revolution.
