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Sudan Forms First Cabinet Since Fall of Bashir

Reuters

   KHARTOUM - Sudan's prime ministerannounced on Thursday the formation of
   the first governmentsince the overthrow of long-term ruler Omar Hassan
   al-Bashir inApril.

   The government was formed as part of a three-yearpower-sharing deal
   signed last month between the military andcivilian parties and protest
   groups.

   AbdallaHamdokannounced the names of 18 ministers in thenew cabinet and
   said he would name two more later.

   "[The new government]will start its work immediately in aharmonious and
   collective way,"Hamdoktold a press conferencein Khartoum
   onThursdayevening."Today, we start a new phase in our history."

   The new government is an important step in transition awayfrom nearly
   30 years under Bashir, when Sudan was afflicted byinternal conflicts,
   international isolation and deep economicproblems.

   Military-civilian friction

   However, the months since Bashir's fall have been marked bytension
   between the powerful security forces and civilian groupsthat are
   pushing for democracy, reform and justice for thosekilled during
   crackdowns on protests.

   The announcement of the cabinet had been held up by
   hagglingoverpositions.Most of the 18 ministers announced on Thursday
   were approved
   earlier in the week. They includeAsmaaAbdallah,who becomes the
   country's first female foreign minister, andIbrahimElbadawi, a former
   World Bank economist who will serveas finance minister.

   Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the civilian coalition thatnegotiated
   the transition deal with the military, will beminister of industry and
   trade.

   General Jamal Omar, a member of the Transitional MilitaryCouncil that
   took over from Bashir, was appointed defenseminister.

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