KHARTOUM, 06 November 2021, (TON): Sudan s army chief ordered the release of four civilian ministers detained since he led a military coup last month, as international pressure mounted to restore the democratic transition.

The move by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan came as the army said the formation of a new government was “imminent”.

Burhan, Sudan s de facto leader since the 2019 ouster of autocratic president Omar al-Bashir, last week dissolved the government, detained the civilian leadership including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and declared a state of emergency.

Burhan s media advisor Taher Abouhaga said “we are considering all internal and external initiatives to serve the national interest.”

“The government formation is imminent.”

Hours later, Sudan TV said Burhan had ordered the release of Hashem Hassabalrasoul, Ali Geddo, Hamza Baloul, Youssef Adam.

Hassabalrasoul is telecommunications minister, Geddo heads the trade ministry, Baloul is information minister, and Adam holds the youth and sports portfolio.

It was not immediately clear when the ministers will be released.