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Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
In the crisis-ridden state of Sudan, Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok has resigned surprisingly.
"I've decided to announce my resignation and make room for others," Hamdok said in a speech televised live on state television.
He had not been able to keep his promise to prevent a political catastrophe in the country in the Horn of Africa, he said in explanation: "I have tried my best to prevent the country from sliding into disaster."
The political forces in the country are divided, said Hamdok in his speech to the nation.
The struggle for a consensus between the military and civilian forces involved in the political transition had remained unsuccessful.
In view of its political division, Sudan has now passed a "dangerous turning point that threatens its survival".
A few days ago, as in weeks before, there were again bloody demonstrations against the transitional government in which the military is involved.
The protesters called for the military to be handed over to a civilian government.
The protesters accused Hamdok of treason.
On October 25, the military took power in the country of 44 million people and ousted Prime Minister Hamdok.
After pressure from home and abroad, Hamdok was reinstated on November 21st.
According to an agreement between Hamdok and the military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Hamdok was allowed to form a cabinet with civilian representatives.
However, as the leader of the Sovereign Council, Al-Burhan headed the new interim government together with Hamdok.
The Sovereign Council also includes representatives of the military who are accused of serious human rights violations and corruption.
kim / dpa / AFP