Talks between the Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council and the opposition Declaration of Freedom and Change have failed to make a breakthrough on political transition in the country, the council announced early on Tuesday. Meanwhile, protesters continue their demonstrations on the streets as well as a sit-in in front of the defence ministry's headquarters in Khartoum. Protesters are calling for a swift transition to civilian rule and revenge for the dozens who were killed since protests swept across Sudan on 19 December. Last week, the Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council and the opposition Declaration of Freedom and Change have agreed on the arrangements for the structure of the transitional authority within a three-year transitional period. However, the two parties did not reach a decision on whether civilians or military men would control a sovereign council that would have absolute power. In a statement on Tuesday, the council said that the main bone of contention remains between the two sides on the presidency of the sovereign council between civilians and military, and the percentage of representation of each party in the council. The opposition blamed the military council for renewed violence in the streets last week, and complicating efforts to negotiate a handover after overthrowing former president Omar Al-Bashir who was toppled last month.
