Sudan Ex-President's Trial Adjourned

Sudanese ex-president Omar al-Bashir’s trial on corruption charges has been adjourned to August 31.

Al-Bashir faces charges of possessing foreign currency, corruption and receiving gifts illegally.

He was forced out of power in April when security forces withdrew their support for his regime after months of popular protests.

Sudan’s army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than $113 million worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir’s residence.

He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million).

Bashir is expected to face another trial in a lawsuit filed against him by several lawyers accusing him of carrying out a military coup that ousted an elected government and brought him to power in June 1989.

Sudan suffered high rates of corruption during Bashir’s rule, ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Few days ago, the pro-democracy movement in Sudan has signed a landmark deal with the ruling military council, paving the way for a transition to civilian-led government following the overthrow of al-Bashir.

The deal is set to establish a joint military and civilian council to rule for over three years until elections can be held. It will also establish a Cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body.

After weeks of tense negotiations, the preliminary agreement was reached earlier this month following international pressure, amid growing concerns the political crisis could ignite civil war.