Sudan defence minister sworn in as chief of new military council

Sudan's defence minister has been sworn on Thursday as chief of the new military council that replaced the long-term-serving president Omar al-Bashir, state television reported.

Lieutenant General Awad Ibnouf took the oath to become the head of the council.

The media outlet also confirmed that the army's chief of staff Lieutenant General Kamal Abdelmarouf was appointed as his deputy.

Photographs of both officers taking the oath in the presence of the chief of the country's judiciary were broadcast on the TV.

Earlier, the UN chief called for a transition in Sudan that meets the "democratic aspiration" of the Sudanese people on Thursday, just hours after Bashir was ousted by the army.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for "calm and utmost restraint by all," his spokesman said.

The UN chief voiced his "expectation that the democratic aspiration of the Sudanese people will be realised through an appropriate and inclusive transition process," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Bashir, who swept to power in a 1989 coup, was one of Africa's longest-serving presidents. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and war crimes.

The UN Security Council was expected to meet behind closed doors on Friday to discuss the dramatic developments in Sudan, which has been an important regional player in peace efforts in the region.

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