Sudan replaces army chief in security reshuffle

KHARTOUM: Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir replaced the head of the army on Tuesday in a further shake-up of the country´s security establishment. Kamal Abdalmarouf takes over as army chief following the removal of Emad al-Din Adawi, according to an army spokesman who also announced a series of senior appointments in the armed forces.

He said the changes were routine. Earlier this month, Bashir replaced his head of security, reinstating Salah Abdallah Mohamed Saleh, also known as Salah Gosh, as head of the National Intelligence and Security Service. He had helped initiate dialogue with the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Relations between Sudan and the United States have improved under President Donald Trump. Trump last year lifted sanctions against Sudan, saying it had made progress fighting terrorism and easing humanitarian distress. But he kept Sudan on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which carries a ban on weapons sales and restrictions on US aid, according to US officials.

Gosh´s appointment was followed by an announcement that more than 80 political prisoners would be released. They were arrested last month after violent protests against high prices and harsh economic conditions.