The United States says Sudan needs to maintain a civilian government, following the resignation of the East African country’s Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok.

“After PM Hamdok’s resignation, Sudanese leaders should set aside differences, find consensus, and ensure continued civilian rule,” the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs said on Twitter.

“Sudan’s next PM and Cabinet should be appointed in line with the constitutional declaration to meet the people’s goals of freedom, peace, and justice.”

Mr Hamdok tendered his resignation on Sunday night in a televised address.

“I decided to give back the responsibility and announce my resignation as prime minister, and give a chance to another man or woman of this noble country to … help it pass through what’s left of the transitional period to a civilian democratic country,” he had said.

His resignation follows weeks of street protests against the government and tensions with the country’s military rulers continued participation in government.

Mr Hamdok was ousted in a military coup on October 25, and was only reinstated after mounting pressure. Whether there will be a successor remains unclear.

(dpa/NAN)