This, and placing the military under civilian authority, were key demands of the civilian groups which helped overthrow President Omar al- Bashir in 2019.

Sunday's talks were part of an agreement, signed in December, meant to pave the way for a return to democratic rule and due to be adopted formally in less than two weeks.

The army chief, Abdel Fattah al- Burhan, who seized power in a coup two years ago said he wanted to put an end to the armed forces supporting dictatorial governments in Sudan.