Newly appointed military governors in Sudan's government on Sunday took constitutional oath before President Omar al-Bashir.
On Friday, the Sudanese leader imposed a one-year state of emergency across the country and dissolved his cabinet and state governments, in a bid to quell nationwide protests calling for him to step down.
Bashir, who came to power in a military coup backed by Islamists in 1989, wore military uniform as he swore in the newly appointed military governors for the country's 18 states in the presence of his new first vice president, Gen. Awad Ahmed Ibn Auf.
Former governor of Gazira state, Mohamed Tahir Ayala, was also sworn in as the new prime minister.
"The country is going through a new phase that requires concerted efforts in order to maintain the country's security and stability. The current situation is exceptional and requires firmness and determination through the law,”said al-Bashir when addressing the oath taking ceremony.
Even as the new government officials took oath, hundreds of anti-government protesters rallied in the capital Khartoum.
Angry citizens have taken to the streets across the country since 19 December 2018 calling for Bashir to step down. The protests started after food and fuel prices increased in the country.