You're listening to a podcast from the BBC World Service. This is Hard Talk with me, Zainab Badawi.

Thanks for downloading this edition of the program and I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to Hard Talk on the BBC World Service with me, Zainab Badawi, in Khartoum.

Many here are talking about a new Sudan after the signing of the historic agreement between

the military and the civilians. My guest in this exclusive interview, the first with the Western

media, signed on behalf of the military. He's been described as the most powerful person

in Sudan. He's General Hemti, leader of the rapid support forces.

They have been accused of killing or injuring hundreds of civilians during protests in June and July.

Can he and the military be trusted to stick to the power-sharing deal?

General Hometti, welcome to Hard Talk. As one of the most senior

members of the Sudanese military, can you guarantee that this historic power-sharing agreement

will be implemented now and in the future?

As responsible people, we will implement all the demands that have been agreed to the letter.

On the face of it, the agreement is a formality.

But even if we did not have any agreement, we should implement the demands because this serves the interest of the country.

We have no vested interests.

Therefore, we must commit to the agreement, implement and support it.

Let me tell you what the American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on the 15th of August,

that he joins the Sudanese people in their call for a transitional government

that is truly civilian-led.

Do you accept that the power and authority is with the civilians, not the military?

The country has significant problems and lack of peace in some regions.

...