Members of the Sudanese opposition and the Transitional Military Council expressed hope on Saturday that they may jointly form a transition council that would lead the country towards civilian rule following the ouster of longtime president Omar al-Bashir. Both sides announced they would set up a joint committee comprised of members of both the military council and the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, a coalition of opposition groups led by the Sudanese Professionals Association, to tackle political disputes. “Today we have taken positive steps and we expect to reach an agreement satisfactory to all parties,” said Ayman Nimir, an opposition negotiator. A TMC spokesman, Shams El Din Kabbashi, also said the talks had gone well. “God willing the talks will continue this evening and we are very optimistic that we can reach a final result and announce it to the Sudanese people,” he said. "The discussion was positive and fruitful," activist Madani Abbas Madani said. The TMC overthrew and arrested former Bashir on April 11 following months of protests, saying it would rule for up to two years ahead of elections. Anti-Bashir opposition groups and protesters who have kept up a sit-in outside the defense ministry want a civilian-led transitional council with military representation. The TMC has dismissed and arrested some former officials, announced anti-corruption measures and promised to give executive authority to a civilian government, but has previously signaled that ultimate authority will remain in its hands. Bashir was overthrown and detained by the military after 16 weeks of protests triggered by a deepening economic crisis.