The Sudanese military piled pressure on political parties and movements, urging them to assume their responsibilities and form a new government “as zero hour is imminent.” Ibrahim al-Houry, editor-in-chief of the military’s official daily, “Armed Forces”, warned on Tuesday that the army will take measures that would meet the aspirations of the people, who are longing for a national interim government that would pave the way for elections. Elections are where the people will have their say, he added. The army is “still waiting for the parties to return to their senses and announce their unification and progress in whatever is tangible and practical for the future of Sudan.” Moreover, he threatened to expose “those in dark rooms who are criticizing the army” and “agents at embassies who are conspiring against it”. “Zero hour will come as long as the political forces continue to harm the armed forces, neglect the concerns of the people and stir strife,” Houry warned. The “Armed Forces” daily, the military’s mouthpiece, is run by officers and publishes articles by military figures who are still in service and others who are retired. In military terms, “zero hour” usually means the moment when secret attacks are carried out against enemies. In Sudan, it usually signifies the moment when the army ousts civilian governments. The military, led by Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, had in October staged a coup against the civilian government, leading to widespread outrage and protests. The army has since reversed its decisions but Burhan still effectively remains in control of the country. Earlier this year, he pledged to step aside and make way for factions to agree on a civilian government. Months later, political disputes persist and a government is yet to be formed.