On Thursday he announced the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir and the "uprooting of the regime". But he is seen as being very close to the deposed president:

He was Mr Bashir's defence minister and had been appointed first vice-president in February when the former president reshuffled the cabinet

He was seen as being well placed to succeed Mr Bashir

He was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict

In 2007, the US imposed sanctions on him in relation to his alleged support of the Janjaweed militia blamed for atrocities in the Darfur region

In 2008, he was named deputy chief of staff of the military but was sacked two years later

He was appointed defence minister 2015

Last week, Lt Gen Ibn Auf said:

Quote Message: Sudan's armed forces understand the reasons for the demonstrations and are not against the demands and aspirations of the citizens, but will not allow the country to fall into chaos."

Sudan's armed forces understand the reasons for the demonstrations and are not against the demands and aspirations of the citizens, but will not allow the country to fall into chaos."