France’s foreign minister arrived in Sudan on Monday to meet with the country’s new leadership, weeks after the formation of the transitional government.

Sudan’s state-run news agency said Jean-Yves Le Drian was received in Khartoum by Sudanese officials ahead of his scheduled talks with the new leaders.

The transitional sovereign council was formed in August to rule for three years after which the country will hold national elections.

Sudan had been hit by persistent protests since end of 2018, which led to the deposition of long time leader Omar al-Bashir.

Al-Bashir, who had ruled Sudan for some 30 years, was arrested and is facing trial for crimes committed during his time in leadership.

Le Drian is scheduled to meet with Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the head of the newly appointed Sovereign Council, as well as Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Foreign Minister Assma Abdalla.

The French foreign minister is the second top western diplomat to visit the country this month, following Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.