Sudan’s Defence Minister Lt-Gen Jamal Omar has died of a heart attack in South Sudan, Reuters news agency reports, quoting a spokesman for the Sudanese army.

Gen Omar is reported to have been engaged in negotiations with armed movements in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

He became defence minister after long-time leader Omar al-Bashir was ousted last April following months of nationwide protests.

An official funeral will be held for the minister in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, the Anadolu news agency reports, quoting a statement from the Sovereign Council.