Sudan: Many officials, including PM Abdalla Hamdok, under house arrest

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who heads the Sovereign Council, the ruling body that shares power in Sudan, declared a nationwide state of emergency and dissolved the current government.

In Sudan, the army arrested several members, including the country’s prime minister and ministers of the interim government, in the early hours of Monday. The army dissolved the successor government and imposed a state of emergency. Opponents of the coup took to the streets to protest the crackdown, with several people being injured after the shootings. On the other hand, the army has also taken over the government radio and TV.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who heads the Sovereign Council, the ruling body that shares power in Sudan, declared a nationwide state of emergency and dissolved the current government. Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok has been taken into custody and taken to an undisclosed location after he refused to issue a statement in support of the coup, the information ministry said.

Meanwhile, thousands of people protesting the coup took to the streets and protested near the military headquarters in the capital Khartoum. They burnt tires in different parts of the city carrying the national flag. Meanwhile, there are reports of 12 people getting injured in the firing and clashes. Sudan PM’s adviser Adam Herika said the coup had taken place even after an agreement with the ruling council in the presence of the US Special Representative.

Internet shutdown, road ruckus, international flights halted

An interim government came into force two years ago after long-ruling Sudanese Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power. Since then there was a tussle between the army and the government. Now the internet is down in Khartoum after the coup. While angry mobs are seen burning tires on the roads. Army and paramilitary forces are deployed in the capital and the movement of people has been restricted. Khartoum airport has also been closed and all international flights have been stopped. Pro-democracy groups say the military orchestrated the coup so that it could return to power.

US, UN expressed concern

After this coup, America has expressed concern over the situation in Sudan. US special envoy to Sudan, Adam Feltman, tweeted that the US is deeply concerned by reports of a military takeover that would endanger US aid. On the other hand, the United Nations, Arab League and African Union also expressed concern over this coup and called for the release of political leaders and respect for human rights.

At the same time, India’s Permanent Mission’s Counselor to the United Nations, A. Amarnath said India enjoys long and mutually beneficial friendly relations with both Sudan and South Sudan. We have contributed to the development of both countries through bilateral assistance and projects. India will continue to support Juba and Khartoum in their journey towards peace and development as a long-term partner.