As stated in a previous post, Sudanese protesters are outraged at their government’s failed attempts to get the country out of political and economic stagnation. Military and civilian groups have since formed an alliance, with many urging the military to seize power. And according to recent news, that’s exactly what happened.

Sudan has declared a state of emergency and announced the formation of a military-ran government after soldiers detained government leaders on Monday, October 25, 2021. The siege took place in Khartoum, where soldiers apprehended Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, government ministers, and civilian members of Sudan’s ruling council. Soldiers were also seen shooting at people who protested against their actions. So far, a dozen people have been wounded in the conflict.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made the following announcement:

“To rectify the revolution’s course, we have decided to declare a state of emergency nationwide… dissolve the transitional sovereign council, and dissolve the cabinet.”

The European Union called for the release of government leaders and pleaded for the avoidance of violence and bloodshed.

Nabila Massrali, the European Commission spokeswoman, stated the following:

“The EU is very concerned about Sudan’s military forces reportedly putting Prime Minister Hamdok under house arrest, as well as detaining other members of the civilian leadership, and we urge for their fast release.”

The United Nations also expressed their disdain and called the detentions unacceptable.

Activists have denounced the siege to be a coup d’état (coup): removal of government and its power by force. But I’m having a hard time seeing how it isn’t.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: FP

Sudan’s army declares state of emergency, dissolves government. Africa News. (2021, October 25). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.africanews.com/2021/10/25/sudan-s-army-declares-state-of-emergency-dissolves-government/.