Sudan's Military Declares State Of Emergency, Dissolves Civilian Government After Arresting Leaders
A state of emergency has been declared in Sudan after its military dissolved civilian rule and arrested political leaders.
Gen Abdel Fattah Burhan, who had been heading a joint council with civilian leaders, blamed political infighting.
Protesters have also taken to the streets of the capital city, Khartoum and there are reports of gunfire.
The military and civilian leaders have been at loggerheads since the government of Omar Al-Bashir was overthrown two years ago leading to a transitional government.
BBC News reports that there have been more international supports and a military takeover jeopardising it despite the economic crisis in the country.
A video revealed how protesters were manning lit barricades and entering the area near the military's headquarters.
One of the protesters Haitham Mohamed had told journalists that, "We are ready to give our lives for the democratic transition in Sudan."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok was among those reported to have been put under house arrest, along with members of his cabinet and other civilian leaders.
A statement from the information ministry on Facebook said those arrested were being held in "an unidentified location".
It also said Mr Hamdok was being pressed to support a coup but was refusing to do so, urging people to continue with peaceful protests to "defend the revolution".
Gen Burhan has been heading the Sovereign Council, part of a power-sharing arrangement between military and civilian leaders.
He said in his televised address that infighting between politicians, ambition and incitement to violence had forced him to act to protect the safety of the nation and to "rectify the revolution's course".
He said Sudan was still committed to "international accords" and the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023.
But thousands of protesters have already taken to the streets in Khartoum to denounce a coup. Some chanted "no to military rule".
Demonstrator Sawsan Bashir also said: "We will not leave the streets until the civilian government is back and the transition is back."
It was learnt that the internet was down while that army and paramilitary troops have been deployed across the city.
Khartoum airport was also closed, and international flights were being suspended while the military's move has so far earned International condemnation.
The UK's special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Robert Fairweather, tweeted that military arrests of civilian leaders were "a betrayal of the revolution, the transition and the Sudanese people".
The US, UN, EU and Arab League have also expressed deep concern.
Khartoum has witnessed a rapid build-up of tension in recent weeks as many feared a hostile takeover of power.
The signs have been all too clear.
A pro-military sit-in right in front of the presidential palace in Khartoum was seen as choreographed to lead to a coup.
No attempt was made to disguise its purpose. The protesters demanded that the military overthrow "failed" civilian leaders.
It was an unusual attempt at legitimising a military takeover, using the guise of a popular protest.
Nearly a week later, a counter-protest was held. This time, huge crowds came out in support of the civilian government.
With more protests called by pro-democracy groups to "counter a military coup", Sudan could be set for yet another period of a showdown between the armed forces and the people.
The country has made huge strides in normalising ties with the West and unlocking much-needed funding streams as the promise of transition to democracy has kept many Sudanese and the country's allies hopeful but all that could be at risk now.
The military and civilian transitional authorities have ruled together since President Bashir was toppled after months of street protests in 2019.
The power-sharing deal between the military and a loose coalition of groups; the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), saw the launch of the Sovereign Council.
It was scheduled to rule the country for another year with the aim of holding elections and transitioning to civilian rule.
But the deal was always fractious, with a large number of rival political groups and divisions within the military too.
Tensions grew further after a coup attempt attributed to followers of Bashir was foiled in September.
Sudan has been unable to find a workable political system since independence in 1956 and has seen numerous coups and coup attempts.
International Military News AddThis : Original Author : saharareporters, new york Disable advertisements :
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