On Monday last week, October 25, the military in Sudan seized power and dissolved the country’s transitional council. They arrested its political leaders and declared a state of emergency. Coup leader General Abdel Fattah Burhan blamed political infighting for the military intervention.
Street protests soon erupted in several cities including the country’s capital, Khartoum. Three people are said to have died after being shot by soldiers. Military and civilian leaders of the transitional council have been at odds since the 30-year rule of Sudan’s former President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019 through mass demonstrations that began over an increase in the price of bread and massive unemployment in the country. Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, members of his cabinet and other political figures have been detained and put under house arrest.
General Burhan had been leading the power-sharing arrangement between military and civilian leaders, known as the Sovereign Council. In a televised address, he said infighting between politicians, ambition and incitement to violence had forced him to act to salvage the nation and to “rectify the revolution’s course”. He said Sudan was still committed to “international accords” and the transition to civil rule, with elections planned for July 2023.
Huge demonstrations have continued to rock Sudan’s major cities in the past week, demanding that the military to retreat from the scene. Last Saturday, October 30, security forces blocked major roads and bridges linking Khartoum’s neighbourhoods. Protesters held up banners with inscriptions such as “Revolution, revolution”; “Going backward is impossible.” With Saturday’s fatal shootings, a dozen demonstrators have, so far, been reportedly killed by security forces while hundreds of others were wounded.
African Union, United Nations, European Union, Arab League and United States of America all condemned the military coup in strong terms. USA has already suspended $700m in aid to Sudan. The arrest of civilian political leaders by the military is seen by many as a betrayal of not only the revolution that ousted Al-Bashir but also the Sudanese people.
Burhan’s reason for the military coup lacks any justification. The world expected the military in Sudan to show more understanding and patience with the interim administration, the transition council, as it grapples with the country’s critical economic challenges. While we call on the military to immediately release those placed under house arrest, we urge security forces to exercise restraint in their handling of protesters
Given the condemnations so far, the coup shall not only derail the course of Sudan’s transition to civil rule but will further plunge the country into deeper economic crises. We strongly advise General Burhan to retreat and dialogue with the transition council over matters he considers contentious. The days of coups are over in Africa.
