Protests in Sudan: Military chief declares state of emergency

By Abdul Kimera

On Monday 25th October, Gen Abdel Fattah al Burhan dissolved the sovereign council and declared a state of emergency across Sudan due to the ongoing protests in the capital Khartoum among other places.

Violent protests that involved closing of a bridge and burning of tyres escalated after the news of the arrest and taking of prime minister Abdullah Hamdok to an unknown location after he refused to support the military take over.

In a televised address, Gen Burhan suspended key provisions of constitutional documents governing Sudan’s transitional period and that election will still be held in July 2023.

As of Tuesday, it was reported that more than 100 injured victims and a total of seven lost their lives in the protests following Monday’s coup.

America’s department of state spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Monday that Washington will evaluate its “entire relationship” with Khartoum unless the country returns to the “ transitional path” to democracy.

Price also added that the United States is pausing assistance of $700million emergency assistance of economic support funds for Sudan.

Internet access and phone communications across the country was widely disrupted. The country’s state news channel was playing traditional music for the biggest part of the day. Later on Tuesday, Gen Burhan said they are yet to be restored soon.

The civilian-led transitional government that was resolved this week was installed in August 2019 after the overthrow of president Omar-al- Bashir by the military in April 2019 following widespread protests over poverty and unemployment.