After nearly 30 years in power, Sudan president Omar al-Bashir has been ousted and arrested, the defence minister says. The military in Sudan has formally announced the removal of Omar Al-Bashir from office.
The military will now be in charge of the country for another two years.
This development is coming after months of protests against Al-Bashir’s nearly 30-year rule.
The Sudanese defence minister, Awad Ibn Auf, who led the apparent coup on Thursday morning, said the constitution has been suspended and a three-month state of emergency has been imposed.
Speaking on state TV, Awad Ibn Ouf said the army had decided to oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections. He also said a three-month state of emergency was being put in place BBC said. Early on Thursday morning, state television said the military would make an announcement soon. But hours later no statement had been issued, amid reports of differences about the make-up of the transitional council. Protests against Mr Bashir, who has governed Sudan since 1989, have been underway for several months. Mr Ibn Ouf said the “regime” was being removed and Mr Bashir would be kept in a safe place.
He said Sudan’s constitution was being suspended, border crossings were being closed until further notice and airspace were being closed for 24 hours.