UPDATE: Sudan’s army announces overthrow of Bashir’s regime

CAIRO – 11 April 2019: In a televised speech, Sudanese Minister of Defense Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf announced the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir’s regime following four months of protests calling for toppling the regime.

“The regime was headed off and [its ruler] is under arrest in a safe place,” he said, adding that a transitional military council will be set up to rule the country.

“The Constitution of Sudan is suspended,” Ibn Auf said, adding that the National Assembly of Sudan, Council of States, presidential office, and the Cabinet were dissolved. The deputy ministers will take care of the ministerial duties, he stated.

“Free and impartial elections will be carried out following the transitional period, and a new permanent constitution will be written for the country,” Ibn Auf revealed. However, the army’s announcement did not include a specific duration for the transitional period.

Furthermore, a state of emergency for three months has been announced and a one-month curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. has been imposed. Ibn Auf also announced the army will effectively impose public order and fight all forms of crimes.

“Comprehensive ceasefire was announced all over Sudan. All political detainees were released immediately,” the minister stressed, pointing out that the judicially authority, the Constitutional Court, and the Public Prosecution will operate normally.

“The aviation movement has been suspended for 24 hours, while the ground and maritime outlets and inlets were closed until further notice,” Ibn Auf said, calling on all armed groups to join the military institution to “build the nation.” He also announced the army’s protection of the state’s vital institutions from any possible sabotaging acts.

All international, regional and local deals and charters signed by Sudan will be abided by. Meanwhile, all diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Sudan will resume duties normally, preserving good relations with neighboring countries, according to Ibn Auf.

Sudan has plunged into chaos since December 19 when hundreds of Sudanese citizens protested against the deteriorating economic situation, calling for the end of Bashir’s rule.