Calls grow for protests in Sudan amid ‘coup’ reports

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Political parties on Monday called for a general strike and protests in Sudan, following a military takeover of the civilian government and arrest of top officials.

Officials in Khartoum said Monday that the Sudanese military arrested Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok and members of his government.

The Information Ministry said Hamdok was arrested by a military force after he refused to support what it described as a "coup".

There was no comment from the Sudanese military on the developments.

In a statement, the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) called for a general strike and civil disobedience in protest of the military takeover of the government.

The National Umma Party also condemned what it described as a "coup" and arrests of top officials.

Political sources told Anadolu Agency that chairman of Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, will make a statement later Monday on the latest developments in the country.

Tensions escalated between the military and civilian politicians since a failed coup attempt in Sudan last month.

Sudan is currently administered by a Sovereign Council of military and civilian authorities, which oversees the transition period until elections slated for 2023, as part of a precarious power-sharing pact between the military and the Federation for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara