The African Union said on Wednesday that it has banned Sudan’s membership until civilian authority was restored, describing the military coup as an “unconstitutional” power grab.
Sudan has been suspended from all AU operations “until the complete restoration of the civilian-led transitional administration,” according to the continent-wide group, which “strongly condemns the takeover of power.”
Later, the World Bank decided to halt funding to Sudan as well.
Sudanese General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered the resignation of the government on Monday, drawing considerable international condemnation.
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, his ministers, and civilian members of Sudan’s ruling council were detained by the military, provoking furious protests in Khartoum’s streets.
Hamdok was eventually freed under strict supervision, while other ministries and civilian leaders are still being held.
Security police arrested a large number of anti-coup demonstrators on Wednesday in an attempt to put a stop to three days of protests against the power grab.
Several Western nations have demanded an urgent meeting with Hamdok, claiming that the prime minister and his cabinet are still Sudan’s constitutional leaders.
Sudan was suspended by the African Union (AU) in June 2019 after pro-democracy demonstrators seeking civilian government were killed outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.
After Hamdok announced the formation of Sudan’s first government following the ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, their membership was renewed three months later.
By Shadrack Mogaka
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