- The military arrested civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and dissolved the country’s transitional government on Monday, sparking protests in several cities.
- Due to its location, Sudan is politically important for stability in the Horn of Africa, North Africa and the Sahel.
- The U.S., U.K. and Norway have condemned the coup and urged security forces to release unlawfully detained government officials.
A coup in Sudan has been met by widespread international condemnation, amid growing fears about the country’s democratic transition and economy.
The military arrested civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and dissolved the country’s transitional government on Monday, sparking protests in several cities. According to Reuters, seven people have been killed and 140 injured in the ensuing clashes between security forces and protesters.
Experts say the coup could have a serious impact on the country and beyond.
The coup
Tensions in Sudan have been simmering since an attempted coup on Sept. 21, with the country divided between proponents of pro-military and pro-civilian rule.
On Monday, Hamdok and several other government officials were moved to an undisclosed location after refusing to endorse the latest coup.
Telecommunications access has been restricted and various outlets have reported that the military has blocked roads and bridges into the capital city of Khartoum.