Sudan’s military has dissolved civilian rule, arrested political leaders and declared a state of emergency.
Gen Abdel Fattah Burhan, who had been heading a joint council with civilian leaders, attributes it to political infighting.
As a result, protesters have taken to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, there are reports of gunfire.
Before now, Military and civilian leaders have been at odds though for a long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown two years ago and a transitional government set up.
Although the country remains in a deep economic crisis, there had been more international support – and a military takeover will put that hugely at risk.
A demonstrator, Haitham Mohamed, told Agence France-Presse (AFP): “We are ready to give our lives for the democratic transition in Sudan.” Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok is among those reported to have been put under house arrest, along with members of his cabinet and other civilian leaders.
A statement from the information ministry on Facebook said those arrested were being held in “an unidentified location”. It also said Mr Hamdok was being pressed to support a coup but was refusing to do so and he urged people to continue with peaceful protests to “defend the revolution”.
Gen Burhan has been heading the Sovereign Council, part of a power-sharing arrangement between military and civilian leaders. In a televised address, he said infighting between politicians, ambition and incitement to violence had forced him to act to protect the safety of the nation and to “rectify the revolution’s course”.
He said Sudan was still committed to “international accords” and the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023. But thousands of protesters have already taken to the streets in Khartoum to denounce a coup. Some chanted “no to military rule”.
Demonstrator Sawsan Bashir told AFP: “We will not leave the streets until the civilian government is back and the transition is back.” Witnesses say the internet is down and that army and paramilitary troops have been deployed across the city. Khartoum airport is closed, and international flights are suspended.
The UK’s special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Robert Fairweather, tweeted that military arrests of civilian leaders was “a betrayal of the revolution, the transition and the Sudanese people”. The US, UN, EU and Arab League have also expressed deep concern.
Recent weeks have seen a rapid build-up of tension in Khartoum. A hostile takeover of power is what many in Sudan and beyond have feared could happen anytime. The signs have been all too clear.
A pro-military sit-in right in front of the presidential palace in Khartoum was seen as choreographed to lead to a coup. No attempt was made to disguise its purpose. The protesters demanded that the military overthrow “failed” civilian leaders. It was an unusual attempt at legitimising a military takeover, using the guise of a popular protest.
Nearly a week later, a counter-protest was held. This time, huge crowds came out in support of the civilian government. With more protests called by pro-democracy groups to “counter a military coup”, Sudan could be set for yet another period of showdown between the armed forces and the people.
The country has made huge strides in normalising ties with the West and unlocking much-needed funding streams. The promise of transition to democracy has kept many Sudanese and the country’s allies hopeful. But all that could be at risk now.
The military and civilian transitional authorities have ruled together since President Bashir was toppled after months of street protests in 2019. The power-sharing deal between the military and a loose coalition of groups – the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) – saw the launch of the Sovereign Council.
It was scheduled to rule the country for another year – with the aim of holding elections and transitioning to civilian rule. But the deal was always fractious, with a large number of rival political groups – and divisions within the military too.
Tensions grew further after a coup attempt attributed to followers of Mr Bashir was foiled in September. Sudan has been unable to find a workable political system since independence in 1956 and has seen numerous coups and coup attempts.