ICC Prosecutor briefs UNSC on Darfur, Sudan

NOTE from Sudan Watch editor: I have typed this near verbatim transcript of a briefing on Darfur given by ICC Prosecutor Khan at a meeting of the UN Security Council held in New York 17 Jan 2022. The meeting was live streamed by UN Web TV. The briefing can be viewed via a link at the end of this post. 

Photo: ICC Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan QC briefing UNSC 17 Jan 2022 (Photo credit: UN)

17 January 2022

Madam President,

Firstly may I congratulate Norway for its presidency of the Council this month. It is a real honour to have the opportunity in this new year to present the 34th report of the Prosecutor of the ICC in relation to the Darfur Situation in Sudan pursuant to Resolution 1593 that the Council passed of course in 2005.

Despite the strictures of Covid and the wearing of masks, it is wonderful even with these constraints, to be here in person. 

I would like to begin Madam President if I may by recalling what I said when I was meeting with Darfur survivors and victims when I was in Khartoum on the 17th of August last year. 

I convened a meeting with Darfur civil society. Many individuals have been struggling for almost two decades for something that should be simple but seems extremely complex, namely justice, a modicum of accountability that underlines the fact that every life matters. 

They have struggled and they have shown perseverance in relation to crimes that have unfortunately characterised a generation, at least of men, women and children. It was that suffering that led this council to use its Chapter 7 powers in 2005 and refer the Situation to the ICC. 

I share the frustrations, the impatience and the hopes of those survivors but that singular moment the first referred by the Council to the International Criminal Court would reap dividends. Expectations are not unreasonable, it is simply that there should be some justice.

The victims, the survivors, the people of Darfur, have shown that persistence but it is important as I said in my interactions with Sudanese government members that this referral cannot be a never-ending story. It can’t be, we are approaching middle age, 34 reports. We need collectively to do better, my Office of course but also this Council to make sure the promise and the purpose of the referral is wedded with concrete action. There is signs for hope and there has been progress notwithstanding difficulties that remain. 

In July of this year all 31 charges relating to a notorious Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb were confirmed and a trial has been set down to start on the 5th of April of this year. The charges include war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, rape, torture, attacks against the civilian population in Wadi Salih and Mukjar. That’s an important moment. 

This year, in just three months time, the promise of the Council will start being demonstrated in action by the allegations of the Office of the preferred being placed before independent and impartial judges. 

At the same time outreach is important and also I am hoping to work with the Registry of the Court to make sure there is an organised and effective outreach programme so that Sudanese people in Sudan, in Darfur, outside, can follow the proceedings because they have a right to know what happened and they have a right to see the truth.

But Ali Kushayb case is one case. There are of course four warrants outstanding: the case against former president Omar Al Bashir, the case against the former Minister of Interior Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein, the former Governor of South Kordofan Ahmad Harun and the case against the former jan..rebel commander Abdallah Banda. In relation to Abdallah Banda I recuse myself from that case and that case is being supervised directly by the Deputy Prosecutor.

It’s important as I said in relation to my Libya briefing in December that during my term I wish to prioritise cases that have been referred by the Council and I started that in the Sudan Situation by conducting a review of the evidence to look at the strength of those cases and I also ensured additional resources are brought into that case so that we can hopefully be more effective.

But the reality of this is, that for a variety of reasons over the last seventeen years, including the non cooperation of the Government of Sudan by the previous administrations, there were not field investigations in the country and my predecessor hibernated for a long period this Situation so that investigations did not mature. As a result I realise that the evidence particularly against Omar al-Bashir and Mr Hussein need strengthening. 

I am satisfied with the strength of the evidence regarding Ali Kushayb but in relation to two cases I’ve mentioned we need to make sure we do better and that requires cooperation from Sudan. It requires Assistance from Sudan and it also requires cooperation, collaboration from members of this Council and member States of the United Nations.

I have realising the evidential landscape, I have given more resources to the team, put more investigators on the case, also people with Arabic language skills as well, and immediately in August, two months after my term commenced, I went to Sudan to speak to the Government realising the importance of cooperation. That brought tangible results because for the first time we concluded a Memorandum of Understanding not only in relation to Ali Kushayb but in relation to all four of the cases for whom Judges of the ICC have issued have Warrants.

I also appointed a pro bono Special Adviser to focus exclusively on the Darfur Situation so we can move together, get cooperation to a greater extent and that is Ms Amal Clooney. And again this is evidence of my intent not just to [...?] prioritising Security Council referrals but to make sure the resources that are needed are put into that case.

In my trip to Khartoum we had some, in August, we had some constructive meetings. I met with General al-Burhan of the Sovereignty Council and Prime Minister Hamdok and Foreign Minister and Minister of Justice. We also met UNITAMS [...?] Volker Perthes and members of the international community. 

And in this I also underlined a new approach, it’s not, and this is the beautiful thing about the law, there is many different solutions to one fundamental problem. It’s not the location of trial or even the forum of adjudication that is critical, what is critical are independent and impartial investigations, independent and impartial adjudications, and then the rule of law that should triumph so victims can move forward realising that everything has been done to try to ensure justice.

And I emphasised to the Government members that I would be willing to use the full panoply of options that are enshrined in the Rome Statute to ensure that we can work together and forge better bonds so this chapter could be closed.

The simple issue is this. If we don’t accelerate cooperation between the Government of Sudan and my Office, investigations will keep continuing.

If we are to carve out a Road Map for the completion of this Situation in the way that I believe the Council wants, that the victims want, the way to do it is to accelerate to inject more cooperation and Assistance within the Office and if that is done I think we can move forward in an effective way.

On the 25th of October of course the landscape changed and that has not been particularly helpful. In my meetings in August not only was the MoU signed, there had been commitments by the Government to sign the Rome Statute, there had been commitments to work more closely with my Office and there had been the agreement to help ensure a permanent field presence of the Office of the Prosecutor in Khartoum.

But the hiatus from 25th October has meant we have lost focal points, we’re trying to catch up. We had to for a couple of months, in fact until now, we had to suspend active investigations and so this was a very troublesome, concerning turn of events.

The upside is that just before Christmas my team went to Khartoum again, they spoke to General Burhan, and General Burhan reassured members of my Office that the MoU was still valid, that he was looking at cooperating and he said on more than one occasion to me directly and to the team in December that it was essential to have justice for the victims in Darfur. 

The challenge now collectively for all of us is to make sure those assurances are translated into concrete tangible partnerships and accountabilities. This is a delicate stage of course in the transition in Sudan but I would underline again the only option for us to move forward and close this Situation or find a pathway towards closure is accelerating cooperation.

I mentioned this on Friday with the distinguished Representative of Sudan, Ambassador Al-Bahi [Ed: fact-check name/spelling] and I also emphasised that these cases are not against Sudan, Sudan is a partner not an adversary, they are against individuals for whom the evidence discloses their responsibility in relation to crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. 

We do need safe and secure access to Sudan, we need safe and secure access to the archives, we need to be able to look at where the mass graves are, and we need to be able to go to all parts of Sudan and work independently. This is required not just by the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in August of last year, it is not only required by Resolution 1593, it is also required by the Juba Peace Agreement. So there is this tripartite tiers of responsibilities of commitments that I hope very much Sudan will honour and work with us more closely.

Cooperation from outside of Sudan is also critically important and we’ve had fantastic support from the European Union, from countries, the African States, from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.

Really, this is an area to close this chapter and allow Sudan to move forward there can be no passive spectators, we have to help the Sudanese people get what they deserve which is justice and closure.

I hope to go again to Sudan in the next period, in the next few months, I hope around April time, hopefully, I have been promised that will be facilitated including going to Darfur, speaking to some of the survivors and victims and displaced people there and really try to build an acceleration in the work across the cases that are before the Court.

I do want, Madam President with your leave, to speak directly to those victims to underline during my term that we have an unwavering commitment to ensure that the intention of this Council and the landmark decision of 2005 is honoured and respected and so that we can have proper rigorous investigations so we are able to put before Judges what the truth of the matter is.

And in my view, I’ll be quite candid about the state of evidence, I’ll also be quite candid about one simple truth: Sudan runs the risk of always being defined by the past conduct by the events that compelled this Security Council to act in 2005 until and unless we get justice.

If we work together, if we work in partnerships, the Office of the Prosecutor, the Government of Sudan, this Council’s member States, we can close this chapter. And if we close that chapter I believe, unencumbered and relieved by some of the burdens of the past by ensuring justice, Sudan will have every possibility to do something which every Council member wants which is to write a new chapter so it can march forward to a better and more prosperous and safer future.

Thank you so much for your time, and this is my report.

View original video at the website of the United Nations Web TV here: https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1jms0qgvt

Sudan transition to democracy is in real danger

#NorwayUNSC remains deeply concerned about developments in #Sudan

The transition to democracy is in real danger. Yet it is not too late for action - if we stay united & send consistent messages

All those detained since 25 Oct must be released as a prerequisite for real dialogue pic.twitter.com/1yzyjce4nJ

— NorwayUN (@NorwayUN) November 11, 2021

Sudan: UNSC consultations on situation since coup

Report from and by What's In Blue dated Wednesday 10 November 2021

Sudan: Consultations on the situation since the coup

Tomorrow (11 November), Security Council members will convene for closed consultations to discuss the situation in Sudan. The meeting was requested by the UK (the penholder on Sudan), Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and the US. Special Representative for Sudan and head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) Volker Perthes is expected to brief. At the time of writing, no outcome was expected.

Perthes is expected to update members on the latest developments in Sudan following the military coup d’état announced on 25 October by the Chairperson of the Transitional Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Perthes’ latest briefing to the Council on the situation in the country took place on 26 October in closed consultations. (For background, see our What’s in Blue story from 26 October.)

Since 25 October, mass demonstrations opposing the coup have been taking place in the capital, Khartoum, and across the country. In several instances, protestors have been met with excessive force, including live ammunition, according to the Joint UN Human Rights Office in Sudan. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet noted in a 5 November statement that at least 13 civilians have reportedly been killed by military and security forces since 25 October, and hundreds more injured. Arrests have continued, including of political leaders and journalists. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok remains under house arrest at his residence. At the time of writing, the nationwide shutdown of the internet imposed by the military authorities since 25 October remained in place, despite a Sudanese court having ordered its restoration on 9 November.

At tomorrow’s meeting, Council members will likely seek further details on the mediation efforts underway and on the role played by UNITAMS in this regard. In a 1 November press conference, Perthes said that the situation in Sudan was “stable but tense”. Among other things, he said that multiple mediation efforts are underway in Khartoum by “a host of actors” and that the UN continues to play a good offices role in supporting some of these initiatives, including by providing ideas and coordinating with some of these mediators. Perthes emphasised that UNITAMS is engaging with all Sudanese actors across the political spectrum, as well as with regional and international interlocutors, with the AU being a main partner. He added that he is in contact with countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Sudan. In response to a question about which countries could exert diplomatic influence on the situation, he responded that the US, Egypt, South Sudan and “wider regional neighbours” could play a role. On 4 November, Perthes met with AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo. They reportedly discussed regional dynamics, shared efforts towards de-escalation, release of detainees, and restoration of the transition through dialogue.

According to Perthes’ statement at the 1 November press conference, UNITAMS has been in contact with several Sudanese stakeholders, including al-Burhan, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as General Hemeti), Prime Minister Hamdok, members of the opposition alliance Forces of Freedom and Change (FCC), and civil society representatives. On 5 November, UNITAMS released a statement strongly condemning the detention of members of the FCC’s Central Council after their meeting with Perthes, which took place near the UNITAMS headquarters on the previous day. The statement called on “the military leadership to cease arresting politicians and activists and to stop committing further human rights violations”.

The Human Rights Council (HRC) held a special session on Sudan on 5 November, following a request by the UK, the US, Norway, and Germany (with the support of at least one-third of the HRC’s members). Bachelet briefed, saying among other things that “the whereabouts of most of those arrested remains unknown” and that the “disproportionate and deadly use of force by the Sudan Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and other security forces…must end immediately”. She also noted that all radio stations and television channels in the country have ceased broadcasting, except for channels which are controlled by the military authorities. Bachelet added that several offices of civil society organisations have been raided. At the 5 November meeting, the HRC adopted a resolution, without a vote, which “condemns in the strongest possible terms the military takeover” and decides to appoint, for one year, a special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan (A/HRC/S-32/L.1). Council members China and Russia, which are currently on the HRC, disassociated themselves from the consensus on the resolution.

On 26 October, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) met on Sudan and adopted a communiqué that expressed “deep concern over the military takeover in Sudan” and strongly condemned the “seizure of power by the Sudanese military”. It decided to immediately suspend Sudan across all AU activities “until the effective restoration of the civilian-led Transitional Authority”.

On 28 October, Security Council members issued a press statement (SC/14678) expressing “serious concern about the military takeover in Sudan on 25 October” and calling on Sudan’s military authorities to restore the civilian-led transitional government. Among other things, Council members called upon all parties to refrain from violence and emphasised the importance of “full respect for human rights, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression”.

It seems that there were some areas of disagreement during the negotiations on the press statement. Apparently, the UK and several other members would have preferred stronger language condemning, rather than expressing concern over, the situation. (Council members had previously adopted a press statement on 22 September that “condemned in the strongest terms the attempt on 21 September to disrupt Sudan’s transition by force”.) Members agreed on the term “military takeover” rather than “coup” in the 28 October press statement. Secretary-General António Guterres and Bachelet have both referred to it as a “coup” in their statements. Council members such as the UK, Estonia and Norway have also referred to it as a “coup”, including when appearing at media stakeouts on 26 October. Apparently, Russia and the US have not characterised it as a “coup”. The Troika on Sudan (the UK, the US and Norway) have also referred to it as a “military takeover”, as did the AU PSC in its communiqué.

Tags: Insights on Africa, Sudan

View original:  https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2021/11/sudan-consultations-on-the-situation-since-the-coup.php

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss condemns military coup in Sudan - Calls for release of all detainees

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has condemned the military coup in Sudan and called on the military to place the democratic transition back on course.

From:

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP

Published Friday 5 November 2021

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

The United Kingdom strongly condemns the military coup in Sudan on 25 October. In 2019, the Sudanese agreed on a unique partnership between civilians and military in order to steer Sudan’s transition to full democracy. That partnership delivered huge progress, from abolishing oppressive laws to economic reforms and the Juba Peace agreement to help end decades of conflict.

The military’s unilateral actions threaten all of these gains. In detaining civilian politicians and activists, and unilaterally amending the 2019 Constitutional Declaration, the military have undermined the spirit and letter of both that hard-won 2019 compromise, and also the Juba Peace Agreement. The Sudanese people have taken to the streets in their millions in recent days to reject these actions. International condemnation has been fast and widespread.

It is still however possible for Sudan’s transition to get back on course. The United Kingdom welcomes and supports mediation efforts and urge the military to engage in a spirit of compromise. We note the release of four detainees on 4 November, but call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained since 25 October, the restoration of the Constitutional Declaration as a starting point for dialogue, and for security forces to respect the right to peaceful protest.

The United Kingdom will continue to support the Sudanese people in their demands for freedom, peace and justice. The military have the opportunity to put the transition back on course; the United Kingdom urges them to do so now.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 5 November 2021

View original:  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-condemns-military-coup-in-sudan

العربية

UK's Simon Manley @UN_HRC: Sudan's civilian-led govt must be restored, detainees freed, and human rights respected

This afternoon the @UN_HRC sent a strong, clear and united message: that Sudan’s civilian-led government must be restored, detainees freed, and human rights respected.

My thanks to our 🇩🇪🇳🇴🇺🇸 partners and all those delegations who worked so intensively with us this week. pic.twitter.com/OQOptVbUks

— Simon Manley (@SimonManleyFCDO) November 5, 2021

UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Sudan - Adoption of draft resolution HRC/S-32/L.1

Speech. UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Sudan: Adoption of the resolution. Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered the UK statement during the UN Human Rights Council Special Session on Sudan.

From:

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Simon Manley CMG

Published on: Friday 5 November 2021

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Delivered on: Friday 5 November 2021 

(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Photo: Simon Manley CMG the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, United Nations and other International Organisations based in Geneva

Thank you Madam President.

On behalf of the Core Group consisting of Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, I am is pleased to introduce this draft resolution HRC / S-32 / L.1, as orally revised. The oral revisions have been posted on e-delegate.

Madam President,

Swift, effective and strong action by this Council in response to the military takeover of 25 October in Sudan, is the reason we and others called for today’s Special Session.

The draft resolution we present today, in our view, achieves that. It has been the product of extensive consultations over the last few days, including with Sudan as the country concerned, the African Group, and other delegations. We are deeply grateful to all those who have worked with us so constructively and intensively on the draft resolution that we have before us today.

Madam President, this draft resolution delivers three key outcomes:

First, it condemns in the strongest possible terms the military takeover of 25 October in Sudan, and joins the calls made elsewhere, including by the African Union and the United Nations Security Council, for the immediate restoration of its civilian-led government, and the release of all those detained arbitrarily, since the takeover began.

Second, it requests the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to update the Council, at its next regular Session, on the human rights situation since the takeover. The continued excellent work of the OHCHR Country Office in Khartoum will be crucial to achieving this.

Third, the Council requests the High Commissioner to designate an Expert on Human Rights in Sudan, who will provide further monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation since the takeover, and present a comprehensive written report to the Council at its 50th session. The term of office of this Expert on Human Rights in Sudan, will conclude upon the restoration of its civilian led government. This restoration should be immediate.

Madam President,

The Core Group understands that this text enjoys the support of the country concerned, and of the African Group following our intensive consultations.

Accordingly, we hope that all States, members and non-members alike, will support wholeheartedly this resolution. In doing so, the Council will demonstrate clearly that it stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their struggle for democracy and human rights.

Thank you

Published 5 November 2021

View original: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/un-human-rights-council-special-session-on-sudan-adoption-of-the-resolution

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Sudan mediators hit 'hurdles' after coup

Here is a copy of a news report in full by Agence France-Presse (AFP) News 

Dated Tuesday, 2 November 2021 at 1:36 PM - reprinted by International Business Times.com

Sudan Mediators Hit 'Hurdles' After Coup

Just over a week after Sudan's top general locked up political leaders and seized power sparking mass protests and a deadly crackdown, mediators are seeking to restore the transition to civilian rule.

But experts warn that Sudan's military and civilian leadership are deeply divided, senior figures remain under military guard, and rebuilding trust between rival factions is a mammoth task.

"We sat with all actors from the military and civilian sides," one mediator said on condition of anonymity.

That intermediary is among a stream of leading Sudanese figures -- including businessmen, academics and journalists -- who have been trying to break the stalemate.

"We secured initial consent for talks, but hurdles remain in the way," the mediator added.

Sudan has enjoyed only rare democratic interludes since independence in 1956 and spent decades riven by civil war.

Since August 2019, the northeast African country had been ruled by a joint civilian-military council as part of the now derailed transition to full civilian rule.

But in a move widely condemned internationally, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan -- Sudan's de facto leader since the 2019 ouster of autocratic president Omar al-Bashir -- last week dissolved the government, detained the civilian leadership, and declared a state of emergency.

It triggered nationwide mass protests against the military -- demonstrations met by a deadly crackdown by security forces, resulting in at least a dozen people killed and scores wounded.

After armed troops were sent to crush protesters, street demonstrations have faded, although the situation remains volatile.

World powers demanded a swift return to civilian rule, and made punitive aid cuts that will hit hard in a country already mired in a dire economic crisis.

Last week, Burhan, a veteran general who served under Bashir's three-decades long iron fisted rule, vowed to form another civilian government.

Yet the two sides remain far apart.

"The civilians feel burnt by what their military partners did on October 25th," and will have "a high expectation" of guarantees to trust the military again, said Jeffrey Feltman, the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa.

Both sides, however, are going to need to work together, Feltman added.

"One's not going to be able to sideline the military, just as the military should not be trying to sideline civilians as they are now."

He told reporters the US has been in touch with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to discuss Sudan's crisis.

The main civilian bloc, the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) which led anti-Bashir protests, had just before the coup divided into two opposing factions, with a splinter group supporting the military.

The mainstream FFC remains committed to civilian rule. It says civilian leaders -- including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is effectively under house arrest -- must be freed before negotiations can progress.

"We insisted on the release of civilian detainees and resumption of the power-sharing deal as a prerequisite for talks," said Kamal Ismail, an FFC leader, after meetings with African Union officials.

"We believe these are not conditions. They are simply our rights."

The AU last week suspended Sudan's membership "until the effective restoration of the civilian-led transitional authority", and a team from the bloc's Peace and Security Council is expected in Khartoum on Wednesday.

United Nations officials and Western diplomats have called for the return of the government.

"We're engaging with all Sudanese across a very broad political spectrum," said Volker Perthes, UN special representative to Sudan, said Monday.

Neighbouring South Sudan, which contributes significantly to Khartoum through fees for sending its oil to export through a pipeline in Sudan, sent presidential adviser Tut Gatluak to try to help broker talks.

"We seek to bring all sides to hold a comprehensive dialogue on all issues," Gatluak said.

Other senior Sudanese mediators have held two meetings with Burhan on behalf of the FFC.

"He listened to the demands, and said he would take them into consideration," one mediator said on condition of anonymity.

However, the mediator warned they did not expect a resolution any time soon.

"We don't expect the military to heed these demands on the first attempt," he added, citing "ongoing tensions and the lack of trust."

PHOTO: A man walks past gas cylinders in Sudan's capital Khartoum on November 2, 2021 as talks to broker peace between rival factions continue Photo: AFP / Ashraf SHAZLY

IMAGE: Key economic indicators for Sudan. AFP / Jonathan WALTER

PHOTO: AFP / - Sudanese anti-coup protesters gathered in their thousands on October 30, 2021 to express their support for the country's democratic transition 

PHOTO: AFP / ASHRAF SHAZLY: Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, seen here in August 2020, has been pressing for the United States to delist his nation as a state sponsor of terrorism 

Copyright AFP. All rights reserved.

View original:  https://www.ibtimes.com/sudan-mediators-hit-hurdles-after-coup-3329722

Sudan: Hamdok says solution hinges on return of govt

NOTE from Sudan Watch editor:  Although there is a lack of news about Sudan’s cabinet ministers, their current whereabouts and how well they are being treated, it is clear that the UN Security Council and many ambassadors and diplomats round the world are following events closely and doing everything possible to ensure Mr Hamdok and his detained ministers and politicians are being kept safe and well.

Shortly after the military coup, a news report stated that a cabinet minister had been arrested at home during the night and taken to an unnamed location still wearing his night clothes. 

The following copy of a news report by AFP says PM Hamdok is quoted as saying "the release of the cabinet ministers and the full reinstatement of the government could pave the way to a solution”. The source of the quote is the Facebook page of Sudan’s information ministry.

The report reveals that the coup leader Gen Burhan said the detainees were being kept in "a decent place" and that those facing charges "will be moved to where the accused are usually taken while the rest will be released."

I have no verifiable news about current internet access in Sudan, cut off by the junta during the coup.

Here is a full copy of a news report written by Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Published at France24 dot com

Dated Monday, 1 November 2021, 9:23 pm

Sudan's ousted PM says solution hinges on return of govt: ministry

Sudan's ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said Monday [Nov 1] the reinstatement of his government, dissolved in a military coup, could pave the way to a solution in the country, the information ministry said.

Hamdok spoke during a meeting at his home, where he is under effective house arrest, with the ambassadors of the United States, Britain and Norway, the ministry which remains loyal to the prime minister said.

On October 25, Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the cabinet as well as the ruling joint military-civilian Sovereign Council which had been heading Sudan's transition towards full civilian rule following the 2019 overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

In a move widely condemned internationally, Burhan declared a state of emergency and detained Sudan's civilian leadership, including Hamdok and members of his government.

Hamdok, an international economist, was later released and placed effectively under house arrest.

The ousted prime minister "insisted on the legitimacy of his government and transitional institutions", the information ministry said on its Facebook page.

He added that "the release of the cabinet ministers and the full reinstatement of the government could pave the way to a solution," the ministry said.

Hamdok, according to the statement, demanded that the situation in Sudan return to what it was before the coup, refusing to negotiate with the military rulers.

The statement added that the three ambassadors also informed Hamdok that the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, would arrive at dawn Tuesday in Khartoum "to pursue efforts to ease the crisis".

'Dangerous legal situation'

Earlier Monday [Nov 1] a Sudanese lawyer representing the detained civilian leaders said their whereabouts is unknown and that they are in a "dangerous legal situation".

Kamal al-Gizouli is the lead defence lawyer on a team of attorneys which has come forward to represent them with the backing of their families.

Gizouli said his team went to an agency "where they were believed to have been held but we found that they were not there."

Gizouli expressed concern about the well-being of the detainees and called on those holding them to reveal their location.

"These detainees are in the most dangerous legal situation" since nothing was known about their case nor who was heading the investigation, he added.

Little is known about the whereabout of his cabinet and the members of the council that had been tasked with paving the way to full civilian rule.

Burhan had since August 2019 chaired the council, working alongside Hamdok's government under a power-sharing deal that outlined the post-Bashir transition.

The arrangement came under strain, however, as splits deepened between the civilians and the military.

Jonas Horner, senior analyst for Sudan at International Crisis Group think tank, speaking to AFP earlier Monday, said Hamdok will "find that his political cache has been boosted" by recent events, "and that he is in fact strengthened from what was a relatively weak position previously."

Horner cited, for example, Hamdok's "principled stance" prior to the putsch in refusing to dissolve his government.

In a news conference last week, Burhan defended the military's takeover, saying it was "not a coup" but a move to "rectify the course of the transition".

The general also said the detainees were being kept in "a decent place" and that those facing charges "will be moved to where the accused are usually taken while the rest will be released."

Sudanese and international efforts have been made to mediate a way out of the crisis since the coup.

"We call on all sides mediating to resolve the crisis to demand that the whereabouts of these ministers and politicians be known," said Gizouli.

On Sunday, the UN special representative to Sudan, Volker Perthes, said options for mediation have been discussed with Hamdok and other Sudanese stakeholders.

Photo and caption: Sudan's ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, pictured in September 2021, has been effectively under house arrest since the military coup (AFP/-)

bur-mon/hkb/it

View original: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211101-sudan-s-ousted-pm-says-solution-hinges-on-return-of-govt-ministry

UNITAMS: Sudan’s PM Hamdok safe and well at home

Ambassadors of @FranceauSoudan, @GermanyinSudan, @NorwayAmbSudan, @GilesLeverUK, @USCDASudan, @EU_Sudan and SRSG @volkerperthes met Prime Minister Hamdok at his residence. Pleased to find him in good health. We continue to call for full restoration of his liberty.

— UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission Sudan (@UNITAMS) October 27, 2021

BBC World Service Africa LIVE updates and pictures: How Sudan's coup unfolded on Monday 25 Oct 2021

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor:  According to a news report by The Associated Press (AP) today (Tuesday, 26 October 2021) the UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency closed-door meeting on the coup in Sudan for this afternoon. Diplomats said late yesterday that the consultations were requested by the US, UK, France, Ireland, Norway and Estonia. The council is wrapping up a visit to Mali and Niger and is scheduled to return to New York early this afternoon, so the meeting has been scheduled for 4 pm EDT, the diplomats said ahead of an official announcement. View the original AP report here: https://apnews.com/article/europe-middle-east-africa-sudan-united-states-386c829dbba1efcba72d8e9fd4c411b5

Also, this phenomenal reporting is from the live page of BBC World Service Africa posted online yesterday (Monday, 25 October 2021) the day that Sudan's coup unfolded. I have edited using [...] to show where I have cut text to keep the entire collection of the day's fast-moving live reporting as short as possible. Coverage began at 5:03 am and ended at 22:18 pm GMT UK. Amazing. 

LIVE Africa news updates on Sudan

By BBC World Service Africa 

Published throughout the day on Monday 25 October 2021 

From 5:03 am to 22:18 pm GMT UK:

Posted at 22:18

In pictures: Sudan coup protestors take to streets

Protests have erupted in several cities including the capital Khartoum after the military coup. 

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59045651

Posted at 21:56

Several killed in protests against Sudan coup

Soldiers are said to have opened fire on large crowds opposing the military takeover.

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59045020

Posted at 18:31

How Sudan's coup unfolded

We're pausing our live page coverage of Monday's events in Sudan, where the prime minister and his wife were detained along with members of his cabinet and civilian leaders in a putsch.

Here's how it unfolded:

• Armed soldiers were deployed to the capital as angry protesters burnt tyres.
• The coup leader Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan announced a state of emergency and dissolved the body overseeing the transition to civilian rule.
• Reports circulated of a fierce crackdown against coup opponents. There have been at least three deaths, according to a Sudanese labour union for doctors.

• Sudanese state media was hit by a crackdown as the director of the Sudanese General Corporation for Radio and Television Transmission was arrested and fired.
• Leaders around the world voiced concern about events including the AU, the UN, the United States, the EU and the Arab League.

Posted at 18:03 

Media crackdown in wake of Sudan coup

Sudanese journalist Yousra Elbagir reports that security forces have raided the offices of media company Ramatan and arrested staff they found there.

"Editors, technicians and cameramen," were reportedly among them: [View more on Twitter]

Sudanese state media has also suffered a crackdown with Lukman Ahmed - the director of the Sudanese General Corporation for Radio and Television Transmission - arrested and fired.

Sudan already ranked among the bottom 10 countries in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) annual press freedom index.

Journalists in the country have long operated under restrictions which were only briefly lifted in 2019 when former President Bashir's tenure, before being reimposed by the Transitional Military Council.

Posted at 17:48

Fierce security crackdown in Sudan - reports

Former BBC journalist Mohanad Hashim, who has returned from Khartoum, said the oppression he witnessed in Sudan was reminiscent of the crackdown in the early days of the uprising against former President Omar al-Bashir in 2018.

In one seemingly recent video on social media, which appears to be in Khartoum on Monday, gunfire can be heard as people flee the scene: [View more on Twitter]

Mr Hashim told Focus on Africa radio that the casualties of people harmed in and around the army headquarters could be in their dozens.

There are also reports from Doctors in Sudan that two protesters have died.

Posted at 17:24

South Sudan urges Sudan to return to dialogue

By Nichola Mandil, Juba

The government of South Sudan is urging the military and differing parties in neighbouring Sudan to quickly return to dialogue amid a coup.

A press release issued by South Sudan’s foreign affairs ministry says President Salva Kiir affirms his unwavering solidarity with the people of Sudan. […]

But the statement neither explicitly condemns nor welcomes the military coup in Sudan.

Last year President Salva Kiir brokered a peace deal between Sudan’s transitional government and factions of rebel groups from the western Sudan region of Darfur and the Blue Nile region, which saw some leaders of these movements return to Khartoum and join the interim government.

Posted at 17:06

Where is Prime Minister Hamdok?

By BBC Focus on Africa

Image credit AFP/BBC “Seen here on a visit to France in 2019, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and his wife - economist Muna Abdalla - are being held in an undisclosed location.”

The exact whereabouts of Sudan's prime minister - the top civilian figure in the transitional government - are still unknown.

"We know he was held under house arrest this morning, some accounts suggested he was asked by the military to come in support [of the takeover]," former BBC journalist Mohanad Hashim told Focus on Africa radio.

"He refused and there was a statement from him urging people to take to the streets and protect the revolution, then he was whisked away to an undisclosed location with his wife."

Two of his ministers - the minister for cabinet affairs, and the minister for information - were both "arrested and maltreated, some say badly beaten," Sudan TV journalist Mr Hashim said.

"[In addition] my boss has been arrested and fired from his position - former BBC journalist Lukman Ahmed - and his whereabouts are also unknown as we speak," Mr Hashim added.

Posted at 16:56

Two die in protests - reports

By BBC World Service

Doctors in Sudan say at least two people have been killed in protests against a military takeover of the country and around 80 others wounded.

Shots were fired as large groups of people took to the streets to demonstrate against the coup.

Posted at 16:31

Coup is not a done deal - analysis

By BBC Newshour, BBC World Service

People in Sudan are quick to mobilise when the military oversteps its mark, says Alex de Waal.

Events in Sudan have many hallmarks of a successful coup, yet Africa analyst Alex de Waal argues it's not a "done deal".

"Whenever the military members of the hybrid arrangement we have now, whenever they tried to overstep the mark the street mobilised and pulled them back - and I suspect that is what we are going to see now," he told BBC Newshour [ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsnk ].

"All Sudanese were quite capable of seeing the stratagems that generals were playing over the last few weeks," he says, adding that "there is a tremendous resourceful capacity for civic mobilisation in Sudan, which we’ve seen recurrently since the overthrow of President Bashir in 2019."

De Waal, who is executive director of the World Peace Foundation and a research professor at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, also said Sudan's military were "following the Egypt playbook, using protests and discontent as pretext for a military takeover".

Yet he said, despite the Egyptian president's known sympathy for Sudan's military rulers, it was "quite striking" that the "Arab League has not come out in support of what is happening".

"It’s not clear what backing Gen Burhan has for this move."

Posted at 16:11

Sudan coup: a simple guide 

Monday’s coup comes after weeks of tension between the military and civilian leaders. 

Read more: [ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59035053 ]

Posted at 16:07

US 'deeply alarmed' by events in Sudan

[…] “We reject the actions by the military and call for the immediate release of the prime minister and others who have been placed under house arrest," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Meanwhile, Democrat Senator Chris Coons, a leading member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has warned that US aid to Sudan could end if Prime Minister Hamdok and the full transitional government is not restored to power. [View more on Twitter: Senator Chris Coons @ChrisCoons]

Posted at 15:39

We want to see a Sudan where people are free - protester

By BBC Newshour, BBC World Service

Duaa Tariq, a human rights defender and artist, is one of those protesting in Khartoum today and she's been speaking to Newshour on the BBC World Service about what's been going on:

"There is a lot of confusion, fear and also solidarity on the streets... because [people] have seen signs of this coming for the last four days.

"People were ready and the streets are all blocked with barricades.

"It is difficult to gather and organise... because of the internet blackout.

"The army is only guarding the army headquarters and the bridges [on the Nile].

"There is tension and violence... people who tried to get to the army headquarters were met with gunshots.

"We want to see a Sudan where people are free... we don't want military rule to be back after all we've seen. [see photo]

Posted at 15:10

UN Secretary General condemns Sudan coup

The United Nations Secretary General has called on Sudan's military to release the prime minister and "all other officials" immediately, in a Twitter post which condemned the coup.

He said that the constitutional charter must be respected in full, and said the citizens of Sudan have the international body's support. [View more on Twitter]

Meanwhile there was further condemnation from the UK government.

The country's minister for Africa tweeted that the coup was a "betrayal" of the Sudanese people and called on security forces to release the prime minister. [View more on Twitter]

Posted at 14:48

The state of emergency won't deter civilians - analysis 

By Mohamed Osman, BBC Arabic, Khartoum

The only surprise in the televised speech by Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan was the announcement of the state of emergency.

This now paves the way for more measures to be introduced under the pretext of emergency rule.

When the state of emergency was enforced during the final days of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, and later by the military council, many political figures and journalists were arrested.

But when it comes to the coup itself, a lot of political observers were expecting what we saw today in Sudan. Even ordinary people were anticipating that something would happen.

Gen Burhan and other army leaders have been expressing clear dissatisfaction lately in the power-sharing agreement with civilians.

He had repeatedly said that deep divisions in the council, and the recent protests and sit-ins by civilians, were creating a state of chaos in the country.

For him, what happened today was about getting the transitional period in Sudan back on track.

But the civilian-led protest movement disagrees with this view, as the number of demonstrators on the street, which is expected to increase, attests to.

The Sudanese people have proven more than once that a state of emergency will not stop them from taking to the streets to set out their demands.

Posted at 14:24

Sudan party rejects coup - pro-opposition website

By BBC MONITORING

The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) has rejected the army's takeover of power and urged the Sudanese people to confront the "military coup", pro-opposition website Al-Rakoba has reported.

"We ask all the active forces and all the forces that stand and support a civilian authority to declare a political strike and civil disobedience until the coup is defeated," the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the SCP said in a statement. […]

Posted at 13:57

Smoke and victory signs at Sudan protests

Photos published on Monday show demonstrators in Sudan gathering in the capital, Khartoum, amid scenes of burning tyres and streets deserted of cars. [View 3 photos]

Posted at 13:54

Protests against Sudan's military coup

Demonstrators take to Khartoum's streets in opposition to arrests by the military of political leaders. [View video]

Posted at 13:41

How has the world reacted to Sudan's coup?

By The Newsroom BBC WORLD SERVICE

Many world leaders have condemned the military takeover in Sudan, and called for opposing parties to dialogue:

• The African Union says it learnt with deep dismay about the events in Sudan and has called for the immediate resumption of dialogue between the military and civilians.
• The United States says it's deeply alarmed. The US special envoy for the Horn of Africa expressed support for the transitional government and said a coup would contravene the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.
• The UN has condemned the coup. An envoy to Sudan said the detentions were unacceptable and called on all parties to immediately return to dialogue.
• The Arab League said it was concerned for Sudan's transition to civilian rule.
• The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, called on all stakeholders and regional partners to put the process back on track.

Posted at 13:24

Sudan soldiers 'fire at protesters'

By BBC MONITORING

"Soldiers have fired live bullets at the demonstrators who rejected the military coup in front of the General Command of the Army, and [an unknown] number of casualties are expected," the ministry said in a short post on its Facebook page.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Khartoum to protest against the arrest of the prime minister and senior civilian officials who were members of the transitional government. […]

Posted at 13:06

Regional bloc condemns Sudan coup

East African body, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), has condemned the coup in Sudan, saying it was a setback to the country's transition to civilian rule.

The body said it was "alarmed" by developments in the country and called for restrain.

"The organisation stands ready to support the transitional government of Sudan and the Sudanese people consolidate peace and democratic gains," Igad's executive secretary said moments before Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan dissolved Sudan's Sovereign Council.

Sudan's ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok is the current chair of Igad.

Posted at 12:50

'Chanting protesters' appear to condemn Gen Burhan

Video clips circulating on social media appear to show protesters outside the General Command in Khartoum, which is the same area where pro-democracy demonstrations were held in 2019.

According to one thread people were chanting: "The military belongs to Sudan, the military doesn’t belong to Burhan".  View more on Twitter.

Posted at 12:23

Sudan PM 'kidnapped' - government ministry

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has been "kidnapped" in his Khartoum home alongside his wife in the early hours of Monday morning, according to a statement on the Ministry of Culture and Information's Facebook page.

It says what happened represents a huge infringement of the constitution and and a "complete coup".

The statement called on Sudanese people to take to the streets in peaceful protest to do all they can to "protect their revolution".

Posted at 12:08

Military tears up previous agreements - analysis 

By Will Ross, Africa editor, BBC World Service

Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, was meant to be handing over the leadership of the ruling Sovereign Council to a civilian next month – one step on a road to elections in Sudan.

Instead, he's torn up previous agreements and, in what amounts to a coup, has scrapped the power-sharing agreement between civilians and the military.

The government has been dissolved and elections set for just under two years’ time.

Gen Burhan and other senior military figures are known to have the support of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

It is likely that this backing influenced the decision to halt the agreed transition to civilian rule.

Posted at 11:53

Sudan general declares state of emergency amid coup

By Nichola Mandil, Juba

The head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan has dissolved the council and the cabinet and declared a state of emergency across the whole country.

He made the announcement in a live televised address.

All members of the Sovereign Council - overseeing the transition to democratic rule - have been relieved from their positions, he said.

He also dissolved all the state governments and removed the governors from their positions.

He said that a caretaker government will be announced before the end of November, and declared that general elections to pave the way to a civilian government will take place in July 2023.

Posted at 11:36

African Union dismayed over Sudan coup

The chairperson of the African Union Commission has called for the "immediate resumption of consultations" between civilians and the military amid a coup in Sudan.

A statement said Moussa Faki Mahamat was deeply dismayed by unfolding events and called for the "release of all arrested political leaders and the necessary strict respect of human rights".

Posted at 11:22

BREAKING Sovereign Council dissolved - Burhan

Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan - the head of Sudan's Sovereign Council - just gave a speech announcing a state of emergency.

He also dissolved the Sovereign Council that was overseeing the transition to civilian rule, as well as the dissolution of cabinet.

Posted at 11:08

EU wants Sudan's transition 'back on track'

The European Union has called on Sudan's military and civilian leaders to put the country's transition process "back on track".

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell tweeted on Monday that he was following events in the country with "utmost concern".

Posted at 10:59

Twelve injured in Khartoum clashes - reports

Twelve people have been injured in clashes between protesters and the military forces in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, a doctors' committee in Sudan says.

Posted at 10:40

UN calls for release of Sudan civilian leaders

The United Nations has urged Sudan's security forces to "immediately release those who have been unlawfully detained or placed under house arrest".

Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok is among civilian leaders reported to have been put under house arrest on Monday by unidentified soldiers.

"I am deeply concerned about reports of an ongoing coup and attempts to undermine Sudan’s political transition. The reported detentions of the Prime Minister, government officials, and politicians are unacceptable, said Volker Perthes, UN special representative to Sudan.

"All parties must immediately return to dialogue and engage in good faith to restore the constitutional order," he added.

It remains unclear who was behind the pre-dawn arrests.

Posted at 10:29

Signs of Sudan's coup build-up have been clear

By Anne Soy, BBC News, Nairobi

Recent weeks have seen a rapid build-up of tensions in Khartoum.

A hostile take-over 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 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 take-over – 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.

Whatever happens, this is no doubt a defining moment in its politics.

Posted at 10:00

Coup reports 'major blow' to Sudan transition - HRW

Reports of a military takeover in Sudan are "a major blow" to Sudan's transition to civilian rule, Human Rights Watch says.

Sudan is currently run by a joint military-civilian Sovereign Council. The military wing is scheduled to hand over the leadership of the Sovereign Council to the civilian component next month,

Human Rights Watch says "the international community should press for a return to the civilian transition".

It urged security forces in the country to protect the right of civilians to protest and refrain from using lethal force.

The head of the military, Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, is expected to address the nation shortly.

Posted at 9:35

Arab League 'concerned' over Sudan's transition

The Arab League has expressed concern over the developments in Sudan after the military detained civilian leaders and ministers in an apparent coup.

It called on the Sudanese parties "to abide by the signed transitional arrangements," according to a statement by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Sudan is an African member of the Arab League.

Posted at 9:08

Khartoum airport shut amid coup reports

Flights to and from Sudan's capital Khartoum have been suspended, amid reports of an ongoing coup.

The Khartoum International Airport has reportedly been been closed and access to it blocked, with military forces reportedly surrounding it.

There has not been any official government announcement on the airport status.

Posted at 8:49

Photos: Mounting tension in Khartoum over coup fears

The Reuters news agency has obtained photos of protesters who gathered on the streets of Khartoum on Monday morning amid reports of a military takeover.

They show angry crowds burning tyres in the streets.

The army and paramilitary have been deployed across the city and are restricting the movement of civilians, Reuters reports.

Posted at 8:16

Soldiers storm state TV headquarters - ministry

Sudan's information ministry says soldiers have stormed the radio and television headquarters in Omdurman near the capital, Khartoum.

It says joint military forces have detained a number of employees there.

Internet has been shut down in the country but images have appeared on social media showing angry crowds burning tyres in the streets.

Posted at 8:12

What we know so far about Sudan’s coup attempt

Sudanese military forces have detained several members of the country’s civilian leadership and put Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok under house arrest amid reports of a coup.

Here's what what we know so far:

• The prime minister and at least four ministers are among those believed detained by unidentified soldiers.
• Heavily armed soldiers have been deployed in the capital, Khartoum, amid angry protesters burning tyres in the streets.

• Internet has been shut in the capital.
• There are reports military forces have stormed the state radio and television headquarters in Omdurman city, arresting some employees.
• The US says it's 'deeply alarmed' by the reports of a military coup

Posted at 7:35

US 'deeply alarmed' by Sudan coup reports

In a tweet, US special envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman said any military takeover would be "utterly unacceptable" and "puts at risk US assistance".

Posted at 7:28

Sudan PM asking people to defend revolution - ministry

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is reportedly under house arrest, is asking Sudanese people to continue holding peaceful protests and "defend the revolution", according to a post on Sudan's information ministry Facebook page.

It says joint military forces that earlier detained him in his house have been pressuring him to announce a statement supporting the coup.

After refusing to endorse the coup, the army has now moved the prime minister to an unknown location, it adds in another post.

Posted at 6:59

Why Sudan's military and civilian rulers are at odds

Military and civilian groups have been sharing power since 2019

Sudan's military and civilian leaders have been at odds since they began sharing power in the transitional government set up after the overthrow two years ago of the long-serving military ruler, Omar al-Bashir.

The transitional government - known as the Sovereign Council - was intended to pave the way for elections.

But tensions have grown since September, when a coup attempt attributed to followers of Mr Bashir was foiled.

Last Thursday, thousands of people demonstrated across the country in support of the democratic transition.

But the army's supporters accuse the civilian rulers of being ineffective and ruining the economy.

Posted at 6:21

Heavily armed soldiers deployed in Sudan's capital

Heavily armed soldiers and other security forces have been deployed to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and are restricting movement of civilians in the city.

The AFP news agency reports that uniformed soldiers cut off the main roads leading to the capital.

It comes as protesters gathered on roads to protest against the reported arrest of civilian members of the ruling transitional government, the Reuters news agency adds.

Posted at 5:49

Internet blocked in Sudan amid coup reports

Global internet monitor NetBlocks reports of a significant disruption of internet in Sudan, where there are reports of a possible coup attempt.

It says the disruption is likely to limit the free flow of information online and news coverage of incidents on the ground.

Netblocks says internet connectivity dropped to 34% of normal levels.

Posted at 5:03

Soldiers besiege Sudan PM's house - reports

Image credit AFP. Copyright AFP. The Sudan PM is reportedly under house arrest

Reports are coming in of a possible coup attempt in Sudan.

Local media say unidentified military forces have besieged the home of Prime Minister, Abdallah Hamdok.

Al Hadath TV reports that troops have arrested four cabinet ministers and one civilian member of the transitional government - the Sovereign Council - citing unidentified sources.

Citing family sources, the Reuters news agency also reports that solders stormed the home of the prime minister's media adviser and arrested him early on Monday.

Source - BBC World Service Africa, LIVE Africa news updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-47639452#lx-commentary-top

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