Khartoum
Sudan’s military coup leader, facing pressure at home and abroad to restore power to civilians, said a technocratic prime minister could be announced in a week. He left the door open for the man he ousted to return and form the new government.
Western countries have cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in desperately needed aid to Sudan since General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s cabinet and soldiers rounded up government ministers on Monday.
Opponents of the coup have called for mass protests on Saturday under the slogan “Leave!”.
At least 11 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces so far this week, and residents say they fear a full-blown crackdown.
“I am scared that this country will catch fire. We’re scared these people will kill our children. There’s been enough death,” said a Khartoum woman.
The coup has derailed a transition meant to steer Sudan to democracy, with elections in 2023, after long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir was toppled two years ago.—Reuters
