The African Union announced on Wednesday that it had banned Sudan’s membership until civilian authority was restored, describing the military takeover as a “unconstitutional” power grab.
Sudan has been suspended from all AU operations “until the complete restoration of the civilian-led transitional authority,” according to the continent-wide group, which “strongly condemns the seizure of power.”
Sudanese General Abdel Fattah alBurhan proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered the resignation of the government on Monday, drawing considerable international condemnation.
The military detention of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, his ministers, and civilian members of Sudan’s ruling council sparked furious protests in Khartoum’s streets.
Hamdok was later released under strict supervision, but other ministers and civilian leaders are still being held.
On Wednesday, security police arrested a large number of anti-coup demonstrators in an attempt to put an end to three days of protests against the power grab.
A number of Western powers have demanded an urgent meeting with Hamdok, claiming that the prime minister and his cabinet are still Sudan’s constitutional leaders.
