Three dead in Sudan anti-coup protests
SUDAN WATCH- Three protesters were shot dead by Sudanese military forces during nationwide demonstrations against last week’s military-led coup, Reuters reported, citing a Sudanese doctors’ committee. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Khartoum on Saturday to demand the restoration of the civilian government that was last week dissolved by armed forces leader General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan. At least 13 protesters were killed in confrontations with security officials over the course of last week.
Where next for Sudan’s leadership? Al Burhan says he remains committed to Sudan’s democratic transition including elections slated for 2023, and on Thursday suggested that ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok would be free to form a new cabinet of his choosing. Hamdok said he would not negotiate with the military until the coup is reversed.
International pressure isn’t slowing down the string of arrests, with the Sudanese military arresting more coup opponents, journalists, and cabinet members to bring the total to 40 since the takeover on Monday, according to Bloomberg. Hamdok, who was detained on Monday, was released last Thursday, but other members of cabinet, including Health Minister Omer Al Najeeb and Water Minister Yasser Abbas, were arrested Wednesday.
Also worth knowing this morning:
- New Greece-Turkey talks? Greece is open to talks with Turkey to dial back tensions regarding disputed maritime zones in the east Mediterranean, reports Reuters.
- Hopes for Iran agreement: US and European officials voiced confidence in making a breakthrough in nuclear talks with Iran, paving the way for the restoration of the landmark 2015 accord which has been on the verge of collapse since the Trump administration abandoned it in 2018, CNN reports.