Security tightens grip in coup-hit Sudan, protests draw heavy crackdown

Gulf Today Report

Sudanese security forces on Wednesday made sweeping arrests of protesters as they sought to extinguish opposition to this week's military coup, while the international community ramped up punitive measures.

Lashing, frisking, and arbitrary detentions — Sudanese protesters say security forces have resorted to frenzied violence to quash street protests against the country's latest military coup.

READ MORE

India tests nuclear-capable missile with 5,000 kilometres range

China urges World Bank, IMF to resume financing support to Afghanistan

Meanwhile, Sudan Army chief General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan relieved six Sudanese ambassadors from their posts, state TV said on Wednesday.

The decision included Sudan's ambassadors to the United States, the European Union, China, Qatar, France and the head of Sudan's mission to Geneva.

Sudanese protest against a military coup that overthrew the transition to civilian rule in Khartoum. AFP

Sudanese ambassadors to 12 countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China and France, have rejected Monday's military takeover, a diplomatic source said.

The World Bank froze aid and the African Union suspended Sudan over Monday's power grab by the army, just over two years into what is meant to be a transition to civilian rule after the April 2019 ouster of autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Hundreds of protesters were seen throwing rocks at security forces dismantling street barricades in Khartoum's eastern district of Burri, according to an AFP correspondent.

In the capital's north, security personnel fired tear gas and rubber bullets at dozens of protesters.

Women come out in large numbers to demonstrated against the coup. AFP

"Police forces have removed all the barricades since Wednesday morning and arrested all the people who stood near them," said Hady Bashir, a protester.

Later Wednesday, the information ministry -- still loyal to the deposed government -- said security forces were tightening their control of the capital.

"Neighbourhoods and streets have been blockaded by armoured vehicles and men carrying rifles," it said in a statement, alleging also that "women were dragged" to the ground.

"All security on the streets now look like the Bashir-era forces," lamented one protester.

On Wednesday, military forces also stormed the building of the official news agency SUNA and forced out all reporters, according to journalists, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Students have been among those drawing the attention of security forces.