Sudan’s President Al-Bashir Removed From Office

President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan has been removed from office after nearly 30 years in power after the military intervened following months of protests calling for his resignation. 

Bashir has been arrested and is currently in detention. Meanwhile the military has announced plans for a transitional council to govern the country for a period of two years, before convening elections. Former defence minister Lt Gen Awad Ibn Auf has been sworn in as the head of the military council that proposed to oversee the transition. However, the African Union has condemned military rule, with several international actors calling for a civilian-led transition. 

Protestors have celebrated Bashir’s departure by staying on the streets despite a curfew implemented by the military, and concerns remain that Lt Gen Ibn Auf does not represent change having been such a prominent member of the former regime.

Lt Gen Ibn Auf has been quoted as stating, “Sudan's armed forces understand the reasons for the demonstrations and are not against the demands and aspirations of the citizens, but will not allow the country to fall into chaos."