Sudanese Military Attempts Coup Under Pretense of Implementing Democracy
The Claim
The Sudanese military wants to consult with politicians and implement democratic transformation.
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Emerging story
A source from the Sudanese army told Al-Arabiya that Burhan would consult with politicians and implement the democratic transformation. At the same time, a source told Al-Hadath that the move targets those disrupting the transition and insulting the army. These claims follow an attempted military coup in Khartoum in the early hours of this morning.
Misbar’s Analysis
The Misbar team investigated the claims and found them to be misleading. The Sudanese army arrested several political figures, including the Information and Industry minister. The military arrested PM Hamdok and dispatched him to an unknown location when he refused to collaborate. Indicating there was no intention for consultations nor good faith. They also disconnected the internet and regular telephone calls and short service messages in the country. Moreover, the military has blocked roads and injured 12 peaceful protesters.
The military signed a power-sharing deal with civilian groups launching the Sovereign Council, where general Abdel-Fattah Burhan was expected to hand the leadership of the ruling transitional council to a civilian. However, the deal proved to be fractious with much rivalry and divisions between political parties and the military. An attempted coup indicates that they have no intention to hand over power for the civilian duration. This comes despite mass marches demanding full civilian rule, which took place across Sudan on 21 October 2021. If the TMC genuinely cared for democracy, the citizens would have wanted civilian rule. Following the power-sharing deal, a democratic election was supposed to take place. Furthermore, the agreement along with the constitution is what should be used to correct any democratic trajectory. The Military has no authority to take matters into their own hands.
Given the context of the actions taken by the Military, the Misbar team can confirm that this attempted coup is not in favor of implementing democratic transformation. Sudanese citizens have already taken to the streets in protest to protect the revolution, reiterate their demand for civilian rule and stand against Military rule.
