In 2019, former president Omar al-Bashir was removed from his position as the ruler of Sudan. Since then, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has been vocalizing his intent to honor Sudan’s pro-democracy movement, and establish free elections this November.

Sudanese Armed Forces have announced they are in control of the government. Demonstrations have been reported in Khartoum and around the country. There are unverified reports of violence against protesters. Flights are not leaving the country. (1/2)

— US Embassy Khartoum (@USEmbassyKRT) October 25, 2021

However, Hamdok has just been arrested in a military takeover and his whereabouts are unconfirmed. Sources claim, military officers dissolved Sudan’s current ruling council, which they functioned as a part of.

Additionally, arresting several other members of the transitional government, and taking full control of the region.

A state of emergency has also been declared for the country. This has resulted in internet shortages, although it is not clear if that was a mandate of the military or a result of the turmoil.

Protestors have since clashed with military forces, demanding the release of the government officials and transition to a civilian led government.

The US Embassy in Sudan is warning US citizens “to shelter in place and remain aware of their surroundings.”

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok hosts former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on August 25, 2020 (Twitter)

Sudan civil war

Sudan has seen much instability in the last decade. A civil war, ending in 2011, split the large country in two. This resulted in South Sudan becoming most recent sovereign state in the world. The Darfur region of western Sudan has infamously been the center of horrific human rights violations and genocide.

Political map of Sudan and South Sudan with capitals Khartoum and Juba.

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