Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has been arrested and put “in a safe place”, the country’s defence minister said in a TV address, as he announced the formation of military-led transitional government.
“I announce as minister of defence the toppling of the regime and detaining its chief in a secure place,” Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf said on Thursday.
Army general Ibn Auf declared a three-month state of emergency and added that a military council will rule for two years. Airspace has been closed for 24 hours, he said.
Tens of thousands of Sudanese marched early on Thursday through the centre of the capital, Khartoum, in jubilation, dancing and chanting anti-Bashir slogans.
The Sudanese army had said in the early hours of Thursday morning that it will make “an important announcement”, after months of protests against the longtime leader.
Protesters have been demanding Bashir’s resignation since last December.
Thursday also marked the sixth day of a defiant sit-in outside the military’s headquarters, which also houses Bashir’s official residence and the defence ministry.
Aljazeera.com
