Thousands of Sudanese on Thursday poured in to the streets of Khartoum in early celebration of what many think could be the end of President Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year rule.
DAILY POST had reported that Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, stepped down while the military took over on Thursday after anti government protest.
A military source said that tanks had surrounded al-Bashir’s office as eyewitnesses say some key bridges leading into the capital have been cordoned off.
Soldiers were seen raising their hands in a sign of solidarity with the people, with some civilians riding along with soldiers in army vehicles, NAN reports.
There were signs soldiers might be on the side of the demonstrators earlier this week, with witness reports saying that members of the army had sided with demonstrators against other security forces.
The state-run news agency, SUNA, reported that political prisoners were being released from jails.
Protesters were dancing and singing patriotic songs and shouting slogans such as “new era, new nation.”
A range of people turned out to celebrate, including the elderly and children, as well as women – many of whom have been vocal protesters.
“Dear audience, the Sudanese army will present an important statement,” the army said in a radio broadcast early on Thursday.
Months of protests galvanised the enormous sit-in, now in its sixth day, with demonstrators camped outside the Sudanese army headquarters, which also includes the president’s residence.
The peaceful protests had turned bloody in recent days, with a Sudanese Doctor’s Organisation reporting 21 deaths.
The US and Britain have called on Sudan’s authorities to respond to the demands of the tens of thousands of demonstrators and avoid violence.
The East African nation has seen ongoing protests since December 2018 when a sharp hike in bread and fuel prices caused a public outcry.
