Sudan coup leader Awad Ibn Auf steps down

Image

The head of Sudan's military council has stood down a day after leading a coup that toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir amid a wave of protests.

Defense Minister Awad Ibn Auf announced his decision on state TV. He named as his successor Lt Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan.

It comes after protesters refused to leave the streets, saying the coup leaders were too close to Bashir.

The army has said it will stay in power for two years, followed by elections.

Bashir's downfall followed months of unrest that began in December over rising prices. At least 38 people have died in the protests.

Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.

Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over that conflict.

What happened on Friday?

Despite the removal of Bashir on Thursday, demonstrators refused to disperse, camping out outside the army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, defying a curfew declared by the military.

They are demanding a transition to civilian rule before they return home.

On Friday, a spokesman for the military council said the army was not seeking power and Sudan's future would be decided by the protesters - but said the army would maintain public order and disturbances would not be tolerated.

The military council also said it would not extradite Bashir to face the ICC charges - which he denies.

It has imposed a three-month state of emergency, with the constitution suspended.

Related Articles

Kenyan Forces Repel Suspected Al-Shabaab Night Attack on Military Base Near Somalia Border

Officials said no soldiers were killed or injured in the attack and that the targeted camp sustained no damage.

  • Africa

    12-06-2026

  • 12:00PM

Ethiopia Warns of Fresh Tigray War, Says TPLF Readying Major Attack on Army Bases

They called on the international community, including regional and global partners involved in the 2022 peace process.

  • Africa

    12-06-2026

  • 10:37AM