Sudan Defence minister sworn in as head of transitional Council

A hard time awaits protesters still on the streets in Sudan as the military coup leaders have warned that there will be “zero tolerance” for disturbances.

A spokesman insisted the army did not seek power but pledged to hold talks with all political groups in the country on forming a civilian government following President Omar al-Bashir’s removal.

Defence Minister Awad Ahmed has now been sworn in as Head of the Transitional Council in the oil-rich country.

In his TV statement, Mr Ahmed declared a state of emergency for three months and a curfew for one month. He said that a military council would be formed to run the country during the transitional two year period.

“I, the Minister of Defense and head of the Supreme Security Committee, announce the removal of the regime, the arrest of its head (al-Bashir), and his detention in a safe location. I also announce the following: firstly, the formation of a transitional military council to take over the administration of the nation’s government for a transitional period of two years; the suspension of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of Sudan of 2005; the declaration of a state of emergency for three months and a curfew for one month, from 22:00 to 04:00 (local time); the closing of Sudanese airspace for 24 hours, as well as all ports of entry in Sudan until further notice,” Ahmed Ibn Auf, Sudan’s Defense Minister said.