AU, UN Condemn Failed Coup Attempt in Sudan

A general view shows the skyline of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (AFP)
A general view shows the skyline of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (AFP)
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AU, UN Condemn Failed Coup Attempt in Sudan

A general view shows the skyline of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (AFP)
A general view shows the skyline of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (AFP)

The United Nations has condemned the failed coup attempt that took place in Sudan on Tuesday.

“In my capacity as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN and Head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, I unequivocally condemn the attempted military coup,” said Volker Perthes.

“The UN condemns any attempt - whether a coup or otherwise - to undermine the democratic political transition process and the pluralistic nature of the state as stipulated in the constitutional declaration,” he affirmed.

“The UN rejects any calls for a military coup or the replacement of the transitional government with military rule,” he stressed.

Perthes also reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to assist, advise and support inclusive civilian governance in Sudan.

He underlined the need for the continued commitment of all stakeholders to an inclusive transition process and to realize the aspirations of the Sudanese people towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.

Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemned the aborted power grab and congratulated the Sudanese people on its failure.

“I strongly urge to adhere to the legitimate authorities of the transitional period, which stems from the will of all national forces, civilian or military,” stressed Faki.

Sudan’s army commander and head of the sovereign council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited the military camp in south Khartoum where the attempted putsch reportedly began.

“Had it succeeded, the attempt could have had devastating consequences on the unity of the army, security forces, and the country,” he said.

Burhan called on all political forces to unite to build Sudan and protect its security and stability as it is a joint responsibility between the military and civilians.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said the coup attempt was the “latest manifestation of the national crisis”, referring to deep divisions during Sudan’s move to democracy.



No Spying Took Place by Employees of Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, Adviser Says

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq January 9, 2024. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq January 9, 2024. (Reuters)
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No Spying Took Place by Employees of Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, Adviser Says

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq January 9, 2024. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq January 9, 2024. (Reuters)

A political adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has rejected recent allegations that employees at the premier's office have been spying on and wire-tapping senior officials and politicians.

Since late August, Iraqi local media outlets and lawmakers have alleged that employees at al-Sudani's office had been arrested on charges of spying on senior officials.

"This is an inflated lie," said Fadi al-Shammari in an interview with an Iraqi broadcaster published late on Friday, the most explicit denial by a senior member of the prime minister's team.

He said the allegations were aimed at undermining al-Sudani ahead of parliamentary polls expected to be held next year.

"Everything that has happened in the last two weeks consists of media exaggeration contrary to reality and the truth."

The reports have caused a stir in Iraq, which has seen a period of relative stability since al-Sudani was brought to power in late 2022 as part of an agreement between ruling factions ending a year-long political stalemate.

While there had been one arrest at the prime minister's office in August, it had nothing to do with spying or wire-tapping, Shammari said. The employee in question was detained after contacting lawmakers and other politicians while posing as a different person, he said.

"(He) talked to lawmakers using different numbers and fake names and asked them for a number of different files," he added, without providing details.

"There was no spying, no wiretapping."