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.



Security Tightened in Syria's Raqqa after ISIS Jailbreak

ISIS prisoners are seen at a jail in Raqqa, Syria. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
ISIS prisoners are seen at a jail in Raqqa, Syria. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Security Tightened in Syria's Raqqa after ISIS Jailbreak

ISIS prisoners are seen at a jail in Raqqa, Syria. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
ISIS prisoners are seen at a jail in Raqqa, Syria. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) tightened security measures in Syria’s northern city of Raqqa after foreign ISIS members escaped from jail in late August.

ISIS slogans were also painted on walls in Raqqa, raising concerns over the threat of the extremist group.

Residents discovered the slogans on Saturday morning, reminding them of the years they spent under ISIS’ brutal rule.

The group was defeated in Syria in 2019, but its cells remain active.

A security source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the SDF transferred dozens of foreign prisoners from al-Matahen jail to other more secure facilities following the jailbreak.

Two Russian, two Afghan and one Libyan ISIS members escaped al-Matahen in August.

American forces and the SDF managed to detain one of the Russians and the Libyan a day later. The rest are still on the run.

The source said the escape reminded the world and member countries of the anti-ISIS International Coalition of the threat of the extremist group and that its cells were still capable of carrying out attacks and striking fear in the local population.

Separately, the SDF announced on Saturday the arrest of 34 people suspected of joining ISIS cells.

The SDF carried out 16 security operations against ISIS in July and August, leaving at least five people dead.

Head of the SDF media center Farhad Shami told Asharq Al-Awsat that dangerous ISIS members were among the detainees.

They had planned and carried out several terrorist attacks in Kurdish-held regions, he revealed.

Among them was the chief official responsible for booby-trapping cars and another responsible for financing ISIS in Raqqa, he added.