Sudan’s military has seized power in a coup. Here’s what you need to

A coup in Sudan has been met by widespread international condemnation, amid growing fears about the country’s democratic transition and economy.

The military arrested civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and dissolved the country’s transitional government on Monday, sparking protests in several cities. According to Reuters, seven people have been killed and 140 injured in the ensuing clashes between security forces and protesters.

Experts say the coup could have a serious impact on the country and beyond.

The coup

Tensions in Sudan have been simmering since an attempted coup on Sept. 21, with the country divided between proponents of pro-military and pro-civilian rule. 

On Monday, Hamdok and several other government officials were moved to an undisclosed location after refusing to endorse the latest coup.

Telecommunications access has been restricted and various outlets have reported that the military has blocked roads and bridges into the capital city of Khartoum. 

Zaynab Mohamed, political analyst at Oxford Economics Africa, said in a note Monday that while these restrictions make the situation difficult to gauge in real time, an attempted coup appeared to be in progress. 

“The continued rift between the civilian and military factions of government had been raising questions about whether the fragile power sharing agreement will hold until democratic elections are held in 2023, and the current situation suggests that it is unlikely to last,” Mohamed said.  

“If the military takes over, it will interrupt the transition to democracy, which threatens international donor support and IMF debt relief and, ultimately, puts the country’s economic revival on the line.” 

Economic impact

Those advocating for a military-led government had staged a sit-in outside Khartoum’s presidential palace for over a week, lamenting the rising cost of living and an economic situation they claim is worse now than under former dictator Omar al-Bashir, who was overthrown in April 2019. Pro-civilian demonstrators have also turned out in Khartoum in recent weeks.

“The coup comes amid acute tension between the military and civilian factions of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, with each blaming the other for the failure to resolve the cost-of-living crisis that has been ongoing since the start of the year,” said Edward Hobey-Hamsher, senior Africa analyst at political risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. 

The cost of living crisis has been exacerbated by an effective blockade at Port Sudan by tribal protesters from the northeast. Among other demands, these demonstrators object to the cancellation of the Juba Peace…