Sudan: Protesters slam Arab backing of military council

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Protesters in Sudan blasted Arab countries Tuesday for backing the country’s ruling military council following the ouster of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir.

Despite the declaration of a curfew last week, they gathered near the military headquarters in the capital and chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

“We do not want your support”, one banner said, in an apparent reference to countries backing the council, while another said "No to intervention in Sudan by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt".

Last Friday, Defense Minister Awad Ibn Auf, the head of the transitional military council, stepped down and named Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Burhan as his successor. The council also announced sweeping changes to the army’s leadership.

The Sudanese army ousted Bashir last week after months of protests against his 30-year rule. The council was established shortly afterward to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year transitional period.

*Writing Faruk Zorlu