The African Union on Thursday suspended Sudan’s membership amid violent clashes in the capital that has killed dozens. The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the AU in Addis Ababa that lasted more than five hours, reported BBC.
The AU’s Peace and Security Department took to Twitter on Thursday to announce that Sudan’s participation in all AU activities would be suspended with immediate effect. The suspension will continue until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority.
“The AU Peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow Sudan to exit from the current crisis,” the AU wrote on Twitter.
The AU, which has 54 other member states, has warned the country’s new military rulers of further action if power is not transferred to a civilian authority, raising the prospect of diplomatic isolation on the continent and sanctions. The military came into power after it ousted veteran President Omar al-Bashir military in April after months of peaceful protests. Even after Bashir’s exit, the people continued with the protests calling for the generals to cede power to civilians.
The protests, however, took an ugly turn on Monday when security forces stormed a weeks-long sit-in outside military headquarters in the capital.
Sudanese authorities admitted dozens were killed when security forces stormed the lengthy sit-in. the authorities claimed that the death toll was not was as high as 100. But an opposition-linked doctors’ group on Wednesday claimed 40 bodies had been pulled from the Nile, sending the death toll to at least 108.
Meanwhile, the protest leaders also rejected an offer from the ruling military council to negotiate the country’s political future. They said the call for talks was insincere.
