African Union suspends Sudan after military coup

The African Union announced on Wednesday it had suspended Sudan from participation in all AU activities until civilian rule in the country is restored, saying it rejected the military takeover as an unconstitutional seizure of power.

In a statement released by the African Union Peace and Security Council , the regional bloc further decided should the Transition Military Council fail to hand over power to a civilian-led transitional authority, the council would impose punitive measures on individuals and entities obstructing the establishment of such an authority.

"The suspension of Sudan follows what PSC termed as the lack of progress towards the establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority since its initial meeting following the coup d'etat of April 11, 2019 in Sudan. The suspension is the only way to allow Sudan to exit from its current crisis," the statement said.

On Monday, Sudanese general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ordered the dissolution of the government and declared a state of emergency, a move that sparked protests across the country as citizens demanded the restoration of civilian government.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was placed under military arrest, along with his ministers and civilian members of Sudan's ruling council. He was later released under close guard, but other ministers and civilian leaders remain in detention.

The suspension by the AU came hours after the World Bank said it has suspended aid to Sudan following the military takeover.

"I am greatly concerned by recent events in Sudan, and I fear the dramatic impact this can have on the country's social and economic recovery and development," World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement.