A failed coup attempt took place in Sudan early this Tuesday September 21, according to state media. Karthoum announced that it was allegedly led by supporters of Omar al-Bashir, the former president ousted by the army in 2019.

“There was a failed coup attempt, the people have to face it,” state media reported.

Hours later, Khartoum claimed the attempt was carried out by supporters of Omar al-Bashir, a former president ousted by an army coup in 2019.

A government source also confirmed to AFP reports that the conspirators attempted to take over the state media building, but “they failed.”

Order has been restored, government officials said at midday on Tuesday.

A group of “implicated” officers
Separately, a senior military source said a group of officers were “involved in the attempt” but were “immediately suspended”.

On Tuesday, traffic in central Khartoum seemed flowing, including around the army headquarters. Sudanese security services, however, blocked the main bridge connecting Khartoum to its twin city of Omdurman, across the Nile.

A targeted transitional government
The coup attempt targeted the Sudanese transitional government set up after the ouster in March 2019 of President Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted after 30 years of unchallenged rule.

Sudan has been going through a fragile transition characterized by economic difficulties and deep political divisions. In recent months, the government has embarked on a series of difficult economic reforms to qualify for a debt relief program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

These measures, including the reduction of subsidies and the establishment of a controlled floating of the local currency, were considered too severe by many Sudanese. Sporadic protests have recently taken place across the country to protest against IMF-backed measures and the rising cost of living.

Source: News Agencies