Sudan’s President steps down

SANAA, April 11 (YPA) – Sudan’s President Omar al Bashir has stepped down and consultations are underway to set up a transitional council to run the country, government sources and a provincial minister said on Thursday.

Sudan state television said earlier on Thursday that the armed forces would make an important announcement soon, amid speculation that a coup attempt could be under way against President Bashir following months of protests against his 30-year rule.

State television and radio played patriotic music, while a group of army officers entered the radio and television building and demanded to join all the waves.

The sources added that the numbers of protesters in front of the headquarters in Khartoum increased on Wednesday evening, while intensive reinforcements are located in the vicinity of the radio and television building in Omdurman.

They also noted that heavy deployment of troops and armored vehicles around the presidential palace blocking entry and exit.

Khartoum Airport has been closed and former defense minister Mohammed Hussein arrested, according to media sources.

Celebrations are already under way in Sudan as protesters have taken to the streets, waiting for the official announcement to be made.

E.M