Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation voice concern about Sudan coup

The Arab League and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation release statements of concern about the apparent military coup in Sudan.

The Secretary-General of the 22-member bloc, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, urges all parties to “fully abide” by the constitutional declaration signed in August 2019, which had aimed to pave the way for a transition to civilian rule and democratic elections following the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

“There are no problems that cannot be resolved without dialogue,” Aboul Gheit says after Sudan’s military detained the country’s interim prime minister along with other top Cabinet officials.

“It is important to respect all decisions and agreements that were decided upon … refraining from any measures that would disrupt the transitional period and shake stability in Sudan,” the statement adds.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in a statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, urges Sudanese leaders to “abide by the constitutional document and what has been agreed upon during the transition period.”

The 57-nation OIC is based in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia.

Thousands of Sudanese protesters have flooded the streets as fears of a military coup grip the country two years after mass protests ousted al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades.