Sudanese civilian leaders were arrested amid coup reports

Gunmen arrested several members of Sudan’s transitional government in their homes, reports say, as the country’s political crisis intensifies.

At least four government ministers were arrested by unidentified soldiers just before dawn on Monday.

A report suggests civilian Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok was arrested, but this has not been confirmed.

It is not clear who made the arrests. The military did not comment on the reports.

There are also reports that the internet is down in the capital, Khartoum, as images have appeared on social media showing angry crowds burning tires on the streets.

The reported arrests come amid mounting tensions between the country’s military and civilian transition authorities.

Both sides have shared power since the fall of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

But tensions have increased since a coup attempt attributed to Bashir’s followers was thwarted in September.

Earlier this month, opponents of Sudan’s transition to democracy took to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to call on the military to take control of the country.

And on Thursday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Khartoum to show solidarity with the transitional government.

Support for the interim government has collapsed in recent months due to the country’s economic difficulties.