The Biden Administration has suspended the disbursement of $700 million in aid to Sudan in the wake a military coup and arrest of several politicians including Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok.
Ned Price, spokesman of the US State Department, said the dispersal of the entire aid package would be paused, because the funds were “intended to support the country’s democratic transition.
“Any change to the transitional government by force risks assistance in our bilateral relationship more broadly,” Price warned, adding the US is evaluating the “next step for Sudan” aid.
“Military officials should immediately release and ensure the safety of all detained political actors, fully restore the civilian-led transitional government, and refrain from any violence against protesters, including the use of live ammunition,” he added.
Sudan’s ruling military council, running the country with civilians in the wake of Omar Bashir’s ouster, arrested Hamdok and several other politicians.
Gen. Abdelfattah Al-Burhan, leader of the council also on Monday declared a state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereign Council.
At least seven people have been killed and more than 100 injured as people loyal to Hamdoktook to the streets to reject the coup, an official of the health ministry has said, Daily Sabah reports.
The army fired at protestors in front of the Sudanese army headquarters.
