By Njodzeka Danhatu
The African Union, AU, has suspended the Republic of Sudan from the Organisation, following failure by the Military Council to transfer Power to a civilian government.
The decision was taken ‘with Immediate effect’ on Thursday June 6, in Ethiopia’s Capital, Addis Ababa, as a result of week-long-crackdown on demonstrators by pro-government militia.
Reports say over 100 people have been killed since the military crackdown on protesters on Monday in front of the military headquarters, though officials put the figure at 46.
According a statement released on AU’s Twitter Page on Thursday June 06, the ban will remain until power is handed over to a civilian government.
“The AU peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis” the statement read.
In an emergency meeting that saw the decision taken, AU Chairperson, Faki Mahamat called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the killings.
Meanwhile, the Transitional Military Council before the AU declaration had called for a snap election in nine months, due to failures to reach a deal with the Sudanese professional association that has spearheaded the protests. The uproar in Sudan kept on degenerating after the military overthrow long-time President Omar al-Bashir, but clinked to power with the leadership of General Abdel Fatah Burhan.
