Military says it will deliver «important statement» to the nation as al-Bashir’s whereabouts remain a mystery after weeks of violence
The Sudanese armed forces were to deliver an «important statement» on Thursday and were asking the nation to «wait for it,» state TV reported, raising expectations that one of the world’s most enduring dictator could be poised to step down, or be ousted. The military’s statement was promised after nearly four months of anti-government protests demanding the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir.
It was the first sign after weeks of a violent security crackdown on protesters that al-Bashir might be forced to relinquish power after 30 years of rule.
Pan-Arab TV networks carried unconfirmed reports that al-Bashir had stepped down and that top ruling party officials were being arrested. The whereabouts of the autocratic leader, who is a pariah in many countries and is also wanted by the international war crimes tribunal for atrocities in Darfur, were not immediately known.
Organizers of the protests urged masses to converge and join an ongoing sit-in that has been underway in the capital, Khartoum, since the weekend.
They issued a statement vowing to remain in the streets until the «regime steps down completely and power is handed to a civilian transitional government.»
Thousands of protesters, including women carrying their children, were seen making their way on Thursday toward the military headquarters, clapping and ululating, many flashing «V» for victory.
