The UAE affirmed that it is closely monitoring recent developments in Sudan, calling for de-escalation and the avoidance of further tensions, emphasizing its commitment to stability as soon as possible, in order to achieve the interests and ambitions of the Sudanese people for development and prosperity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlighted the necessity of preserving the political and economic gains achieved, as well as protecting the sovereignty and unity of Sudan, reaffirming its support for the Sudanese people, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
**Series of Arrests**
It is noteworthy that Sudan recently witnessed a series of arrests at dawn affecting ministers as well as leaders from various parties, including the Forces of Freedom and Change, among them Yasir Arman, and the media advisor to the Prime Minister, Faisal Muhammad Saleh. The Director of the Prime Minister's office, Adam Harika, revealed to "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath" that Abdullah Hamdok was taken to an unknown location after military forces attempted to pressure him to legitimize the events and detentions occurring in the country, but he refused to comply. The Ministry of Information confirmed the news of the Prime Minister being placed under house arrest at an unknown location, stating on its Facebook account that Hamdok called on all segments of the people to take to the streets to protect the revolution.
**Clashes Near Army Headquarters**
Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in front of the army's headquarters. Military forces fired live ammunition at the protesters, resulting in several injuries, according to the Ministry of Information. The Sudanese Doctors Committee reported that 12 injuries were recorded due to gunfire in front of the army headquarters. Demonstrators gathered in the streets of Khartoum and burned some tires in protest against the recent arrests, as well as blocked several roads.
**State of Emergency Declared**
For his part, Chairman of the Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced a state of emergency across the country, dissolved the Sovereign and Ministerial Councils, froze the work of the Empowerment Committee, and tasked general directors of the ministries with managing affairs. He also announced the suspension of certain articles in the constitutional document, while confirming adherence to most of its provisions and commitment to the Juba Peace Agreement. In a televised address broadcast by state television today, al-Burhan stated that the army took these steps to protect the revolution and the country, promising to form a new government.
It is worth mentioning that these rapid developments came after weeks of rising tension between the military and civilian components that have been leading the government in Sudan since the ousting of the former regime's president, Omar al-Bashir. Tensions have intensified since the attempted coup that occurred last September, with both sides exchanging accusations and responsibilities regarding the ongoing economic and political crises.
