BREAKING | Sudan’s army ousts President Omar al-Bashir

Khartum (QNN) – Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has been ousted and put “in a safe place”, said the country’s Defense Minister Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf in a TV address, as he announced the formation of military-led transitional government that will lead the country for two years.

Ibn Auf declared a three-month state of emergency and added that a military council will rule for two years. Airspace has been closed for 24 hours, he said.

Tens of thousands of Sudanese marched early today through the center of the capital, Khartoum, in jubilation, dancing and chanting anti-Bashir slogans.

The Sudanese army had said in the early hours of Thursday morning that it will make “an important announcement”, after months of protests against the longtime leader.

Protesters have been demanding Bashir’s resignation since last December.

Follow-up

In the early hours of Thursday, several military vehicles were seen entering the large compound in Khartoum that houses the Ministry of Defence, the army headquarters and Mr Bashir’s personal residence, AFP reported.

The compound has been the focus of a sit-in by tens of thousands of protesters who have been urging the military to oust Mr Bashir.

Troops have also raided Mr Bashir’s Islamic movement, linked to the ruling party, and deployed at key locations in the capital.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s state news agency reported that all the political prisoners in the country were being released.