The United States on Friday urged Sudan's military coup leaders to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters ahead of planned demonstrations on Saturday opposing the takeover, saying how the army reacts will be a test of its intentions.

"Tomorrow is going to be a real indication of what the military intentions are," said a senior State Department official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-pm-ministers-and-officials-detained-internet-access-cut-off-423768">Military coup in Sudan:&nbsp;PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off</a>

"We call on the security forces to refrain from any and all violence against protesters and to fully respect the citizens&nbsp;right to demonstrate peacefully" the official said.

Washington was relieved to see that ousted Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok had been allowed to return home, the official said, adding that it was not good enough because Hamdok was still under house arrest and unable to resume his work.

Sudanese General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved Hamdok's Cabinet, and soldiers rounded up government ministers on Monday, prompting Western countries to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in desperately needed aid to the North African country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-anti-coup-protests-sudan-suspends-inbound-and-outbound-flights-424205">Amid anti-coup protests, Sudan suspends inbound and outbound flights</a>

Opponents of the coup have called for mass protests on Saturday under the slogan "Leave!". At least 11 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces this week, and residents say they fear a full-blown crackdown.

The coup has derailed a transition meant to steer Sudan to democracy, with elections in 2023, after long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir was toppled two years ago.

The United States on Friday urged Sudan's military coup leaders to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters ahead of planned demonstrations on Saturday opposing the takeover, saying how the army reacts will be a test of its intentions.

The United States on Friday urged Sudan's military coup leaders to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters ahead of planned demonstrations on Saturday opposing the takeover, saying how the army reacts will be a test of its intentions. "Tomorrow is going to be a real indication of what the military intentions are," said a senior State Department official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity. Also Read | Military coup in Sudan: PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off "We call on the security forces to refrain from any and all violence against protesters and to fully respect the citizens right to demonstrate peacefully" the official said. Washington was relieved to see that ousted Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok had been allowed to return home, the official said, adding that it was not good enough because Hamdok was still under house arrest and unable to resume his work. Sudanese General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved Hamdok's Cabinet, and soldiers rounded up government ministers on Monday, prompting Western countries to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in desperately needed aid to the North African country. Also Read | Amid anti-coup protests, Sudan suspends inbound and outbound flights Opponents of the coup have called for mass protests on Saturday under the slogan "Leave!". At least 11 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces this week, and residents say they fear a full-blown crackdown. The coup has derailed a transition meant to steer Sudan to democracy, with elections in 2023, after long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir was toppled two years ago.

US urges Sudan military to refrain from violence against planned protests: Official

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency. He took the prime minister captive and arrested numerous other cabinet ministers.

General al-Burhan justified the intervention by citing strife and deadlock within the transitional government, whose popularity has waned as the country’s economic conditions have deteriorated. But the real reason for the coup is likely to be more straightforward: General al-Burhan was due to hand over the chairmanship of the Sovereignty Council, the country’s collective head of state, as early as November. Clearly, he was not prepared to relinquish power.

Against a chorus of international condemnation, the military leaders have adamantly refused to back down. (They did release the prime minister, though he remains heavily guarded.) Instead, they have responded sharply to civilians who have protested the coup: At least 12 people have been killed and 150 injured by the security forces. The prospect of a return to military rule, with its repression, violence and tyranny, looms over Sudan.

But it’s not too late to stop it. Extensive popular protest, combined with concerted international pressure, could force the generals to step back. The counterrevolution can still be reversed.

The most obvious recent comparison, from the region’s many similar experiences, is far from promising: After a revolution in 2011, Egypt’s democratic transition was cut short by a coup led by Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. But other uprisings, in Tunisia in 2011 and in Burkina Faso in 2014, have managed to avoid a return to military rule. (The Tunisian president’s recent assumption of executive power and suspension of Parliament, though troubling, was undertaken without help from the military.)

In all cases, the most decisive factor in whether a coup succeeded was the scale of the popular response. In Egypt, it was notably lacking. By mid-2013 the revolutionary coalition had fractured, with many members of the secularist wing openly backing the military. Supporters of the democratic government, including the Muslim Brotherhood, did mobilize in response to the coup, but their protests were unable to force the generals to relinquish power.

In Burkina Faso, the opposite was true. A year after the uprising, old regime officers attempted a coup — and were met with a fierce revolutionary response, including mass protests and strikes. The generals returned power to civilians a week later. In Tunisia, some activists clamored for military intervention in the summer of 2013. But most of the main revolutionary parties and movements resisted the temptation to turn to the military, and a coup never materialized.

There are reasons for hope in Sudan. For one, the fissures in the revolutionary coalition don’t seem to be nearly as severe as they were in Egypt. The coup appears to be supported by only a small number of parties and ex-rebel groups in the Forces of Freedom and Change, which led the civilian branch of the transitional government. The week before the coup, a sit-in at the presidential palace calling for military intervention drew limited numbers and was at least partly manufactured by the military itself.

Instead, the coup has been fiercely denounced by most of Sudan’s revolutionaries. Leaders from the Sudanese Professionals Association, an umbrella group of labor unions, have used their widely followed social media platforms to call for peaceful protests. Others, including rebel leaders such as Abdul Wahid al-Nur and Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have done the same.

Crucially, Sudanese citizens have answered. Protests erupted on the day of the coup, and since then there have been widespread work closures and civil disobedience campaigns. Many of the neighborhood resistance committees that organized local protests during the uprising have regathered. Activists are now planning for a nationwide protest on Saturday, which will demonstrate the full extent of opposition to the coup.

But protest alone may be insufficient. Threats of punitive action from influential foreign allies are vital, too. In the absence of a strong international response, counterrevolutionaries often feel emboldened to stay the course. The United States’ response to the 2013 coup in Egypt, for example, was tepid at best, and there is even evidence that some senior U.S. officials quietly encouraged Mr. el-Sisi to act. Little wonder he took no notice of calls to step down.

Again, the signs in Sudan are more encouraging. Many foreign powers have forcefully condemned the coup and the United Nations Security Council, which includes China and Russia, expressed serious concern. The United States backed up its strong words by suspending $700 million in foreign aid, something the European Union has threatened to emulate. Perhaps predictably, the statements issued by Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been far weaker.

The United States should do its utmost to avoid the mistakes it made in Egypt and lead the way. Cutting off aid is a promising first step but more is needed, such as sanctions that target the coup leaders directly. Washington must also use its alliances with Gulf powers to halt any support, not least financial, the coup leaders may receive from these governments.

Together, protest and geopolitics could combine to reverse the coup. A strong showing of popular discontent on Saturday would significantly increase the pressure on wavering generals — after all, it was the mass protests and sit-in of June 2019 that persuaded the military to begin a transition to civilian rule. If coupled with firm pressure from abroad, the generals may be convinced to back down.

The prospects for democracy in Sudan certainly look grimmer today than they did a week ago. But all is not yet lost.

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency.

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency. He took the prime minister captive and arrested numerous other cabinet ministers. General al-Burhan justified the intervention by citing strife and deadlock within the transitional government, whose popularity has waned as the country’s economic conditions have deteriorated. But the real reason for the coup is likely to be more straightforward: General al-Burhan was due to hand over the chairmanship of the Sovereignty Council, the country’s collective head of state, as early as November. Clearly, he was not prepared to relinquish power. Against a chorus of international condemnation, the military leaders have adamantly refused to back down. (They did release the prime minister, though he remains heavily guarded.) Instead, they have responded sharply to civilians who have protested the coup: At least 12 people have been killed and 150 injured by the security forces. The prospect of a return to military rule, with its repression, violence and tyranny, looms over Sudan. But it’s not too late to stop it. Extensive popular protest, combined with concerted international pressure, could force the generals to step back. The counterrevolution can still be reversed. The most obvious recent comparison, from the region’s many similar experiences, is far from promising: After a revolution in 2011, Egypt’s democratic transition was cut short by a coup led by Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. But other uprisings, in Tunisia in 2011 and in Burkina Faso in 2014, have managed to avoid a return to military rule. (The Tunisian president’s recent assumption of executive power and suspension of Parliament, though troubling, was undertaken without help from the military.) In all cases, the most decisive factor in whether a coup succeeded was the scale of the popular response. In Egypt, it was notably lacking. By mid-2013 the revolutionary coalition had fractured, with many members of the secularist wing openly backing the military. Supporters of the democratic government, including the Muslim Brotherhood, did mobilize in response to the coup, but their protests were unable to force the generals to relinquish power. In Burkina Faso, the opposite was true. A year after the uprising, old regime officers attempted a coup — and were met with a fierce revolutionary response, including mass protests and strikes. The generals returned power to civilians a week later. In Tunisia, some activists clamored for military intervention in the summer of 2013. But most of the main revolutionary parties and movements resisted the temptation to turn to the military, and a coup never materialized. There are reasons for hope in Sudan. For one, the fissures in the revolutionary coalition don’t seem to be nearly as severe as they were in Egypt. The coup appears to be supported by only a small number of parties and ex-rebel groups in the Forces of Freedom and Change, which led the civilian branch of the transitional government. The week before the coup, a sit-in at the presidential palace calling for military intervention drew limited numbers and was at least partly manufactured by the military itself. Instead, the coup has been fiercely denounced by most of Sudan’s revolutionaries. Leaders from the Sudanese Professionals Association, an umbrella group of labor unions, have used their widely followed social media platforms to call for peaceful protests. Others, including rebel leaders such as Abdul Wahid al-Nur and Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have done the same. Crucially, Sudanese citizens have answered. Protests erupted on the day of the coup, and since then there have been widespread work closures and civil disobedience campaigns. Many of the neighborhood resistance committees that organized local protests during the uprising have regathered. Activists are now planning for a nationwide protest on Saturday, which will demonstrate the full extent of opposition to the coup. But protest alone may be insufficient. Threats of punitive action from influential foreign allies are vital, too. In the absence of a strong international response, counterrevolutionaries often feel emboldened to stay the course. The United States’ response to the 2013 coup in Egypt, for example, was tepid at best, and there is even evidence that some senior U.S. officials quietly encouraged Mr. el-Sisi to act. Little wonder he took no notice of calls to step down. Again, the signs in Sudan are more encouraging. Many foreign powers have forcefully condemned the coup and the United Nations Security Council, which includes China and Russia, expressed serious concern. The United States backed up its strong words by suspending $700 million in foreign aid, something the European Union has threatened to emulate. Perhaps predictably, the statements issued by Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been far weaker. The United States should do its utmost to avoid the mistakes it made in Egypt and lead the way. Cutting off aid is a promising first step but more is needed, such as sanctions that target the coup leaders directly. Washington must also use its alliances with Gulf powers to halt any support, not least financial, the coup leaders may receive from these governments. Together, protest and geopolitics could combine to reverse the coup. A strong showing of popular discontent on Saturday would significantly increase the pressure on wavering generals — after all, it was the mass protests and sit-in of June 2019 that persuaded the military to begin a transition to civilian rule. If coupled with firm pressure from abroad, the generals may be convinced to back down. The prospects for democracy in Sudan certainly look grimmer today than they did a week ago. But all is not yet lost.

This Is how to stop the coup in Sudan

Sudan’s deposed prime minister Abdallah Hamdok and his wife were allowed to return home, a day after they were detained when the military seized power in a coup.

Sudan Coup: Detained PM Abdalla Hamdok returns home

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country.

“The dangers we witnessed last week could have led the country into civil war,” al-Burhan told a news conference.

Al-Burhan claimed that he had to arrest politicians and call for a state of emergency as they were “inciting against the armed forces”.

Speaking for the first time since announcing the takeover, the army chief on Tuesday further said the deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was being kept at the general’s house “for his own safety”, but has now returned home.

“The prime minister was at his house, but we feared that he will be harmed," he said.

“I was with him last night... and he is going about his life... he will return to his home when the crisis is over and all threats are gone,” he added.

The military chief further said Sudan was committed to the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-pm-ministers-and-officials-detained-internet-access-cut-off-423768">Military coup in Sudan:&nbsp;PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off</a>

The statements by al-Burhan come in the backdrop of continuing protests against the coup in the capital, Khartoum, with roads, bridges and shops closed. Phone and internet lines have also been reportedly disrupted.

At least 10 people are said to have been killed since the unrest began.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-the-sudan-coup-could-destabilise-africa-424272/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sudden ouster of the civilian government has drawn condemnation from across the world.

Sudanese ambassadors to 12 countries, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, China, and France, have rejected the military takeover, a diplomatic source told Reuters on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-us-suspends-700-million-in-aid-urges-restoration-of-government-424003">Military coup in Sudan: US suspends $700 million in aid, urges restoration of government</a>

The US, the UK, EU, UN and African Union, of which Sudan is a member, have all demanded the immediate release of all arrested political leaders which includes members of Hamdok’s cabinet.

The US has halted $700m aid to Sudan and the EU has threatened to do the same. Both are demanding the restoration of the civilian government without preconditions.

There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government.&nbsp;

The civilian government and the military establishment have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019.

A power-sharing agreement between civilian and military leaders was designed to steer Sudan towards democracy but has proven fragile with a number of previous coup attempts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country.

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country. “The dangers we witnessed last week could have led the country into civil war,” al-Burhan told a news conference. Al-Burhan claimed that he had to arrest politicians and call for a state of emergency as they were “inciting against the armed forces”. Speaking for the first time since announcing the takeover, the army chief on Tuesday further said the deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was being kept at the general’s house “for his own safety”, but has now returned home. “The prime minister was at his house, but we feared that he will be harmed," he said. “I was with him last night... and he is going about his life... he will return to his home when the crisis is over and all threats are gone,” he added. The military chief further said Sudan was committed to the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023. Also read | Military coup in Sudan: PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off The statements by al-Burhan come in the backdrop of continuing protests against the coup in the capital, Khartoum, with roads, bridges and shops closed. Phone and internet lines have also been reportedly disrupted. At least 10 people are said to have been killed since the unrest began. Watch The sudden ouster of the civilian government has drawn condemnation from across the world. Sudanese ambassadors to 12 countries, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, China, and France, have rejected the military takeover, a diplomatic source told Reuters on Tuesday. Also read | Military coup in Sudan: US suspends $700 million in aid, urges restoration of government The US, the UK, EU, UN and African Union, of which Sudan is a member, have all demanded the immediate release of all arrested political leaders which includes members of Hamdok’s cabinet. The US has halted $700m aid to Sudan and the EU has threatened to do the same. Both are demanding the restoration of the civilian government without preconditions. There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government. The civilian government and the military establishment have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019. A power-sharing agreement between civilian and military leaders was designed to steer Sudan towards democracy but has proven fragile with a number of previous coup attempts. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wanted to prevent civil war': Sudan Army chief al-Burhan defends coup

The coup leader in Sudan has promised to hold elections in 2023. But will the power-hungry generals actually step aside? What does an unstable Sudan mean for Africa? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: How the Sudan coup could destabilise Africa

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok after the military released him from custody. Blinken expressed his deep concern over the ongoing takeover and emphasized the need for the Sudanese military to refrain from violence against protesters.

Sudan Coup: US Secy of State Blinken speaks with PM Hamdok after his release

In the latest Sudan coup, 7 have died and more than 140 have been injured. In the first public appearance, Sudan leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan blames political infighting for takeover.

Sudan Crisis: Leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan blames political infighting

At least seven people have been killed and over 140 have been wounded as thousands took to the streets in protest after Sudan’s military seized power from a transitional government.

Sudan Coup: 7 killed, 140 injured in protests

The US State Department said on Monday that it is withholding $700 million in emergency financing for Sudan in reaction to the continuing military coup attempt in the nation.

The putsch was criticised by spokesman Ned Price, who also announced that the disbursement of the full assistance package will be halted because the money were "designed to promote the country's democratic transition."&nbsp;

The US urged the immediate restoration of a civilian government.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Three protesters "shot dead" after military takeover in Sudan

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"The civilian-led transitional government should be immediately restored and represents the will of the people," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-general-declares-state-of-emergency-dissolves-government-423880">Also read | Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government</a>

"In light of these developments, the United States is pausing assistance," Price said.

"We are very much standing with the people of Sudan. The people of Sudan have made clear their aspirations for the continuation of transition to democracy and we will continue to support that including, if needed, by holding accountable those responsible for these anti-democratic actions." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-pm-ministers-and-officials-detained-internet-access-cut-off-423768">Also Read:&nbsp;PM, ministers, and officials detained&nbsp;in Sudan</a>

Price said that the US had no previous knowledge of the military's plan to depose Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and that it had been unable to reach the jailed civilian leader.

The coup occurred while Israel was attempting to improve relations with Sudan.

According to Israel's official radio, a senior Sudanese ambassador said that the military's seizure of the country will not have a significant impact on the normalisation process with Israel.&nbsp;

The military officials, many of whom favour normalisation efforts, had reinforced their position by dissolving the government and proclaiming a state of emergency, according to the Kan news report.

According to the site, Hamdok, who was detained during the coup, planned to fly to Washington shortly to formally sign the normalisation agreement.

Though the station stated many conversations on the topic were conducted Monday, Israeli officials have yet to openly react on the Sudanese coup.

Military authorities, according to Channel 12 News, are in support of the normalisation process.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US State Department said on Monday that it is withholding $700 million in emergency financing for Sudan in reaction to the continuing military coup attempt in the nation.

The US State Department said on Monday that it is withholding $700 million in emergency financing for Sudan in reaction to the continuing military coup attempt in the nation. The putsch was criticised by spokesman Ned Price, who also announced that the disbursement of the full assistance package will be halted because the money were "designed to promote the country's democratic transition." The US urged the immediate restoration of a civilian government. Watch | Gravitas: Three protesters "shot dead" after military takeover in Sudan "The civilian-led transitional government should be immediately restored and represents the will of the people," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. Also read | Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government "In light of these developments, the United States is pausing assistance," Price said. "We are very much standing with the people of Sudan. The people of Sudan have made clear their aspirations for the continuation of transition to democracy and we will continue to support that including, if needed, by holding accountable those responsible for these anti-democratic actions." Also Read: PM, ministers, and officials detained in Sudan Price said that the US had no previous knowledge of the military's plan to depose Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and that it had been unable to reach the jailed civilian leader. The coup occurred while Israel was attempting to improve relations with Sudan. According to Israel's official radio, a senior Sudanese ambassador said that the military's seizure of the country will not have a significant impact on the normalisation process with Israel. The military officials, many of whom favour normalisation efforts, had reinforced their position by dissolving the government and proclaiming a state of emergency, according to the Kan news report. According to the site, Hamdok, who was detained during the coup, planned to fly to Washington shortly to formally sign the normalisation agreement. Though the station stated many conversations on the topic were conducted Monday, Israeli officials have yet to openly react on the Sudanese coup. Military authorities, according to Channel 12 News, are in support of the normalisation process. (With inputs from agencies)

Military coup in Sudan: US suspends $700 million in aid, urges restoration of government

At least 7 were killed and more than 140 have been injured in Sudan after the country's top general declared a state of emergency and dissolved the parliament, this move resulted in protests within the country.

Sudan Coup: 7 killed, 140 injured in deadly protests after state of emergency was declared

World leaders have condemned the military takeover in the Sudan. Angry protesters took to the streets to oppose military rule. Reports claim three people died after being shot by military forces. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Three protesters "shot dead" after military takeover in Sudan

Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has declared an emergency and dissolved the government. The move led to clashes between protesters and the military, reportedly killing 7 and injuring 140.

Sudan Coup: Protests rage into second day after military takeover

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has been put under house arrest after unidentified military force besieged his house earlier today.

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok put under house arrest

Political tensions have reached a crisis point in Sudan, the chairman of Sudan's ruling party General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman has announced a dissolution of the transitional government and the sovereign council and declared a nation-wide state of emergency.

Sudan general declares state of emergency, dissolves government

Sudan's interim prime minister and many top government officials were detained on Monday, according to the information ministry, which described the events as a military coup.

According to the ministry's Facebook page, the country's internet was mostly shut off, and armed personnel barricaded bridges.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's whereabouts were not immediately known, according to the report.

Meanwhile, patriotic traditional music and Nile river pictures were shown on the country's main news station.&nbsp;

Watch:

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In separate pleas, the country's major pro-democracy organisation and the country's largest political party asked citizens to come to the streets to protest the apparent military coup.

Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Khartoum and Omdurman, its twin city. 
 
<img alt="Sudanese protesters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbf33340-f6c7-4658-b9b3-3c7ba29281b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_79.jpg" /> 
 
Sudanese protesters lift national flags as they rally on 60th Street in the capital Khartoum, to denounce overnight detentions by the army of government members, on October 25, 2021. (AFP Photo)

Protesters reportedly blocked roadways and set fire to tyres while police officers used tear gas to disperse them, according to footage uploaded online.

Sudan has been grappling with a democratic transition since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was deposed by huge demonstrations two years ago, and a military takeover would be a severe setback.

Jeffrey Feltman, the US Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, stated early Monday that Washington was "very disturbed."&nbsp;

The arrests on Monday came after weeks of escalating tensions between civilian and military officials in Sudan.

A failed coup attempt in September polarised the country, pitting more hardline Islamists who seek a military rule against those who overthrew al-Bashir in rallies.

Both factions have turned to the streets in recent days in protests.

Hamdok was apprehended and brought to an unidentified location, according to the information ministry's Facebook page.

A number of officials were also detained, according to the report, and their locations were unknown.&nbsp;

Earlier Monday, two officials confirmed that at least five government figures were being held. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The officials said the detained government members include Industry Minister Ibrahim al-Sheikh, Information Minister Hamza Baloul, and Mohammed al-Fiky Suliman, member of the country's ruling transitional body, known as The Sovereign Council, and Faisal Mohammed Saleh, a media adviser to Hamdok. Ayman Khalid, governor of the state containing the capital, Khartoum, was also arrested, according to the official Facebook page of his office.

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Under Hamdok and the transitional council, Sudan has slowly emerged from years of international pariah status in which it existed under al-Bashir. The country was removed from the United States' state supporter of terror list in 2020, opening the door for badly needed international loans and investment. But the country's economy has struggled with the shock of a number of economic reforms called for by international lending institutions. There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained its independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government. The arrests followed meetings by Feltman, the special U.S. envoy, with Sudanese military and civilian leaders Saturday and Sunday in efforts to resolve the dispute. Sudan's state news website highlighted the meetings with military officials. The Sudanese Communist Party called on workers to go on strike and mass civil disobedience after what it described as a "full military coup" orchestrated by the Sovereign Council's head Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

NetBlocks, a group which tracks disruptions across the internet, said it had seen a "significant disruption" to both fixed-line and mobile internet connections across Sudan with multiple providers early Monday. "Metrics corroborate user reports of network disruptions appearing consistent with an internet shutdown," the advocacy group said. "The disruption is likely to limit the free flow of information online and news coverage of incidents on the ground." 
 
(With inputs from AP)

Sudan's interim prime minister and many top government officials were detained on Monday, according to the information ministry, which described the events as a military coup.

Sudan's interim prime minister and many top government officials were detained on Monday, according to the information ministry, which described the events as a military coup. According to the ministry's Facebook page, the country's internet was mostly shut off, and armed personnel barricaded bridges. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's whereabouts were not immediately known, according to the report. Meanwhile, patriotic traditional music and Nile river pictures were shown on the country's main news station. Watch: In separate pleas, the country's major pro-democracy organisation and the country's largest political party asked citizens to come to the streets to protest the apparent military coup. Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Khartoum and Omdurman, its twin city. Sudanese protesters lift national flags as they rally on 60th Street in the capital Khartoum, to denounce overnight detentions by the army of government members, on October 25, 2021. (AFP Photo) Protesters reportedly blocked roadways and set fire to tyres while police officers used tear gas to disperse them, according to footage uploaded online. Sudan has been grappling with a democratic transition since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was deposed by huge demonstrations two years ago, and a military takeover would be a severe setback. Jeffrey Feltman, the US Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, stated early Monday that Washington was "very disturbed." The arrests on Monday came after weeks of escalating tensions between civilian and military officials in Sudan. A failed coup attempt in September polarised the country, pitting more hardline Islamists who seek a military rule against those who overthrew al-Bashir in rallies. Both factions have turned to the streets in recent days in protests. Hamdok was apprehended and brought to an unidentified location, according to the information ministry's Facebook page. A number of officials were also detained, according to the report, and their locations were unknown. Earlier Monday, two officials confirmed that at least five government figures were being held. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The officials said the detained government members include Industry Minister Ibrahim al-Sheikh, Information Minister Hamza Baloul, and Mohammed al-Fiky Suliman, member of the country's ruling transitional body, known as The Sovereign Council, and Faisal Mohammed Saleh, a media adviser to Hamdok. Ayman Khalid, governor of the state containing the capital, Khartoum, was also arrested, according to the official Facebook page of his office. Also Read | US envoy urges N Korea to end 'provocations', accept offer of talks Under Hamdok and the transitional council, Sudan has slowly emerged from years of international pariah status in which it existed under al-Bashir. The country was removed from the United States' state supporter of terror list in 2020, opening the door for badly needed international loans and investment. But the country's economy has struggled with the shock of a number of economic reforms called for by international lending institutions. There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained its independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government. The arrests followed meetings by Feltman, the special U.S. envoy, with Sudanese military and civilian leaders Saturday and Sunday in efforts to resolve the dispute. Sudan's state news website highlighted the meetings with military officials. The Sudanese Communist Party called on workers to go on strike and mass civil disobedience after what it described as a "full military coup" orchestrated by the Sovereign Council's head Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan. NetBlocks, a group which tracks disruptions across the internet, said it had seen a "significant disruption" to both fixed-line and mobile internet connections across Sudan with multiple providers early Monday. "Metrics corroborate user reports of network disruptions appearing consistent with an internet shutdown," the advocacy group said. "The disruption is likely to limit the free flow of information online and news coverage of incidents on the ground." (With inputs from AP)

Military coup in Sudan: PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off

The country's Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has been put under house arrest after joint military force besieged his house earlier today. Sources also indicated that the forces arrested four cabinet ministers and one civilian member of the ruling sovereign council. According to reports, internet has been shut across the country amid violent protests. The country's information ministry says the pm was detained for refusing to be part of the coup. Civilian members of the ruling council also detained. Meanwhile demonstrators blocked roads and set tyres on fire to protest against the army.

Sudan's PM Abdallah Hamdok put under house arrest after joint military force besieged his house

South Sudan is battling its worst floods in 60 years. It is the third straight year of extreme flooding. Thousands have been left displaced. There is a shortage of aid and now the United Nations has warned that the situation will worsen due to climate change.

South Sudan battles worst floods in 60 years

Protesters in Sudan are demanding the resignation of the interim government.

Sudan Crisis: Anti-govt protest enters fifth day

Thousands of pro-military protesters took to the streets in Sudan's capital Khar-Tum. Demanding the dissolution of the transitional government. Further calling on the army to take control of the country.

Thousands of pro-military protesters take to streets demanding dissolution of transitional govt

Nearly 20000 Sudanese have rallied in the capital of Khartoum to demand a civilian-led transition to democratic government and accused the generals now in the power of derailing the transition to democracy.

Sudan: Sudanese demand civilian-led transition to democracy

Sudan's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said Saturday&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;blocked two key&nbsp;oil&nbsp;pipelines&nbsp;in Port&nbsp;Sudan, the main seaport on the Red Sea, over a peace deal with rebel groups.

Warning of "an extremely grave situation",&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Gadein Ali Obeid told AFP one pipeline transports&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exports from South&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;while the other provide&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;with crude imports.

"Entrances and exits at the port's exports terminal have been completely shuttered" since early Saturday, he said.

Last year, several rebel groups signed a landmark accord with&nbsp;Sudan's transitional government which came to power shortly after the April 2019 ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Beja tribes people in&nbsp;Sudan's impoverished east where Port&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;is located have criticised the fragile peace deal saying it does not represent them.&nbsp;

Port&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;is the country's main seaport and a vital trade hub for its crippled economy dependent on exports.&nbsp;

The Khartoum government receives around $25 for every barrel of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;sold from South&nbsp;Sudan, according to official figures.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gunman-in-deadly-mass-shooting-at-kroger-in-tennessee-identified-as-29-year-old-store-vendor-415830">Also read |&nbsp;US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor</a>

South&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;produces around 162,000 barrels a day. It is transported via&nbsp;pipelines&nbsp;to Port&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;and then shipped to global markets.

Protests against the October 2020 deal have rocked east&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;since last week.

On September 17, demonstrators impeded access to the docks at Port&nbsp;Sudan.

At the time, protest leader Sayed Abuamnah told AFP demonstrators had also blocked "the main container and&nbsp;oil&nbsp;export terminals".

On Friday, demonstrators blocked the entrance to the airport and a bridge linking Kassala State in the east with the rest of the country.

The unrest comes as&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;grapples with deep economic woes left in the wake of Bashir's ouster, whose three-decade iron-fisted rule was marked by prolonged US sanctions.&nbsp;

The demonstrations also come a week after the administration of embattled Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Abdalla Hamdok said it had thwarted a failed coup attempt.

Sudan's oil minister said Saturday protesters blocked two key oil pipelines in Port Sudan, the main seaport on the Red Sea, over a peace deal with rebel groups. Warning of "an extremely grave situation", Oil Minister Gadein Ali Obeid told AFP one pipeline transports oil exports from South Sudan while the other provide Sudan with crude imports.

Sudan's oil minister said Saturday protesters blocked two key oil pipelines in Port Sudan, the main seaport on the Red Sea, over a peace deal with rebel groups. Warning of "an extremely grave situation", Oil Minister Gadein Ali Obeid told AFP one pipeline transports oil exports from South Sudan while the other provide Sudan with crude imports. "Entrances and exits at the port's exports terminal have been completely shuttered" since early Saturday, he said. Last year, several rebel groups signed a landmark accord with Sudan's transitional government which came to power shortly after the April 2019 ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir. Beja tribes people in Sudan's impoverished east where Port Sudan is located have criticised the fragile peace deal saying it does not represent them. Port Sudan is the country's main seaport and a vital trade hub for its crippled economy dependent on exports. The Khartoum government receives around $25 for every barrel of oil sold from South Sudan, according to official figures. Also read | US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor South Sudan produces around 162,000 barrels a day. It is transported via pipelines to Port Sudan and then shipped to global markets. Protests against the October 2020 deal have rocked east Sudan since last week. On September 17, demonstrators impeded access to the docks at Port Sudan. At the time, protest leader Sayed Abuamnah told AFP demonstrators had also blocked "the main container and oil export terminals". On Friday, demonstrators blocked the entrance to the airport and a bridge linking Kassala State in the east with the rest of the country. The unrest comes as Sudan grapples with deep economic woes left in the wake of Bashir's ouster, whose three-decade iron-fisted rule was marked by prolonged US sanctions. The demonstrations also come a week after the administration of embattled Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said it had thwarted a failed coup attempt.

Sudan protesters block crucial oil pipelines: Oil minister

Heavy rains and flash floods have hit 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, affecting more than 288,000 residents and refugees, according to the United Nations. Watch this report for more details.

Heavy rains trigger floods in Sudan

A coup attempt thwarted in Sudan Tuesday was planned by military and civilian operatives associated with former President Omar al-Bashir, the country’s prime minister said in a televised statement. Watch this report for more details.

Sudan government blames Al-Bashir loyalists for coup attempt

An attempted coup in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;"failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters.

"There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.&nbsp;

A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed".&nbsp;

A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended."&nbsp;

Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir&nbsp;in a palace coup two years ago.&nbsp;

Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman.&nbsp;

Sudan&nbsp;is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-urges-immediate-us-action-on-migration-causes-414538">Also read |&nbsp;Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes</a>

Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition.&nbsp;

In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for &nbsp;debt relief from the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp;

The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh.&nbsp;

Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating.

An attempted coup in Sudan "failed" early Tuesday, state media reported, without identifying the plotters. "There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it," state media reported, without elaborating. A top government source told AFP the plotters had attempted to take over the state media building but "they failed". A senior military source said a group of officers "were involved in the attempt but were immediately suspended." Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum on Tuesday, including around army headquarters, where months of mass protests prompted the ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir in a palace coup two years ago. Sudanese security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman. Sudan is currently ruled by a transitional government composed of both civilian and military representatives that was installed in the aftermath of Bashir's April 2019 overthrow and is tasked with overseeing a return to full civilian rule. Also read | Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes Deep political divisions and chronic economic problems inherited from the Bashir regime have overshadowed the fragile transition. In recent months, the government has undertaken a series of tough economic reforms to qualify for debt relief from the International Monetary Fund. The steps, which included slashing subsidies and a managed float of the Sudanese pound, were seen by many Sudanese as too harsh. Sporadic protests have broken out against the IMF-backed reforms and the rising cost of living.

Sudan state media report 'failed' coup attempt

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.

Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations.

Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation.

Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations.

"Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet.

Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account.

Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received.

He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities.

The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water. Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations. Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation. Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations. "Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet. Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account. Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received. He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities. The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum. (With inputs from agencies)

No impact of Ethiopian dam on floods this year, says Sudan

Sudan will hand longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court along with two other officials wanted over the Darfur conflict, Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi said Wednesday.

Bashir, 77, has been wanted by the ICC for more than a decade over charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Sudanese region.

The United Nations says 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the Darfur conflict, which erupted in the vast western region in 2003.

The "cabinet decided to hand over wanted officials to the ICC," Mahdi was quoted as saying by state news agency SUNA, without giving a time frame.

The cabinet's decision to hand him over came during a visit to Sudan by ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who met with Mahdi on Tuesday.&nbsp;

But the decision still needs the approval of Sudan's transitional ruling body, the sovereign council, comprised of military and civilian figures.

On Wednesday, Khan met with the leader of the sovereign council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as well as Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, its deputy chair.

Daglo said Sudan "is prepared to cooperate with the ICC," SUNA reported.

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah did not comment on the announcement, saying Khan was "in Khartoum to discuss cooperation matters", but that the prosecutor would hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

The transitional authorities have previously said they would hand Bashir over, but one stumbling block was that Sudan was not party to the court's founding Rome Statute.

But last week, Sudan's cabinet voted to ratify the Rome Statute, a crucial move seen as one step towards Bashir potentially facing trial.

'Horrific crimes'

Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades before being deposed amid popular protests in 2019, is behind bars in Khartoum's high security Kober prison.

He is jailed alongside two other former top officials facing ICC war crimes charges -- ex-defence minister Abdel Rahim Mohamed Hussein and Ahmed Haroun, a former governor of South Kordofan.

The Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant for Bashir in 2009 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, later adding genocide to the charges.

Bashir was ousted by the military and detained in April 2019 after four months of mass nationwide protests against his rule.

The former strongman was convicted in December 2019 for corruption, and has been on trial in Khartoum since July 2020 for the Islamist-backed 1989 coup which brought him to power. He faces the death penalty if found guilty.

Amnesty International has previously called for Bashir to be held accountable for "horrific crimes", referring to the genocide in Darfur.

Vow for justice

Sudan has been led since August 2019 by a transitional civilian-military administration, that has vowed to bring justice to victims of crimes committed under Bashir.

Khartoum signed a peace deal last October with key Darfuri rebel groups, with some of their leaders taking top jobs in government, although violence continues to dog the region.

The Darfur war broke out in 2003 when non-Arab rebels took up arms complaining of systematic discrimination by Bashir's Arab-dominated government.

Khartoum responded by unleashing the notorious Janjaweed militia, recruited from among the region's nomadic peoples.

Human rights groups have long accused Bashir and his former aides of using a scorched earth policy, raping, killing, looting and burning villages.

In July, a peacekeeping force completed its withdrawal from the war-ravaged region.

But after years of conflict, the arid and impoverished region is awash with automatic weapons and clashes still erupt, often over land and access to water.

Last year, alleged senior Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, surrendered to the court.

ICC judges said in July he would be the first suspect to be tried over the Darfur conflict, facing 31 counts including murder, rape and torture.

Sudan will hand longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court along with two other officials wanted over the Darfur conflict, Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi said Wednesday.

Sudan will hand longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court along with two other officials wanted over the Darfur conflict, Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi said Wednesday. Bashir, 77, has been wanted by the ICC for more than a decade over charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Sudanese region. The United Nations says 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the Darfur conflict, which erupted in the vast western region in 2003. The "cabinet decided to hand over wanted officials to the ICC," Mahdi was quoted as saying by state news agency SUNA, without giving a time frame. The cabinet's decision to hand him over came during a visit to Sudan by ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who met with Mahdi on Tuesday. But the decision still needs the approval of Sudan's transitional ruling body, the sovereign council, comprised of military and civilian figures. On Wednesday, Khan met with the leader of the sovereign council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as well as Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, its deputy chair. Daglo said Sudan "is prepared to cooperate with the ICC," SUNA reported. ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah did not comment on the announcement, saying Khan was "in Khartoum to discuss cooperation matters", but that the prosecutor would hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon. The transitional authorities have previously said they would hand Bashir over, but one stumbling block was that Sudan was not party to the court's founding Rome Statute. But last week, Sudan's cabinet voted to ratify the Rome Statute, a crucial move seen as one step towards Bashir potentially facing trial. 'Horrific crimes' Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades before being deposed amid popular protests in 2019, is behind bars in Khartoum's high security Kober prison. He is jailed alongside two other former top officials facing ICC war crimes charges -- ex-defence minister Abdel Rahim Mohamed Hussein and Ahmed Haroun, a former governor of South Kordofan. The Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant for Bashir in 2009 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, later adding genocide to the charges. Bashir was ousted by the military and detained in April 2019 after four months of mass nationwide protests against his rule. The former strongman was convicted in December 2019 for corruption, and has been on trial in Khartoum since July 2020 for the Islamist-backed 1989 coup which brought him to power. He faces the death penalty if found guilty. Amnesty International has previously called for Bashir to be held accountable for "horrific crimes", referring to the genocide in Darfur. Vow for justice Sudan has been led since August 2019 by a transitional civilian-military administration, that has vowed to bring justice to victims of crimes committed under Bashir. Khartoum signed a peace deal last October with key Darfuri rebel groups, with some of their leaders taking top jobs in government, although violence continues to dog the region. The Darfur war broke out in 2003 when non-Arab rebels took up arms complaining of systematic discrimination by Bashir's Arab-dominated government. Khartoum responded by unleashing the notorious Janjaweed militia, recruited from among the region's nomadic peoples. Human rights groups have long accused Bashir and his former aides of using a scorched earth policy, raping, killing, looting and burning villages. In July, a peacekeeping force completed its withdrawal from the war-ravaged region. But after years of conflict, the arid and impoverished region is awash with automatic weapons and clashes still erupt, often over land and access to water. Last year, alleged senior Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, surrendered to the court. ICC judges said in July he would be the first suspect to be tried over the Darfur conflict, facing 31 counts including murder, rape and torture.

Sudan says to 'hand over' Bashir for international war crimes trial

BWF World Tour 2022 finals will mark the end of Badminton season this year. In the ongoing tournament at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, four semi finalists in all five categories are determined. While India’s HS Prannoy failed to reach the last four despite famous win over Olympic medalist Viktor Axelsen, the Danish shuttler will aim to grab the last title of 2022. Here in this piece, we will find out all the details about the semi finalists across all categories alongside the streaming details.

<h2>HS Prannoy ends 2022 with stunning win over Viktor Axelsen</h2>

In a match that lasted for over 50 minutes saw Indian shuttler HS Prannoy delivering a memorable performance against his old rival Viktor Axelsen. The Olympic medalist and World Champion, Viktor took the first set home 21-14. Prannoy, who had also defeated Axelsen at Indonesia Masters Round of 16 in November 2021, made a stunning comeback in the second set, winning it 21-17. With one set to go, Prannoy looked upbeat and punched above his weight all over again.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-kohli-chopra-or-dhoni-surprising-name-becomes-most-searched-indian-sportsperson-on-google-in-2022-541621">Not Kohli, Chopra or Dhoni: Surprising name becomes 'Most searched Indian sportsperson on Google in 2022'</a>

Though winning the third and deciding set 21-18 saw him clinch a famous victory over Viktor on Friday, Prannoy still failed to reach last four. Despite at least winning one game in each of his three matches at this event, Prannoy stood last on the Group-A, and as a result, couldn’t make it to the semis.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 BREAKING 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/PRANNOYHSPRI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRANNOYHSPRI</a> too good for <a href="https://twitter.com/ViktorAxelsen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ViktorAxelsen</a>! 
 
But the 🇩🇰 still through to the semis!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFWorldTourFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BWFWorldTourFinals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangkok2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangkok2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/AkxQBig8DT">pic.twitter.com/AkxQBig8DT</a>
— BWF (@bwfmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia/status/1601159246594572290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here is everything you need to know about the semi finals of BWF World Tour 2022 –

<h2>Where are BWF World Tour 2022 semi finals taking place?</h2>

The BWF World Tour 2022 semi finals will take place on Saturday, December 10th at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

<h2>Who are the semi finalists across all five categories in BWF World Tour 2022?</h2>

The semi-finalists across all five categories (Men’s, Women’s, Men’s doubles, Women’s doubles and Mixed doubles) have been determined and you can have a look at them in the tweet given below.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Here are your semifinalist! Who are you tipping to lift the 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BWFWorldTourFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BWFWorldTourFinals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangkok2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangkok2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/JXckVBOMqG">pic.twitter.com/JXckVBOMqG</a>
— BWF (@bwfmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia/status/1601213288087715840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<h2>How can we watch the semi finals of BWF World Tour 2022? - Live Streaming</h2>

For all the viewers in India they can enjoy the live coverage of the semi finals of the BWF World Tour 2022 on Sports 18 channel on TV and on Voot and JioCinema app online.

BWF World Tour 2022 finals will mark the end of Badminton season this year. In the ongoing tournament at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, four semi finalists in all five categories are determined.

BWF World Tour 2022 finals will mark the end of Badminton season this year. In the ongoing tournament at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, four semi finalists in all five categories are determined. While India’s HS Prannoy failed to reach the last four despite famous win over Olympic medalist Viktor Axelsen, the Danish shuttler will aim to grab the last title of 2022. Here in this piece, we will find out all the details about the semi finalists across all categories alongside the streaming details. HS Prannoy ends 2022 with stunning win over Viktor Axelsen In a match that lasted for over 50 minutes saw Indian shuttler HS Prannoy delivering a memorable performance against his old rival Viktor Axelsen. The Olympic medalist and World Champion, Viktor took the first set home 21-14. Prannoy, who had also defeated Axelsen at Indonesia Masters Round of 16 in November 2021, made a stunning comeback in the second set, winning it 21-17. With one set to go, Prannoy looked upbeat and punched above his weight all over again. ALSO READ: Not Kohli, Chopra or Dhoni: Surprising name becomes 'Most searched Indian sportsperson on Google in 2022' Though winning the third and deciding set 21-18 saw him clinch a famous victory over Viktor on Friday, Prannoy still failed to reach last four. Despite at least winning one game in each of his three matches at this event, Prannoy stood last on the Group-A, and as a result, couldn’t make it to the semis. 🚨 BREAKING 🚨@PRANNOYHSPRI too good for @ViktorAxelsen! But the 🇩🇰 still through to the semis!#BWFWorldTourFinals #Bangkok2022 pic.twitter.com/AkxQBig8DT — BWF (@bwfmedia) December 9, 2022 × Here is everything you need to know about the semi finals of BWF World Tour 2022 – Where are BWF World Tour 2022 semi finals taking place? The BWF World Tour 2022 semi finals will take place on Saturday, December 10th at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Who are the semi finalists across all five categories in BWF World Tour 2022? The semi-finalists across all five categories (Men’s, Women’s, Men’s doubles, Women’s doubles and Mixed doubles) have been determined and you can have a look at them in the tweet given below. Here are your semifinalist! Who are you tipping to lift the 🏆#BWFWorldTourFinals #Bangkok2022 pic.twitter.com/JXckVBOMqG — BWF (@bwfmedia) December 9, 2022 × How can we watch the semi finals of BWF World Tour 2022? - Live Streaming For all the viewers in India they can enjoy the live coverage of the semi finals of the BWF World Tour 2022 on Sports 18 channel on TV and on Voot and JioCinema app online.

Floods in Sudan damage thousands of homes

Timeline: South Sudan's bloody first decade

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

"The first filling already was done last year. The second one is already done today. So today or tomorrow, second filling will be announced," an official told AFP, adding there is now enough water stored to begin producing energy.&nbsp;

The milestone was later confirmed by Water Minister Seleshi Bekele. The officials had earlier predicted that the milestone would be reached in August.

On Twitter, the minister attributed the accelerated timeline to "extreme rainfall" in the Blue Nile basin.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been at the centre of a regional dispute ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011.

The dam is viewed as a threat by Egypt and Sudan because of their dependence on Nile waters. Ethiopia says that the dam is essential for its electrification and development.

Talks held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) have failed to yield a three-way agreement. Egypt and Sudan have urged Ethiopia to stop filling the dam till an agreement is reached.

Ethiopian officials however, have argued that filling is a natural part of the dam's construction process and can't be stopped.

Energy generation

The UN Security Council met earlier this month to discuss the project, although Ethiopia later slammed the session as an "unhelpful" distraction from the AU-led process.&nbsp;

Egypt claims a historic right to the Nile dating from a 1929 treaty that gave it veto power over construction projects along the river.

A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan. 
Yet Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid.

In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement.&nbsp;

The Nile's main tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile, converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;

The process of filling the GERD's reservoir began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres.

The goal for this year's rainy season -- which had been announced before the first cycle was completed -- was to add 13.5 billion cubic metres. The reservoir's capacity is 74 billion.

With the second-year target hit, the dam can run the first two of its 13 turbines, Seleshi said Monday on Twitter.

"Intensive efforts are being made for the two turbines to generate energy," Seleshi said, adding that "early generation" could be realised "in the next few months."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. "The first filling already was done last year. The second one is already done today. So today or tomorrow, second filling will be announced," an official told AFP, adding there is now enough water stored to begin producing energy. The milestone was later confirmed by Water Minister Seleshi Bekele. The officials had earlier predicted that the milestone would be reached in August. On Twitter, the minister attributed the accelerated timeline to "extreme rainfall" in the Blue Nile basin. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been at the centre of a regional dispute ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011. The dam is viewed as a threat by Egypt and Sudan because of their dependence on Nile waters. Ethiopia says that the dam is essential for its electrification and development. Talks held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) have failed to yield a three-way agreement. Egypt and Sudan have urged Ethiopia to stop filling the dam till an agreement is reached. Ethiopian officials however, have argued that filling is a natural part of the dam's construction process and can't be stopped. Energy generation The UN Security Council met earlier this month to discuss the project, although Ethiopia later slammed the session as an "unhelpful" distraction from the AU-led process. Egypt claims a historic right to the Nile dating from a 1929 treaty that gave it veto power over construction projects along the river. A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan. Yet Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid. In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement. The Nile's main tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile, converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. The process of filling the GERD's reservoir began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres. The goal for this year's rainy season -- which had been announced before the first cycle was completed -- was to add 13.5 billion cubic metres. The reservoir's capacity is 74 billion. With the second-year target hit, the dam can run the first two of its 13 turbines, Seleshi said Monday on Twitter. "Intensive efforts are being made for the two turbines to generate energy," Seleshi said, adding that "early generation" could be realised "in the next few months." (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia hits second-year target for filling Nile mega-dam

UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members on Thursday backed African&nbsp;Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council involvement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-resumes-filling-nile-mega-dam-reservoir-angering-downstream-nations-396546">Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations</a>

"A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US&nbsp;Ambassador to the&nbsp;United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council.

"This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held&nbsp;under the leadership of the African&nbsp;Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African&nbsp;Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute."

Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council help with water disputes.

Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations.

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Tunisia has proposed a draft&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to adopt the resolution.

"We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations."

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any&nbsp;unilateral measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-ethiopias-controversial-blue-nile-dam-393247">Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam</a>

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council meeting.

"We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to&nbsp;understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks. Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN Security Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any Security Council involvement. Also read | Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations "A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council. "This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held under the leadership of the African Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute." Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek Security Council help with water disputes. Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations. Tunisia has proposed a draft Security Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the Security Council to adopt the resolution. "We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations." Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any unilateral measures. Also read | Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the Security Council meeting. "We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the Security Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council backs African Union bid to broker Ethiopia dam deal

Ethiopia&nbsp;has started the second phase of filling the reservoir of its mega-dam on the upper Blue Nile, Egypt and Sudan said, raising tensions Tuesday ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council meeting on the divisive project.

Both Cairo and Khartoum said they had been notified by Addis Ababa that the second phase of filling had begun at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-begins-second-stage-of-filling-mega-dam-angering-egypt-396167">Ethiopia begins second stage of filling mega-dam, angering Egypt</a>

Egypt's irrigation ministry late Monday expressed its "firm rejection of this unilateral measure" and Sudan's foreign ministry on Tuesday followed suit, labelling the move a "risk and imminent threat".

In Addis Ababa, the offices of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Irrigation Minister Seleshi Bekele did not respond to AFP's requests for comment.

The huge dam, set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, has sparked an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia&nbsp;says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access.

Both governments have been urging Addis Ababa to sign a binding deal over the filling and the dam's operations, calling on the UN Security Council to take up the matter.

UNSC to meet

Thursday's Security Council meeting was requested by Tunisia on behalf of Egypt and Sudan, a diplomatic source told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-ethiopias-controversial-blue-nile-dam-393247">Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam</a>

But France's ambassador to the UN said last week that the council itself can do little apart from bringing all the sides together and "encourage them to get back to the negotiations".

Tunisia has also submitted a draft resolution calling on&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;to cease filling the reservoir, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.

The text, obtained by AFP, calls on the three countries to resume negotiations and to finalise the details of an agreement on filling within six months.

It urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process, and urges&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir."

No date has been set for the draft resolution vote and diplomatic sources have said it is unlikely it will be as early as Thursday's meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-options-open-egypts-sisi-warns-of-potential-for-conflict-over-ethiopian-dam-376063">‘All options open’: Egypt's Sisi warns of potential for conflict over Ethiopian dam</a>

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an earlier note to the UN that negotiations are at an impasse, and accused&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;of adopting "a policy of intransigence that undermined our collective endeavours to reach an agreement."

Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam al-Mahdi met in New York ahead of the Security Council talks and reiterated their "firm rejection" of&nbsp;Ethiopia's move, Cairo said.

Relations between Cairo and Addis Ababa have been icy over the past decade, while tensions have also risen between&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;and Sudan as the Tigray conflict has sent refugees fleeing across the border into Sudan.

'Existential threat'

Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal.

Ethiopia&nbsp;argues that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the months of July and August which typically enjoy heavy rainfall, is a natural part of the construction process.

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-on-grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam-fail-again-356124">Talks on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam fail again</a>

Sudan hopes the project will regulate annual flooding but fears its own dams would be harmed without agreement on the Ethiopian operation.

The 145-metre (475-foot) tall mega-dam, construction of which began in 2011, has a reservoir with a total capacity of 74 billion cubic metres (2.61 trillion cubic feet).

Filling began last year, with&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres -- enough to test the dam's first two turbines.

The goal is to add more than double that volume this year.

'Unifying' factor for Ethiopians

Reaching that target would be a political boon for&nbsp;Ethiopia's Abiy as he strains to end the brutal war in Tigray, said Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, a public policy expert at Addis Ababa University.

"This is a unifying factor for Ethiopians in the middle of so many ethnic conflicts you see here, and therefore it's important for the country and the leadership of the country to complete the dam in accordance with the schedule," Costantinos said.

Last year, Sudan said the process had caused water shortages, including in the capital Khartoum -- a claim&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;disputed.

Costantinos dismissed the notion that further reservoir-filling would be harmful.

"If anything it will have a positive impact as it will prevent flooding in Sudan, and this water is going to be available to them. It is not going to be withheld permanently," he said.

Ethiopia has started the second phase of filling the reservoir of its mega-dam on the upper Blue Nile, Egypt and Sudan said, raising tensions Tuesday ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council meeting on the divisive project.

Ethiopia has started the second phase of filling the reservoir of its mega-dam on the upper Blue Nile, Egypt and Sudan said, raising tensions Tuesday ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council meeting on the divisive project. Both Cairo and Khartoum said they had been notified by Addis Ababa that the second phase of filling had begun at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Also read | Ethiopia begins second stage of filling mega-dam, angering Egypt Egypt's irrigation ministry late Monday expressed its "firm rejection of this unilateral measure" and Sudan's foreign ministry on Tuesday followed suit, labelling the move a "risk and imminent threat". In Addis Ababa, the offices of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Irrigation Minister Seleshi Bekele did not respond to AFP's requests for comment. The huge dam, set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, has sparked an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access. Both governments have been urging Addis Ababa to sign a binding deal over the filling and the dam's operations, calling on the UN Security Council to take up the matter. UNSC to meet Thursday's Security Council meeting was requested by Tunisia on behalf of Egypt and Sudan, a diplomatic source told AFP. Also read | Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam But France's ambassador to the UN said last week that the council itself can do little apart from bringing all the sides together and "encourage them to get back to the negotiations". Tunisia has also submitted a draft resolution calling on Ethiopia to cease filling the reservoir, diplomatic sources said Tuesday. The text, obtained by AFP, calls on the three countries to resume negotiations and to finalise the details of an agreement on filling within six months. It urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process, and urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir." No date has been set for the draft resolution vote and diplomatic sources have said it is unlikely it will be as early as Thursday's meeting. Also read | ‘All options open’: Egypt's Sisi warns of potential for conflict over Ethiopian dam Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an earlier note to the UN that negotiations are at an impasse, and accused Ethiopia of adopting "a policy of intransigence that undermined our collective endeavours to reach an agreement." Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam al-Mahdi met in New York ahead of the Security Council talks and reiterated their "firm rejection" of Ethiopia's move, Cairo said. Relations between Cairo and Addis Ababa have been icy over the past decade, while tensions have also risen between Ethiopia and Sudan as the Tigray conflict has sent refugees fleeing across the border into Sudan. 'Existential threat' Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal. Ethiopia argues that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the months of July and August which typically enjoy heavy rainfall, is a natural part of the construction process. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Also read | Talks on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam fail again Sudan hopes the project will regulate annual flooding but fears its own dams would be harmed without agreement on the Ethiopian operation. The 145-metre (475-foot) tall mega-dam, construction of which began in 2011, has a reservoir with a total capacity of 74 billion cubic metres (2.61 trillion cubic feet). Filling began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres -- enough to test the dam's first two turbines. The goal is to add more than double that volume this year. 'Unifying' factor for Ethiopians Reaching that target would be a political boon for Ethiopia's Abiy as he strains to end the brutal war in Tigray, said Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, a public policy expert at Addis Ababa University. "This is a unifying factor for Ethiopians in the middle of so many ethnic conflicts you see here, and therefore it's important for the country and the leadership of the country to complete the dam in accordance with the schedule," Costantinos said. Last year, Sudan said the process had caused water shortages, including in the capital Khartoum -- a claim Ethiopia disputed. Costantinos dismissed the notion that further reservoir-filling would be harmful. "If anything it will have a positive impact as it will prevent flooding in Sudan, and this water is going to be available to them. It is not going to be withheld permanently," he said.

Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations

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