Sudan coup, prime minister's house surrounded, other Government members arrested

Al Jazeera, who quotes Al Hadath TV, reports that unidentified soldiers have also surrounded Sudan's Prime Minister Abdala Hamdoc's house, declaring it under house arrest. A report shows that civil Prime Minister Obadiah Hamdok was arrested, but this has not been confirmed.

At least four cabinet ministers were arrested by unidentified soldiers shortly before Monday's dawn.

It is unknown who has carried out the arrests, while the military has not commented on the reports.

There are reports that the internet was cut off in the capital, Khartoum, while images have appeared in social media showing angry crowds burning tires on the street.

The reported arrests come amid mounting tensions between the country's military and civilian authorities in transition.

Both sides have shared power since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. But tensions have increased since a coup effort attributed to Bashir's followers failed in September.

Earlier this month, opponents of passing Sudan into democracy took to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to call on the military to take control of the country.

Only yesterday had pro-democracy groups warned of a potential coup as security forces distributed tear gas to a pro-military demonstration calling for the dissolution of the transitional government.

On Thursday, thousands of people protested at Khartoum to show solidarity with the transitional government.

Support for the provisional government has declined in recent months, as the country's economy has faced difficulties. /A2