Sudan investigates attempted coup

A meeting of Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party was held yesterday following what appeared to be a coup attempt against President Bashir. The party confirmed that there were ongoing investigations in to an attempted coup and denied rumours of the resignation of a prominent NCP leader. Spokesman for the NCP Badr al-Din Ahmad said, "The only way to rule Sudan is by election. Any option outside of this framework will lead to a clash with the Sudanese people, who embrace democracy.” Ahmad demanded reform advocates should express their opinions about the party's institutions, he also denied rumours about the resignation of Ghazi Salahdin, an adviser of the president. The Popular Congress Party led by Hassan al-Turabi rejected the arrest of individuals accused of planning a coup attempt, and demanded that the accused be given a fair trial. A Sudanese newspaper noted that Sudan's former intelligence chief, Salah Abdullah is being detained in isolation while a panel of more than a hundred lawyers is formed to defend him.