BBC says 3 of its journalists detained by Sudanese security forces

KHARTOUM, Sudan

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on Monday that the Sudanese security forces detained three of its reporters in Khartoum.

The BBC tweeted that “the Sudanese security forces arrested the BBC Arabic team delegated to Khartoum and accredited by the Sudanese Ministry of Information.”

“The BBC Arabic reporters, comprising of three persons, were taken to an unknown destination,” BBC Arabic tweeted.

The BBC’s administration is conducting extensive contacts with the Sudanese authorities in order to ensure the reporters’ release as soon as possible.

The Sudanese authorities are yet to comment on BBC’s allegations.

On Monday, protests calling for full civilian rule erupted against the ruling military in Sudan.

Sudan has been in turmoil since Oct. 25, 2021, when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency.

Prior to the military takeover, Sudan was governed by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials tasked with overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023.

Hamdok was reinstated on Nov. 21 following an agreement, but protesters denounced the deal, insisting on the removal of any military influence over the transitional governing coalition. He resigned on Jan. 2, citing a political deadlock.

*Writing by Bassel Barakat