Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke on the phone on Tuesday evening with Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok after the military released him from custody.
Why it matters: Hamdok’s release was a result of pressure on Sudan’s military leader General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan from the U.S. and other countries but also from the different political parties in Sudan and massive protests in the streets.
Driving the news: During Monday's military takeover, Sudanese soldiers placed Hamdok under house arrest, but later took him to a different location to prevent him from making public statements.
- Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan claimed on Tuesday that Hamdok — who disappeared from public view after the coup — was a "guest" at his home and was brought there for his own protection.
- Several hours after Burhan's statement, Hamdok was released with his wife back to his house, although it's unclear whether the military will allow him to leave.
- Blinken told Hamdok during their call that the Sudanese military must release all civilian leaders in detention and to ensure their safety.
What they're saying: "The Secretary emphasized U.S. support for the civilian-led transition to democracy and for a return to the principles of Sudan’s transitional framework," the State Department said in a statement.
