Sudan says opposition leader sought Libya’s support for coup attempt

By: Wasil Ali

July 14, 2007 (KHARTOUM, Sudan) — Sudan’s security services said that Libya made them aware of a planned coup attempt led by an opposition leader.

Sudanese security forces arrested opposition party leader Mubarak al-Fadil chairman of Umma Party (Reform and Renewal) earlier today without providing reasons.

Al-Fadil’s party issued a statement today recieved by Sudan Tribune saying that a group of twelve men stormed his residence during the early morning hours and “brutally assaulting members of his household”.

Sudan’s security services said that Al-Fadil was recruiting people from Kordofan and Blue Nile area to carry out attacks in Khartoum.

They added that Al-Fadil sought financial support from some reigional organizations and Libya. The latter notified Khartoum of the contacts they had with al-Fadil.

Earlier today Sumaya Idris, wife of Al-Fadil, speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone denied the accusations and said that her husband “is a democratic person and always worked in that direction”.

Asked as to why the Sudanese government is targeting her husband she said that “they are under pressure and they are wary of Umma party reunification going underway”.

Fadil split from the popular Umma Party of his cousin, former Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi, becoming a presidential advisor before being sacked by Sudanese.

Sudanese security forces arrested opposition party leader Mubarak al-Fadil and his Umma breakaway party secretary-general without giving any reason, a party official said on Saturday.

(ST)