UN chief urges democratic transition in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for a transition in Sudan that meets the "democratic aspiration" of the Sudanese people after president Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the army.

Guterres appealed for "calm and utmost restraint by all," his spokesman said.

Sudan's Defense Minister Awad Ibnouf earlier announced that Bashir had been detained and that a transitional military council will replace him for a period of two years.

The UN chief voiced his "expectation that the democratic aspiration of the Sudanese people will be realized through an appropriate and inclusive transition process," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Sudanese protesters have vowed to keep up demonstrations, rejecting the army's move.

Bashir, who swept to power in a 1989 coup, was one of Africa's longest-serving presidents. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and war crimes.

The UN spokesman said that Guterres has repeatedly called for "full cooperation" with the ICC but added that the United Nations was not in a position to comment on specific cases involving ICC arrest warrants.

The UN Security Council was expected to meet Friday behind closed doors to discuss the dramatic developments in Sudan, which has been an important regional player in peace efforts in the region.

Sudan has brokered two key peace deals -- in South Sudan and in Central African Republic -- after hosting talks between rival sides.