VOA慢速英语2021--苏丹军方发动政变逮捕总理

Sudan’s Military Arrests Prime Minister, Takes Power

Sudan's military arrested the prime minister and took control of the government on Monday. And thousands of people came out to protest the takeover that threatens the country's move toward democracy.

The head of the military, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, said that he was dismissing the transitional government and declaring a state of emergency.

Burhan said fights between political leaders required the move and military leaders would keep the North African country safe and secure. He said the armed forces would turn the country over to "a civilian¹, elected government." Burhan said the election is scheduled for July 2023.

Abdalla Hamdok, a one-time economist² and diplomat³ at the United Nations, became prime minister of the North African country in August 2019. He led the transitional government that was established after protesters forced long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir to leave office two years ago.

Sudan's Information Ministry⁴ said Hamdok was detained by the military after refusing to issue a statement in support of the takeover. The ministry, which was still under the control of Hamdok's supporters, called Burhan's announcement a military coup⁵ and urged resistance.

The Associated Press reported that thousands of people took to the streets to protest the military action in the capital of Khartoum. Protesters could be heard saying, "the people are stronger, stronger" and "retreat is not an option!"

In Omdurman, protesters blocked the streets in support of civilian rule. Iman Ahmed, a 21-year-old protester, told Reuters: "We will defend democracy until the end." Another young man who gave his name as Saleh said, "Burhan cannot deceive us. This is a military coup."

The AP said, based on information from the hospitals, about 20 people were wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Reactions from around the world

Karine Jean-Pierre, a spokesperson for President Joe Biden said the United States was "deeply alarmed at reports of a military takeover." She said the U.S. called for the immediate⁶ release of the prime minister and other officials.

The African Union, the Arab League, the European Union and the United Nations all said Sudan's political leaders should be released and human rights respected. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added on Twitter: "The UN will continue to stand with the people of Sudan."

Sudan has suffered other coups⁷ since it gained its independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956.

Al-Bashir came to power in 1989 in one such takeover, which removed the country's last elected government. Last month, Bashir supporters tried to remove the transitional government led by Hamdok.

In recent weeks, a coalition⁸ of tribal⁹ groups and political parties allied¹⁰ with the military urged the removal of the civilian government.

Words in This Story

transitional – adj. lasting¹¹ a short time during the move from one state to another

coup – n. a sudden attempt by a small group of people to take over the government usually through violence

coalition – n. a group of people, groups, or countries who have joined together for a common purpose

retreat – v. to move back to get away from danger, attack, etc.

option – n. something that can be chosen : a choice or possibility

deceive – v. to make (someone) believe something that is not true

alarmed – adj. concerned or feeling a sense of worry or danger

1 civilian   

adj.平民的，民用的，民众的

参考例句：

• There is no reliable information about civilian casualties.关于平民的伤亡还没有确凿的信息。
• He resigned his commission to take up a civilian job.他辞去军职而从事平民工作。

2 economist   

n.经济学家，经济专家，节俭的人

参考例句：

• He cast a professional economist's eyes on the problem.他以经济学行家的眼光审视这个问题。
• He's an economist who thinks he knows all the answers.他是个经济学家，自以为什么都懂。

3 diplomat   

n.外交官，外交家；能交际的人，圆滑的人

参考例句：

• The diplomat threw in a joke, and the tension was instantly relieved.那位外交官插进一个笑话，紧张的气氛顿时缓和下来。
• He served as a diplomat in Russia before the war.战前他在俄罗斯当外交官。

4 ministry   

n.(政府的)部；牧师

参考例句：

• They sent a deputation to the ministry to complain.他们派了一个代表团到部里投诉。
• We probed the Air Ministry statements.我们调查了空军部的记录。

5 coup   

n.政变；突然而成功的行动

参考例句：

• The monarch was ousted by a military coup.那君主被军事政变者废黜了。
• That government was overthrown in a military coup three years ago.那个政府在3年前的军事政变中被推翻。

6 immediate   

adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的

参考例句：

• His immediate neighbours felt it their duty to call.他的近邻认为他们有责任去拜访。
• We declared ourselves for the immediate convocation of the meeting.我们主张立即召开这个会议。

7 coups   

n.意外而成功的行动( coup的名词复数 )；政变；努力办到难办的事

参考例句：

• China has seen many political coups within the ruling class. 中国统治阶级内部发生过很多政变。 来自互联网
• Thailand has had eighteen coups or coup attendance since nineteen thirty-two. 泰国1932年以来有18次政变或参加政变。 来自互联网

8 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

9 tribal   

adj.部族的，种族的

参考例句：

• He became skilled in several tribal lingoes.他精通几种部族的语言。
• The country was torn apart by fierce tribal hostilities.那个国家被部落间的激烈冲突弄得四分五裂。

10 allied   

adj.协约国的；同盟国的

参考例句：

• Britain was allied with the United States many times in history.历史上英国曾多次与美国结盟。
• Allied forces sustained heavy losses in the first few weeks of the campaign.同盟国在最初几周内遭受了巨大的损失。

11 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。