Sudanese opposition leader Sadig al-Mahdi tests positive for COVID-19 as Burhan, Hamdok test negative

KHARTOUM- Prominent Sudanese politician and leader of the country’s opposition National Umma Party (NUP) Sadig al-Mahdi has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to close aides.

One senior NUP told Sudans Post on Thursday that the opposition leader was informed of his COVID-19 status this afternoon after he and other senior opposition figures gave samples for testing on Wednesday night.

“Al Imam Sadig al Mahdi has tested positive for COVID-19 and there are several others who have also tested positive for the virus,” the official said in Khartoum on condition of anonymity.

The opposition official said the former prime minister was in a stable condition and was not showing signs of the illness.

“However, the Imam is doing good and has not shown signs of the virus. He is now isolating and doctors will monitor him for the next 14 days,” the official said.

Burhan, Hamdok, Hemeti test negative

Separately, Sudans Post was told that Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has tested negative for the virus, along with leader of the Transitional Soveriegn Council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan with his deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

A source also said several members of the Transitional Sovereign Council have also tested positive for the virus.

“The prime minister is negative. Al-Burhan and Mohamed Daglo are also negative, but several inside the Council are infected,” the source said without identifying.