By Adel Abdel-Rahim
KHARTOUM (AA) – The former head of ousted President Omar al-Bashir's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) has tested positive for coronavirus, Sudan's Interior Ministry confirmed.
A ministry statement late Monday said samples taken from Ahmed Haroun, who is held at Kober prison in Khartoum, proved that he has contracted the COVID-19 disease.
"He was moved to quarantine for medical care," the ministry said, adding that Haroun will be returned to prison after recovery.
Last week, NCP said Haroun was infected with coronavirus, holding Sudanese authorities responsible for the safety of its officials inside prison.
Haroun and other officials from al-Bashir's administration have been held in prison since the former president was ousted by the military last year after protests against his rule.
Sudan has so far confirmed 41 deaths and 678 infections from the virus.
*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara