Sudan to ‘nationalize’ Gulen-linked schools: Diplomat

By Fuat Kabakci

KHARTOUM

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has decided to "nationalize" schools linked to the group believed to have orchestrated Turkey’s July 15 coup attempt, Turkey’s ambassador to Sudan said Wednesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Cemalettin Aydin said the Sudanese presidency had issued instructions earlier this month to "nationalize" schools associated with U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen and his Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

"These instructions are now being expedited in light of the failed coup attempt in Turkey," he said.

The diplomat added that the Sudanese presidency had asked Turkey’s Education Ministry to dispatch a delegation to Sudan "to provide help in the nationalization process".

Aydin went on to note that a number of official and civil organizations in Sudan had expressed their support for Turkey and its elected government in the wake of last month’s failed coup bid.

On July 15, a renegade faction within the Turkish military attempted to stage a coup against Turkey’s democratically-elected government.

Ankara has repeatedly said that the coup attempt, which left at least 238 martyrs in its wake, was orchestrated by Gulen’s followers.

Gulen is accused of carrying out a campaign aimed at overthrowing the Turkish government through the infiltration of state institutions -- particularly the military, police and judiciary -- and the establishment of a "parallel state".