OIC condemns South Sudan attempted coup

The Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Tuesday the attempted coup on President of South Sudan Salva Kiir. "Within the framework of ensuring security and stability in the region and stressing the promotion of good-neighborliness among states of the region, especially between the Republics of the Sudan and Southern Sudan, the OIC General Secretariat condemned the attempted coup which took place yesterday morning in the Republic of Southern Sudan," the Secretariat said in a press statement. It stressed its support to the Government in Southern Sudan to achieve security, stability and development in this country. The pan-Muslim Organization also expressed "solidarity with its people in their efforts to build a state which enjoys security and stability and to promote its constructive relations with the Republic of the Sudan for the benefit of both nations." South Sudan's Presidency announced Monday foiling a military coup attempt by sacked Vice-President Riek Machar. At least 66 people were killed and over 140 injured in the deadly clashes in South Sudan between government forces and soldiers involved in the failed coup attempt. Fighting is still going on and gunfire is audible in the capital Juba while streets are almost deserted except for military vehicles.