Authorities declared a state of emergency Tuesday in the region surrounding the Sudanese capital amid reports of a coup attempt by "racist circles."

Egypt's Middle East News Agency quoted the Khartoum newspaper Al-Sudan as saying "a fresh coup attempt was foiled Sunday night and the elements who made the attempt were arrested. The situation is under control."The newspaper blamed the attempt on "racist circles" but gave no further details.

Justice Minister Dr. Hassan Abdalla Turabi told reporters in Khartoum a security emergency had been declared, giving authorities the power to arrest and detain suspects without charge.

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