July 30, 2022

136 people died as a result of inter-tribal attacks in W Darfur, S Kordofan and Abyei in June, NY-based human rights organization African Center for Justice & Peace Studies said. Conflicts over land led to displacement of 5,000 people: The conflicts are often related to border demarcation, gold mining areas, agricultural land, animal pathways. Authorities must put in place a legislation that addresses land ownership in conflict and mineral rich areas. Inter-tribal land disputes have taken place mainly in conflict areas where people were forced to leave their homes and settle somewhere else. There are reports that discovery of minerals in some States triggered these conflicts in the recent year, while withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission UNAMID in Dec 2020 worsened the situation.

The forces of the revolution will announce within 2 weeks new constitutional arrangements and a civilian PM. PM would be given broad powers to form his government without pressing him to appoint cabinet members, provided he consult with forces of the revolution. Involved are FFC armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement, SRF and NC, Resistance Committees and anti-coup civilian entities…they are mulling over candidates. The designated PM will be accountable to the Transitional Parliament. Al-Faki’s statements come as the military-led Sovereign Council are about to announce a new PM. Al-Faki stressed the need to reach an agreement with the military about the role and powers of security and defence council where military leaders will take part…it must be chaired by the PM or civilian head of the Sovereign Council. Yasir Arman, SPLM-N Agar, spoke about signatory groups including the Natl Consensus of Minnawi and Gibril Ibrahim and Sudanese Revolutionary Front as they reject the idea of not taking part in the government. Disagreement between us and the armed movements will be over their demand to participate in the government while the street’s demand is an independent government (of technocrats). With regard to Sudanese Communist Party, al-Faki said they are moving in a different direction but can participate in ongoing consultations about the PM. SCP announced a coalition to overthrow the coup and cancel the Juba Peace Agreement: disagreement is over power, but we all agree on independence of the judiciary and citizenship…this dispute must be overcome with participation of all in selection of the PM. Sudan Tribune

July 29, 2022

According to Siddig Tawer, prominent member of Arab Socialist Baath Party, rumours about decisions by El Burhan are intended to prepare for a tightened grip by the military. Tawer said the junta intends to monopolise the government, block the way for civil-led state and defeat the revolution…reinforce military dictatorship by talking about the incompatibility of civilians to form a government…issuing proposals to form a pro-forma government and calling for elections in current circumstances so that results will guarantee survival of the military. The politician attributed the inability of revolutionary groups and parties to agree on a government of technocrats to the slow pace of coordination, in addition to attempts of putschists to thwart unity of democrats…the junta is making use of security services to prevent unification. He urged civil revolutionary forces to speed up coordination, not for the purpose of merging into one body but to agree on shared goals. This step is possible, and has been accomplished in some states. Dabanga

Suakin, 2nd largest seaport of Sudan, remained closed following a dispute between old port workers and those recently appointed. The staff deployed years ago rejected a decision to appoint 190 new port workers on the grounds that Suakin Port does not need extra workers. Moreover, the selection was made on a tribal basis. The decision may lead to more tribal strife in Red Sea State. Abdallah Obshar, former spokesperson for Beja Nazirs Council, accused Hemeti of unacceptable interference, practicing divide and rule, and seeking to abort the Beja revolution in east Sudan. Beja Nazirs opposed the Eastern Sudan Track since it was agreed upon by the Sudanese government and Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel alliance. They fear rich resources in the east will continue to be exploited by foreign companies. Dabanga

Umbadat Al-Sabil Neighborhoods Assoc called for an end to unscheduled processions … announced neighborhood processions in which everyone participates, increasing the scope of the revolution and reducing losses. The announcement comes in the wake of the killing of a demonstrator in Omdurman in an impromptu protest: we must take a real stand, so we will not announce any escalation as a result of the killing of martyr Muhammad Kamal. Mistakes that kill more young people must stop immediately. We will move in another direction to bring together Resistance Comm in Khartoum regarding unification of charters. The only way to bring down the coup lies in a unified charter between committees and put forward as a nucleus for unity of all forces of the revolution to bring down the coup…called Khartoum State Resistance Comm to reject divisions and conduct a real discussion about the real interest that unites us all (overthrowing the coup and building a state of law)…the blood of the revolutionaries was more precious than the democratic transformation itself. Al Taghyeer

July 27, 2022

Sudanese Communist Party accused military leaders and allied armed groups of being behind the attack on the rally of FFC in Khartoum to denounce tribal violence. According to Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors, 25 people were injured in an attack by unidentified elements using tear gas, knives and batons. SCP condemned the heinous attack and underscored the peaceful character of the Dec 2019 revolution: We add our voice to all patriotic voices that condemned the violence against the march, which is contrary to freedom of expression and change. The practice and advocacy of violence is a continuous attempt by the anti-revolutionary coalition, including the security committee and some armed groups signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement, remnants of the ousted regime and political forces seeking to participate in power with the intention of striking the Dec revolution. Sudan Tribune

 July 26, 2022

Mohamed El Faki Suleiman, former member of the Sovereignty Council, warned the situation in Sudan may lead to eventual descent into war. The people are being tested more than ever, already fragmented civil and military forces and hateful discourses are a ready-made recipe for war. Suleiman called on all civil forces interested in the revolution to align themselves behind a single clear agenda that represents the forces of the revolution, various Resistance Comm, FFC and rebel movements that have signed and not signed the Juba Agreement. Conflict between these forces may arise through a perceived power imbalance between the positions they have been handed. Dabanga

The newly formed Alliance of Forces for Radical Change explained plans including removal of the military from politics and making its participation punishable by law. AFRC includes 12 political and activist groups, the Communist Party of Sudan, Sudanese Professionals Assoc and Sudanese Women’s Union. It was formed after calls for a broad front against authorities and to prevent civil war. It proposes to build a transitional authority by forming legislative councils at central, regional and local levels within a democratic state with a parliamentary system that guarantees separation of powers. It called for return to the decentralised system of the 6 regions in place before the coup of 1989. It proposed an honorary Sovereignty Council with no executive functions of 6 people representing 6 regions…Legislative Council will be the supreme authority…of legislation, oversight, accountability, appoint PM and staff and approve the government’s programme…equitable participation of women, youth and people with special needs in political life. One of the most important features is to permanently remove the army from politics. The new alliance emphasises that armed forces should be professional, and government militias should be disbanded including infamous RSF. A new security apparatus is to be formed, and Police and army officers dismissed following the Oct coup should return so the new apparatus can benefit from their experiences in building a Unified Natl Police and army. AFRC does not include FCC…a result of their sympathy to a power sharing government with the military…AFRC rejects military interference and any partnership with it. Dabanga

SLM al-Nur denied joining a new alliance led by the Sudanese Communist Party due to lack of consensus among political forces. The Communist Party announced establishment of Forces for Radical Change…stated SLM-AW joined. However, the holdout group issued a statement saying it agreed to join a political charter dubbed Radical Change Forces for Peace, Unity & Justice…that an agreement should be inclusive of political parties, armed movements, IDPs and civil society groups and avoid failed bilateral agreements. SCP travelled to S Kordofan to meet with al-Nur and SPLM-N al-Hilu to discuss a political alliance. SCP counted on 2 non-signatory groups to consolidate rejecting any negotiation with the military. SPLM-N is part of a peace process brokered by So Sudanese government; SLM-AW calls for a national conference on the Sudanese problem, not the Darfur conflict. Sudan Tribune

Security Forces detained Emergency Lawyers member Saleh Bushra while he was working on the case of murdered Resistance Comm member Abubakr Mutasim Ismail. He was charged with murdering the protester. Activists condemned the fabricated charges and demand release of the lawyer and human rights defender. Bushra, one of the most prominent members of the coalition, was held at a mortuary in Omdurman where he was working on legal procedures for an official complaint against the killing of Ismail earlier that day. The lawyer was charged with killing martyr Ismail even though he was present in the mortuary to monitor autopsy procedures as part of the process to file a complaint against the killing. El Nur, SLM-AW, condemned the detention. Dabanga

6 people wounded in attack by RSF on Abu Hajjar, N Kordofan 5 armed men, some wearing uniforms of RSF, assaulted a number of people with sticks…went to Karango El Wehda where they beat people. Earlier this month RSF shot 2 people at a market in N Darfur after refusing to pay for a meal. RSF forces robbed travellers of money and valuables on Kadugli-Hajar El Foul Mjt Rd, S Kordofan. The gunmen severely beat passengers before stealing the motor, mobile phones and goods. RSF widely believed responsible for atrocities in Kordofan and Darfur in past years. They are held responsible for the violent break-up of the Khartoum sit-in 2019. The militia built up a vast business empire that captures a large part of the country’s gold industry; huge interests in many sectors of the economy. Tens of thousands of RSF troops joined Saudi-led campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015. Dabanga

The former Dir of Sudan Liberation Movement, Abdel Wahed Muhammad, Nur faction in Israel, received news regarding the Israeli AG’s intent to arrest RSF Comm Dagalo Hemedti if he ever visits Tel Aviv. Al-Jarida quoted Abdel Moneim Mandela as having confirmed the AG’s intent on having Hemedti arrested. Mandela revealed a written response to a request submitted by Sudanese residing in Israel to the Israeli government to arrest Hemedti upon his arrival in Tel Aviv. The former SLM Dir: AG confirmed they will take all necessary measures mentioned against (Hemedti) upon his arrival in Israel, in accordance with Israeli law and international laws signed by Israel…The prosecutor’s response represents a strong blow to (Hemedti’s) ambitions to establish a relationship between RSF and Israel and restrict it at the international level. SLM- Nur is the first Sudanese party to have an office in Tel Aviv. Hundreds of Sudanese refugees live in Israel, most from troubled Darfur. While RSF are seeking to build a strategic relationship with Israel, and the past witnessed mutual visits, they have taken on the nature of security and military coordination. Al Taghyeer

July 24, 2022

Western government efforts to facilitate return of Sudan to democratic transition helped consolidate the coup, says a new policy brief by Clingendael Inst. The West’s Struggle in Sudan by Anette Hofmann argues the historic opportunity for genuine democratic transition risks being lost, and by holding on to a transition that has ceased to exist, Western governments helped consolidate the coup. Hoffman concludes Western donor governments are well advised to increase economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime, strengthen civil society that opposes the coup, and safeguard aid against diversion and political manipulation: The coup effectively ended Sudan’s transition to democracy but fanned the flames of struggle for freedom, peace and justice. The international community spent the last 8 months trying to restore a power-sharing government whose viability had become untenable…. Dabanga

 

July 22, 2022

115th protester killed Young protester Abubakr Mutasim Ismail was killed during demonstrations for peaceful co-existence in Omdurman yesterday. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors reported Ismail, nicknamed Gheima/Cloud was hit by live ammunition in the chest. The demonstrations were against fierce clashes in Blue Nile State which left 180 people dead, hundreds wounded, tens of thousands displaced. 4 protesters charged with disturbing public order were summoned by N Khartoum Court, among them Noureldin Tareg killed earlier this year. The judge annulled the complaint.

Hausa in Pt Sudan, El Gedaref, Sennar, Rabak, El Obeid and Khartoum staged demonstrations to protest against violence in Blue Nile. The demonstration in Khartoum launched from the poor southern district of Mayo was dispersed by tear gas. Activists tweeted that demonstrators did not receive much support: It was heart-breaking to watch the Hausa march alone. I expected more people to show up and tell them you will never walk alone, we’re all Hausa as Resistance Committees usually do, instead I noticed a lot of hostility and outright racism. The Hausa are part of the Hausa ethnic group, very influential in W Africa politically and culturally. Hausa have been heavily involved in long distance trading for many centuries. In the process of traveling and trading, some migrated east to places like Sudan – where as black Africans are still seen by many as outsiders. Dabanga

Opposition groups expressed fear clashes in Blue Nile State may be prelude to more civil wars. In a workshop about the political future FFC, Resistance Committees, professional associations and civil society, women and youth organisations …called all civil forces to join ranks in a broad front, move quickly against the preludes of civil war and more fighting: There is no way out except by overthrowing the coup and combat the culture of non-impunity which led to the crimes taking place now. Sudan is in a state of being a non-state. This allowed creation of tribal fronts that create conflicts among them, which provides the putschists an opportunity to create justifications for continuation of military rule, and preserve their interest. The workshop was organised by El Demoqrati newspaper, Democratic Party, in cooperation with mainstream FFC to identify achievements and failures, draw future lessons, make recommendations that will help achieve unity of revolutionary forces to bring down the coup. Hisham Omar El Nour, Managing Dir, emphasised the need to form a new broad front of democratic forces that includes FFC, but is not be limited to it…formation of a broad civil and democratic front should be based on a joint political declaration based on the Revolutionary Charter for People’s Power issued in Wad Madani and signed by Resistance Comm in 15 States, and the Charter for Establishment of the People’s Authority by Khartoum Resistance Comm. The 2 Charters should be unified in a new constitutional document in which general principles should be formulated in a tight and accurate manner to avoid subsequent arguments and disputes. FFC El Bereir welcomed the idea of a broad, unified front to rid the country of military coups. One of the advantages of FFC is that it was able to collect all bodies working to bring down Al Bashir. Yet FFC could not maintain this broad alliance, as many groups such as Communist Party, NUP and Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel alliance left FFC…Resistance Comm bear their responsibility here, but the bulk of the responsibility [failure to form a parliament] lies with FFC. Dabanga

July 21, 2022

World Bank released $100m to tackle deep food insecurity…an emergency safety net amidst worsening hunger because of poor harvests and rising international food prices. Grain prices surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Funds will be channeled solely through WFP to provide direct support to the most vulnerable…food and cash transfers to 2 million people in 11 states. World Bank said the pause in disbursements to the government remains in effect. Arab News

July 20, 2022

FFC-CC hold coup authorities responsible for crimes in Blue Nile State, Kassala and other areas. The Communist Party lay blame at attempts by SPLM-N Agar to seize power and disrupt the fragile peace…there are historical roots for these violent events, they could be ignited because of the absence of a national project of the coup authority, which lacks any popular political support…the explosive situation in Blue Nile comes as a result of attempts of the leadership of SPLM-N Agar to seize power…what is happening is a clear indication of the failure of the Juba Peace Agreement. El Roseires Resistance Comm pointed to hostility between supporters of SPLM-N Agar and those who support El Hilu, So Kordofan…the violence a spill-over of a conflict between SPLM-N factions, accused coup authorities of negligence because they ignored warning signs and chose not to act even after the first attacks. Journalists Initiative Against Tribal Violence called authorities in Khartoum to intervene urgently to stop the bloodshed, take measures to prevent violence that threatens the entire Blue Nile and effects to all Sudan…fighting is the result of hate speech that was widespread during the past days. The authorities should have anticipated these results and taken measures to prevent the clashes. Dabanga

July 19, 2022

FFC and Resistance Committees condemn tribal violence in Blue Nile region. 105 people were killed as a result of tribal violence between Berta and Hausa that lasted several days…accused coup leaders of instigating the new wave of tribal violence because they use (rampant) insecurity to justify their grip on power: overthrow of the coup is the only way to end insecurity, statelessness and multiple tribal facades fabricated to ignite conflicts…coup leaders use this situation to preserve their economic interests and privileges. Tribal violence erupted after calls by the Hausa to give them the right to establish a chiefdom or Emirate in a land belonging to Hamaj, Berta ethnic group, the original inhabitants. The statement called on civilian and political forces to join and reunite the street to topple the coup and promote the culture of non-impunity to deter the military from seizing power again. The statement was signed by neighbourhood Resistance Committees, FFC coalition, women group and civil society groups, Emergency Lawyers. Hausa staged a demonstration in Khartoum to protest killing of tribespersons in Blue Nile. Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters. N Kordofan, protesters carrying knives stormed a police station. Hausa organised similar protests in eastern capitals Gedaref, Kassala and Pt Sudan. Sudan Tribune

The health of detained activist Seifelislam Essameldin Mohamed has deteriorated to the extent doctors of the Police Hosp decided to keep him for 3 days. Lawyer Rehab El Mubarak: Mohamed was suffering from abdominal pain and fever when he appeared before the judge…court agreed to send him to the hospital, who decided to conduct medical tests. The medics will determine whether he will be able attend court today. Mohamed was held in Khartoum, subjected to heavy beatings in detention, and now suffers from blurred vision, pain in the abdomen and urinary tracts, uncontrollable shivering all over his body, and frequent fainting. The young man and 2 others are accused of damaging a police vehicle. Lawyers were not allowed to see him until 15 days after detention. Dabanga

Angry young Hausa tribesmen set fire to government buildings in Kassala in protest against laxity of authorities concerning tribal clashes in Blue Nile. 80 people died and 200 were wounded between Hausa and Berta ethnic groups. Activist Hamrour Hussein: protesters in large numbers set fire to offices of Education Dept and Petroleum Dept. Parts of the Govt Secretariat, Trade and Supply Admin and water station burned down. Hausa took to the streets to express discontent with authorities who allow violent clashes to happen by not interfering. Kassala is witnessing insecurity for some time already. People carry sticks and knives to defend themselves against increasing petty crimes and in anticipation of attacks. Prof Salah Kassoulai, Kassala Centre Movement, blame local authorities for deployment of army forces against the protests…clashes between protesters and army forces led to 2 deaths. Malik Agar, SPLM-N, Blue Nile State urged UN agencies to provide urgent humanitarian aid.

Kholood Khair: This is a gold rush and building of war chests by emerging ethnic blocs of Burhan and the Centre vs Hemedti and the Periphery, giving a radically militarised trajectory to Sudan’s political future. Resistance Committees recognise this, calling for unity. The international community has been sleeping on this, with a compartmentalised approach to Khartoum politics vs the rest of Sudan, little recognising that supporting pro-dem forces and the new politics is the ONLY way to stop the regime’s militaristic transactional politics. Dabanga

July 18, 2022

 Dep Head of SPLM-N Arman called signatory groups to reconsider support of the military and back the democratic transition. Despite being 2nd man, Arman took the side of anti-coup groups of FFC…urged members to support demonstrations against the coup and maintain unity. Arman said signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement put themselves in an embarrassing situation. Some supported the coup and stood against civil democratic transformation (Darfur rebel leaders Minnawi and Ibrahim called on al-Burhan to take power and dissolve the civilian government). Arman called on coup backers to change their minds and support democratic transition saying such support should be an extension of their long sacrifices against the ousted regime: They have to play a positive role to settle national stalemate, as the coup is pursuing them in Darfur and the 2 Areas. The war-affected civilians in Darfur distance themselves from armed groups saying they only focused on power sharing and personal interests. Sudan Tribune

Blue Nile death toll rises as tribal violence partly blamed on elites as conflict continues, politicians and tribal leaders are behind deadly attacks. Scores died in the last few days, clashes rage across the region. The bulk of the fighting has been between Hausa and al-Hamaj groups, black African groups and fighting was partly motivated by conflicts of land ownership and control, though the Khartoum government was partly to blame. Maaz Abakar currently displaced: ...the killing was ethnically based. The clashes and hate speech that fuel these killings are increasing. What we saw is brutal and ongoing, there is no serious intervention from the local government…there are thousands of displaced people in schools and other government buildings. I saw with my own eyes no fewer than 30 dead bodies, and in Allaouta more than 70 people killed…there was a big conspiracy…we saw Police and army in official uniforms participating in street fighting.

The entire region faces an unprecedented security and humanitarian crisis. This widespread chaos is unusual in Blue Nile, considered relatively calm. The clashes began when a farmer from al-Hamaj, one of the oldest African tribes in the region which fought with SPLM-N against Bashir’s forces, was killed by unknown armed men. Sudan’s government deployed the military and RSF. Haroun, Hausa Tribe: fighting continued between Al-Hamaj and Hausa and Falata fighters. I saw armed men slaughtering someone in front of my eyes. They can’t do all this unless they have support of the government. Ahmed, al-Hamaj Tribe, a trader, lost his shop after it was burned down by militiamen…believes he was targeted by militias and looting and killing was ethnically motivated.

Ambulances can’t reach hospitals and the entire State is about to run out of medicine…hospitals have been attacked, while ambulances carrying injured civilians have been blocked. Human rights defender Abakar said the death toll increased to100 civilians from both tribes as authorities don’t want to take responsibility for protection of civilians. The lawyer, Humanitarian Org for Legal Aid: there are 11,000 displaced people inside the State and others fled outside, walking across borders of the Blue Nile. What we saw were real atrocities in front of the eyes of authorities…the situation is out of the government’s control in this State. We call upon international organisations to intervene in order to protect the people, as nobody here trusts the government. SPLM-N Agar faction, ruling party of the State, denied involvement in attacks or arming the tribes, accusing the former Islamist* regime of standing behind the conflict in order to destabilise the situation: We documented much evidence proving militias of the former ruling party were involved in tribal clashes.

A political analyst said fighting could be attributed to many political and social causes, hate speech is being widely used to whip up conflict: Juba Peace Agreement doesn’t address root causes, but associates of the old regime are fueling this conflict. Unless the different sides, especially the military, stop using native and tribal leaders for their political campaigns to confront pro-democracy protesters, tribal leaders will continue competition and clashes will spread…this is a new kind of xenophobic clash between African tribes…Tribal leaders are using traditional land ownership disputes to put people on their side… politicians and tribal leaders are behind this violence. Without comprehensive political change these meaningless mass deaths won’t stop. This situation led to a series of atrocities, including genocide in Darfur following the counter-insurgency campaign launched by Bashir. MEE

July 17, 2022

Police fired tear gas in Khartoum in an attempt to disperse hundreds of protesters demonstrating against Al-Burhan. Security Forces set up roadblocks on bridges crossing the Nile linking Khartoum to suburbs to deter protesters who vowed to take to the streets in large numbers. The demonstrators oppose Al-Burhan’s power grab and are highlighting heavy fighting in Blue Nile State, 450k south of Khartoum. They accuse military leadership and ex-rebel leaders who signed a 2020 peace deal of exacerbating ethnic tensions there for personal gain. The main civilian umbrella group rejected the move as a ruse. Protesters continued to press the army chief to resign, held signs noting recent bloodshed in ethnic clashes. Al-Damazin is bleeding, one sign read. Troops were deployed in Al-Roseires after 33 people were killed and 100 wounded. Guerrillas in Blue Nile battled Bashir during the 1983-2005 civil war, picking up weapons again in 2011; Bashir was ousted in 2019. The following year, the transitional administration reached a peace deal with key rebel groups from Blue Nile as well as war-ravaged W Darfur. But the areas remain awash with weapons and local grievances over land, water and livestock regularly erupt into deadly clashes. Arab News

Anti-military protests took place in the country demanding overthrow of the coup and establishment of a civilian authority. Doctors Comm detailed the injuries: 5 cases of head injury with tear gas canisters, 3 cases ran over by military vehicles belonging to regular forces, 3 cases stun grenade injury, 6 cases of eye injury…other isolated cases of injuries resulted from direct hits with tear gas canisters, hitting with batons and stones. Al Taghyeer

US Congress overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution condemning the coup. It demands the junta lift the State of Emergency, restoration of all communication; remove all roadblocks and checkpoints, order Armed Forces and RSF to stand down and comply with international rules of engagement, ensure Security Forces respect the right to peaceful protest and hold those who used excessive force accountable; cease all attempts to change the civilian composition of the cabinet, Sovereign Council and government bodies; transfer leadership of Sovereign Council to a civilian member…recognise the PM and cabinet as the constitutional leaders; immediately release all individuals detained; calls US Secy of State to identify coup leaders, accomplices and enablers for consideration for targeted sanctions; urge leaders to return immediately to rule of law; monitor, discourage, deter any effort by external parties to support the coup; appeals to international partners to join efforts to impose targeted sanctions on junta and accomplices; calls on international community to suspend Sudan’s participation in all regional multilateral organisation. Dabanga

July 16

Fighting between Hausa and Berta killed dozens in Blue Nile State. Clashes in Gaissan, Roseiris and Wad Al-Mahi took place as tensions increased following calls to recognize a chiefdom for Hausa ethnic group who originate from Nigeria. 31 people were killed. Authorities deployed the army and RSF to prevent renewal of attacks. FFC accused the military of instigating calls by Hausa to establish a chiefdom: FFC hold coup authority fully responsible for the successive renewal of these events in most parts of the country. During al-Bashir’s era, Hausa served in security services and fought against SPLM-N rebels. Sudan Tribune

July 15

FFC condemned appointment of army and Police officers as Ambassadors: The decision reveals the real intentions of the junta, namely to dominate all aspects of life and militarise civil functions, including foreign relations…restores Al Bashir’s policies that lack any [legal] basis or standard. It provides high-ranking jobs as rewards for those who served the regime, regardless of their weak capabilities and lack of technical qualifications. Such decisions harm the country and taint its image in regional and international circles. The Communist Party distanced itself early from FFC as they fiercely oppose any cooperation with the military, like most grassroots activists. Dabanga

Anti-coup political forces downplayed a new initiative put forward by Sovereign Council member Agar, saying it would not end the political crisis. Noureddine Salah, FFC leadership, brushed aside the proposition of SPLM-N because it implies participation of the military in government: We would not be part in any initiative that does not lead to establishment of a civilian authority and removes the army from power. Al-Sadiq, NUP: There is no room for constitutionalizing the current coup. Any initiative that does not end the coup, nullify its decisions and restore the civilian-led transition will have no value…would provoke controversy and confuse the political arena…in addition to giving more time for military rule. Agar previously criticised anti-coup protests and described FFC opposition as a power struggle…chaos and terrorism against the State. Member of Communist Party: Agar is not qualified to propose any initiative because he is an integral part of the military regime…the aim is to abort the revolution. Sudan Tribune

July 14, 2022

 

A delegation from Darfur Bar Assoc, Emergency Lawyers and partners visited El Huda Prison, Omdurman to speak to detainees from El Geneina. The delegation listened to detainees from Darfur, including a secondary school teacher and 8 minors, 2 of whom reached age of majority during 16 months in detention. The wife and child of one of the detainees, the only breadwinner for his family, died while he was in detention. Among testimonies are grave human rights violations committed against detainees from Darfur, placed in El Huda Prison without being charged. Dabanga

July 13, 2022

Sudan needs to establish Rule of Law, as well as sound institutions to achieve the aims of the 2019 revolution…listening to the demands of the people, toppling the ruling junta, and disbanding militias to form unified national military forces, leader of mainstream SLM-AW, El Nur, asserts: dialogue must listen to demands of the revolution, which necessarily means toppling the coup, disbanding all militias including RSF, collecting weapons and making them the monopoly of the State represented in its unified national military forces. El Nur is known as a resolute holdout leader. He has stuck to his position that he will only join negotiations after security and stability have been realised in Darfur. Dabanga

Troika and EU called for talks between political forces and military to define role and responsibilities of army leaders after the decision to withdraw from politics. International supporters of democratic transition…called on military leaders to remain committed to this pledge…There must be full clarity…oversight of the military’s role and responsibilities. Such matters cannot be defined unilaterally by the military; they require dialogue and transparency to help avoid future disputes. Sudan Tribune

An unknown number of protesters injured in old Omdurman Tues. Policemen fired live ammunition at protesters at El Azhari Sq. Fadil Omar, Resistance Comm Khartoum: planning another kind of sit-in or different social disobedience actions to protest the military coup and continue calls for democracy. The sit-in at Siraj is still in place… yesterday evening, young activists and Emergency Lawyers spoke on peaceful protests, contents of political charters released by Resistance Committees and how to work on transformation to democracy. Activists are reorganising Ombadda-El Sabeel Neighbourhoods Assoc in preparation for elections: This will be the first elected coordination body in this country, Mohamed Taher. In Burri 14 people sustained injuries during an anti-junta demonstration Mon. Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors said a number of wounded were hit by tear gas canisters; 2 were run over by vehicles of government forces. Others sustained injuries as a result of stone throwing and stampede. Dabanga

Violent suppression of freedoms that characterised 30-year regime of al Bashir are increasing again. Police in Central Darfur held 4 Christian men in a church…charged with apostasy (2020 transitional authorities decriminalized apostasy following significant reforms to the Penal Code of 1991). 20-year-old woman was sentenced to death by stoning in White Nile State. The interrogation and trial were tainted with irregularities. The investigating officer did not inform the accused that information she shared could be used as evidence against her. She was denied legal representation. The charge and penalty were not explained to her (2021 Sudan ratified the Convention Against Torture & Cruel Punishment: execution by stoning as a form of state-sanctioned torture is a breach of Sudan’s human rights obligations). 4 displaced leaders were detained in Sirba, W Darfur. The reason is unknown. Dabanga

July 12, 2022

Burhan’s plan has been rejected en bloc by main opposition groups, which have widely interpreted the move as a sign of weakness but also a maneuver to retain the military’s power and privileges by other means and structures. This is a gamble by Burhan, Kholood Khair, Insight Strategy Partners: He wanted to put the pressure of governing and seeing through some of the difficulties Sudan will face in the next few months – flooding, cholera, food insecurity and economic downtrend Sudan is already facing – on a civilian government, knowing they are divided. And he knows it because he actively tried to divide them, she added. Instead, they’ve called his bluff. The junta has been confronted with broad and constant social mobilization that civilian democratic opposition has been able to articulate and sustain despite harsh repression. At the forefront of struggle are Resistance Comm particularly adept at dodging the regime’s repressive and co-optation tactics, as well as setting the agenda for the rest of the opposition. Building on momentum created by massive turnout, Khartoum Resistance Comm called for open revolutionary escalation with all peaceful means. The main criticisms of Burhan’s plan include the vagueness of his proposed military council, omission of a process of accountability, reform of security and military institutions, and political role armed forces will play. His silence on economic activities of the army and RSF and future of leaders of rebel groups allied with coup authorities generated suspicion. And many noticed Burhan did not define what he means by civilian forces. Burhan and the military have been working very hard for the last couple of months to make sure they co-opt the tripartite where they push some civilian actors who are civilian by nature but are also pro-military and pro-coup – so they can speak on behalf of the coup, Hamid Khalafallah, Tahrir Inst for Middle East Policy. FFC and Resistance Committees have been very clear that if the process keeps including actors speaking on behalf of the coup, they won’t take part in it: We are not blind and we are not supposed to be dragged by words. We are trying to focus on the main content, Ammar Yahya, Resistance Comm, So Khartoum. It is a desperate attempt to gain more time and his speech is devoid of real content.

Current sit-ins are a form of continuous public pressure…But they will not limit themselves to this type of action and will accompany it with other kinds of mobilization as part of revolutionary escalation, including strikes and civil disobedience after Eid vacations. FFC are making important efforts to join forces with the rest of revolutionary groups and called to maintain pressure against coup authorities in the streets. They will continue working to agree with the rest of the revolutionary forces on a road map and constitutional declaration. FFC considered his (Burhan’s) position a deception for the mass movement, as he announced return [of the military] to the barracks while granting the Supreme Council of Armed Forces wide executive powers in the central bank, foreign relations and all security agencies, police and intelligence service, Sharif Mohamed Osman…his withdrawal from negotiations…shows unwillingness to reach a political solution that ends the coup and restores the path of a civil democratic transition. Khair noted that this time the international community did not rush to take a position in favor of Burhan’s new plan, as they did last Nov when they quickly backed a unilateral agreement the coup leader signed with former PM. That move turned out to be very unpopular, and now these same actors are waiting to see what public reaction and scope of the proposal is. This is a great opportunity for the international community to retreat and let the pro-democracy movement take the lead…it’s up to the international community to apply pressure in a strategic way that will support the pro-democracy movement to make the kind of gains we now know are still possible. Al Monitor

July 11, 200

Britain voiced concern over involvement of Russian private military company Wagner Group in gold mining and disinformation to destabilise the democratic transition in Sudan. Min of State, FCDO, raised concerns directly with Sudan’s leadership. UK, Norway and US published an op-ed 21 March highlighting how Russian malign influence and Wagner spread disinformation, and undermine good governance and rule of law. The French government expressed to Sudanese authorities concern about Wagner activities in Central African Rep, as they support RSF paramilitary. Several reports detailed how Russian state and non-state groups are seeking to capitalise on political instability in Sudan. Sudan Tribune

The decision to dissolve the Sovereignty Council angered revolutionary forces but has come as no surprise. Al-Burhan assured the army will withdraw to allow a civilian transitional government to be formed. The streets have greeted the announcement with a great deal of suspicion and cynicism. Covert re-introduction of secret security services has now become strong enough for the State of Emergency to be lifted…the government seems confident there is no longer a counter threat (to) political changes staged in the coup d’état. Al-Burhan’s move to create a higher council is the footstool from which the leader is expected to launch his bid for Presidency. Observers are likening moves to events 8 years ago in Egypt…Al-Burhan’s close links to Egyptian leader, Al-Sisi, will result in a similar move in which head of the army resigns to assume the post of President. Middle East Monitor

July 10, 2022

A court in southern Sudan sentenced a woman to death by stoning after convicting her of adultery. Maryam Alsyed Tiyrab a 20-year old woman has been sentenced to be stoned to death by Kosti Criminal Court, White N State. According to African Centre for Justice & Peace Studies the sentence is yet to be approved by the High Court. ACJPS: the sentence violated international standards and called to overturn it…called for Tiyrab’s unconditional release, and right to a fair trial. The 2019 Constitutional Declaration did not abrogate the death penalty including Hudud crimes (apostasy, theft, highway robbery, adultery, slander, drinking alcohol carry penalties that include amputation of hands and feet, flogging, death). The implementation of the Islamic Penal Code by the former regime has drawn criticism from international human rights groups…was to be debated during the constitutional conference at the end of the transitional period. SPLM-N al-Hilu says it should be part of the peace agreement. Sudan Tribune

Central Reserve Forces fired tear gas at worshipers during Fri prayers at Khartoum mosque after Imam’s sermon denounced killing of protesters. Emergency Lawyers said tear gas was released into an Um Asher mosque. Dabanga

Al-Burhan appointed 5 retired army and Police Generals as Ambassadors in neighbouring countries. Al-Burhan who spent most of his military career in the border army plans to expand his control to diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries in anticipation of rebellion in Darfur and So Kordofan. Amb to So Sudan: Dir of Military and Gen Intelligence Qasm-Alsyd; Amb to Chad: Dep Dir Gen of Police Younis appointed; Idris as Amb to CAR. Sudan Tribune

July 8, 200

Activist Seifelislam Essameldin Mohamed suffers frequent convulsions and poor hearing and sight as a result of being severely tortured in detention. Fellow activists launched a campaign for his release. Lawyer Rehab Mubarak: Mohamed was detained

Mubarak reported significant deterioration in his health as a result of being severely beaten…regularly suffers loss of consciousness, convulsions, uncontrollable shivering. He was transferred to a hospital where doctors wanted to keep him for exams and care, but authorities refused and impeded exams. Mubarak expressed fears of losing his life if treatment is continuously denied…his relatives were shocked to see him during the court session. Unified Doctors Office confirmed Mohamed is suffering from critical health conditions that require urgent treatment…found to be so unstable he requires hospitalisation and close monitoring …authorities have no right to keep him in prison while he is this ill and demanded immediate transfer to hospital…he suffers from physical and psychological ailments and needs comprehensive review. Emergency Lawyers met the AG…parties agreed the Public Prosecution office will inspect police stations and prisons, review health status of those held, and investigate cases of missing people…they will try to move the files of killed protesters and create a joint mechanism to follow-up on cases.

El Zein Osman is one of many protesters who went missing during June 30 marches. His relatives searched in detention centres in Khartoum but to no avail. They ask other protesters via social media if they have seen him. Dabanga

Sudan’s coups have seen frequent civilian involvement, including the first coup 1958 when PM Khalil ordered the military to topple his own government. Former rebel leaders who opposed Bashir’s regime organized protests to demand military intervention against Sudan’s transitional government. The military reintegrated civilian remnants of Bashir’s regime into the government, including members of former ruling NCP, appointing party members to ministerial positions, unfreezing financial assets and stacking civil service with NCP loyalists. A closer look at civilian factions, many which are military allies, suggests the military’s influence will probably continue. The military’s civilian allies, including former rebels who demanded the coup, continue to participate in talks. That didn’t sit well with pro-democracy groups like FFC and Resistance Committees…civilian collaborators can advance interests of those who orchestrated the coup. They can help neutralize anti-military opposition within government by blocking legislation aimed at meaningful reform, or barring the opposition from power altogether. Pro-military civilians like NCP loyalists can ensure the military’s economic enterprises and resource exploitation in the periphery – key points of contention for the pro-democracy movement – continue even if a civilian government emerges. Reintroduction of NCP loyalists into government and financial institutions puts party leaders in a powerful position. NCP was outlawed after Bashir’s removal, and pro-democracy groups targeted its extensive patronage networks. In recent months, military leadership reversed many of these measures. Former rebel leaders Minnawi and Ibrahim face little hope of electoral success with democratic transition, but tying their fates to armed forces may ensure political power. Just as civilian support helps entrench military’s influence, the military’s support can entrench civilian allies. Pro-democracy civilian groups aren’t buying Burhan’s claim he’ll step back from politics. FFC called for greater demonstrations for a genuine civilian government. Some observers noted the announcement was designed to divide the opposition. The refusal of pro-democracy groups to acquiesce could undermine the military’s gambit to divide opponents and rely on civilian proxies. The Washington Post J

uly 7, 2022  The opposition rejected dissolution of Sovereignty Council and new government of technocrats. FFC, Al-Digiar: Al-Burhan’s offer is an attempt to consolidate military rule and circumvent the Dec revolution…this completely ignores the real causes of the crisis: the measures taken on 25 Oct by the army. The only solution is to end those measures and return the army to its barracks…FCC will not negotiate over power-sharing. It is popular pressure from all over Sudan that forced Al-Burhan to say what he did. army seeks to give itself more powers in the future…no clear mechanisms for power transfer and powers of the civilian government were not clear. Middle East Monitor

Dozens of women joined sit-in in front of El Jawda Hosp following June 30 Marches. The participants condemned the harassment women are subjected to both in public and private life. They carried yellow banners protesting the prevailing patriarchal order and

guardianship by men. They chanted slogans calling for women’s rights: Bread, Freedom, and Intersectional Justice. The women denounced threats of a number of young men, their fellow protesters, to beat them up if they would not dress more properly and wear veils when taking part in public activities. Young woman activist: Can you imagine? These men are calling for freedom and democracy, and at the same time they are interfering with our way of clothing, and violating our right to wear what we like. Yesterday, activists in densely populated Hajj Yousef, Bahri set up a sit-in to protest the situation following the coup. An attempt to set up a sit-in in Burri was violently prevented by government forces. Anti-junta sit-ins in El Muassasa, Bahri and old Omdurman continued the 5th day. The one at El Rousi Sq continued despite attempts by authorities to disperse it. Dabanga

A military court of appeal ordered release of Islamist* officers accused of the first coup attempt. Muttalib and officers were arrested July 2019 after a coup attempt to restore Bashir. 3 years after the revolution, the head of the Sovereign Council still keeps delaying handover of those wanted by the war crimes court in the Hague, despite repeated calls by Darfur’s former rebel groups that signed the Juba Peace Agreement. Al-Burhan reinstated sacked Islamists in the intelligence agency…civil servants dismissed by the Empowerment Removal Committee were reinstated. Sudan Tribune

*Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.

July 6, 2022

Critics fear al-Burhan’s offer aims to create a pro-military civilian government as violence against pro-democracy protesters continues. Al-Burhan made a speech saying the army would dissolve the Council after formation of a new government…as hundreds of anti-coup demonstrators entered their 5th day of sit-in protests after Thurs had seen the deadliest violence this year. Protesters carrying out sit-ins in Khartoum and elsewhere rejected Burhan’s offer and chanted slogans describing him the killer who cheated justice. In Aldaim, people held aloft photos of protesters killed since the coup and called for Burhan and RSF militia to be brought to justice for their deaths. Similar protests in Omdurman and Bahri, as well as beyond, amid calls by Resistance Committees for pro-democracy protesters to join sit-ins and continue to try to bring down Burhan’s military regime. But sources said that even while Burhan was making his speech, his forces were moving towards protests to break them up.

Since nationwide protests began 30 June, millions have taken to the streets against the military coup. The sit-ins started in Khartoum but rapidly spread to Omdurman and Bahri and other cities further afield including Madani and Nyala. Resistance Comm member Mohamed Abdul Rahim said there were 8 sit-ins in the country increasing in size despite repeated attempts to break them up: We will have nothing to do with the military regime. We have our 3 ‘nos’: No negotiation, no compromise, no partnership. What Burhan said is not even worth discussion. We saw repeated attempts to break up the sit-ins even after his speech. Witnesses and protesters said hundreds of thousands of protesters were joining and would continue until the regime was toppled.

Neighbourhoods around sit-in areas are opening their homes to protesters, taking them food, water and medicines and even protecting protesters inside their homes when Police attack. Barricades have been erected in those neighbourhoods to prevent the advance of Police and security vehicles. One protester, Osman Gabr, said the sit-in in Sirag near the bridge linking Omdurman with Khartoum had been broken up by Police: While the head of the coup was addressing the nation saying he was willing to hand over power to civilians, his forces were moving under cover of darkness to break up sit-in of thousands of people. They blockaded and attacked the sit-in with around 50 military and Police vehicles Mon evening and started firing tear gas, rubber bullets and sound bombs. Some people started to get injured, so we decided to withdraw to avoid more casualties. But we will be back. Another protester, Ahmed Mohamed: We are living with the same memories of breaking up protests in front of army Hq June 2019 when the military headed by RSF killed at least 128 people in the Khartoum massacre. The killers are the same and the pro-democracy protesters and demands are the same, so we are using all the peaceful methods we know to bring down this military regime and build democratic civilian rule. Abdul Salam Kisha, father of one of those killed, urged protesters to continue as the only way to bring about justice for his dead son: I have lost my only son and I have nothing else valuable to lose in my life. But it’s not only about my son – it’s about bringing the killers of every one of the dead protesters to justice and achieving the goals of the revolution…Neither the army nor civilians of political elites can do that. So we have to crush them and get democracy and justice.

The political offer made by Burhan has been widely rejected by main political parties amid violence by Security Forces. Among those who rejected it are FFC, Resistance Committees, non-signatories of Juba peace deal, Sudanese Communist Party and Sudanese Professionals Assoc. However, former rebel movements of the Juba Peace Agreement accepted the offer. Burhan offered to hand over power to a civilian administration through a political process sponsored by UN, AU and IGAD…the military would withdraw from talks to allow political factions to pick a new government…After a government is formed, Sovereign Council will be dissolved and another body comprising army and RSF militia would be formed. Al-Digair rejected Burhan’s offer on behalf of FFC, adding they would not participate in any talks that did not end the coup: The army has made no concession, as Burhan aims to create a pro-military civilian government.

Al-Burhan dismissed the 5 civilian members of the Sovereignty Council…members received an official letter relieving them. Middle East Monitor

FFC-Central Council called the speech a tactical retreat in light of popular pressure. El Degeir: smells of guardianship over the people in forming institutions and determining the form of dialogue and government…attempting to camouflage the military’s real intentions and create confusion, ignores the main cause of the crisis which is the coup – which cost Sudan $4.4 bn in suspended aid. The decisions by the military aim to fully seize sovereign power and keep holding the strings…The speech did not touch anything with regard to the revolution’s demands, such as a unified professional army, transfer of economic institutions owned by the military to Min of Finance, justice, economy and people’s livelihood. Democratic Unionist Party and NUP welcomed decisions by El Burhan. Resistance Committees downplayed the importance of El Burhan’s announcement: The speech did not carry anything new. Mohamed Taher, Ombadda Resistance Comm: El Burhan’s decisions to form a High Council of Armed Forces are worse than the previous partnership formula. Other members consider the new decisions an attempt to gain more dominance and control by the military over security issues, economy and foreign relations. Sudanese Professionals Assoc described El Burhan’s speech a desperate attempt to cling to power. El Waleed Ali: the military plan to bring all security, foreign, political and economic powers together under High Council of Armed Forces. Any government formed under this military council will be the worst of all the governments of the transitional period. There is no solution but to continue escalating protests, with the aim to fully overthrow the military and civilian putschists. Communist Party: confirmation of continuation of the military coup of 2019 and legalisation of the 2021 coup…confirms rumour about a settlement through both civilian government and security and defence council in closed rooms under auspices of US and Saudi Arabia. Noureddin Salaheldin, Sudanese Congress Party: a military council will mean an authority parallel to the civilian government…nothing but misleading…called for continuation of peaceful resistance and the revolutionary forces unify in order to bring down the coup. Arman, SPLM-N:…seeks to launder a deal through Tripartite Mechanism that legitimizes the coup by getting civilians who support the coup to choose a PM who would receive orders from Gen Command, something rejected by Salvador Allende in Chile and who paid for it. Dabanga

Emergency Lawyers reported hundreds detained during June 30 Marches including minors. Rehab Mubarak said 44 still held at Northern Section Police Station. 40 are missing. Lawyers suspect they are in Military Intelligence detention centres. Authorities released 300…among released are more than 30 young women and 25 minors. People have been detained all across Sudan and total could be more than a thousand. With increasing movement of the revolutionary tide, authorities commit clear violations and obstruct the efforts of Emergency Lawyers. Lawyers confirmed existence of places of detention for activists that are not police stations…detentions are carried out by several unknown or anonymised parties, such as military intelligence and counter intelligence which indicates lifting the State of Emergency did not change anything and left all decisions, powers and immunities as they were. Lawyers condemn continuation of illegal and incommunicado detentions, and consider these a dangerous indication of return of the former regime to illegal practices that violate international law. Dabanga

A cartel of state-affiliated actors uses its control of the economy to obstruct Sudan’s democratic ambitions, constituting a deep state and working across state structures to enrich members and insulate them. This is investigated in a new report by C4ADS which analyses conflict and security issues worldwide. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/566ef8b4d8af107232d5358a/t/62bc52d3bb85f700a809a64a/1656509153182/Breaking+the+Bank+-+C4ADS.pdf Breaking the Bank outlines how military control of the economy obstructs democracy. Complex corporate structures built to sustain the deep state under al-Bashir continue to shield it from international justice…Sudan’s deep state owns the largest companies, access to extra-budgetary financial flows, and powerful economic positions to appoint key leaders. Its control of banks, import-export companies and processing plants allows its monopolies to undercut

domestic enterprises There is very little incentive to negotiate with civilian actors while it holds military and economic power…meets opposition with violent repression. If Friends of Sudan remain committed to aspirations for a free, democratic, peaceful and prosperous Sudan, they must take action against State-Controlled Enterprises…urge Friends of Sudan to sanction the deep state’s key financial nodes. They recommend private enterprises and aid providers disengage from business with state-controlled enterprises, and international community should support civilian organisations pursuing justice and accountability. C4ADS will host a webinar July 13. Sudanese and American policy communities will reflect on the new report and discuss steps the international community can take to move Sudan towards democracy.

Sit-ins demanding overthrow of military expanded widely in Khartoum. Activists began a sit-in at El Rousi Station yesterday, bringing the number of sit-ins in the capital to 6; 5 other sit-ins, 2 in front of El Jawda Hosp, 1 in El Muassasa, 2 near the house of Ismail El Azhari (first President 1965) and El Arbaeen St. In Sennar, a sit-in is taking place and it looks like more cities are joining in. Yesterday evening it seemed like Security Forces were going to disperse the sit-ins simultaneously. However, participants in front El Jawda Hosp and El Rousi Station withdrew before forces reached them, and returned after they left. The sit-ins will remain in place until the coup regime is overthrown. Emergency Lawyers warned authorities against any attempt to break up sit-ins in Khartoum. FCC stressed the need to organise specific strikes and escalate preparations to mass civil disobedience and a comprehensive political strike through coordination between revolutionary forces…called for extensive campaigns for release of detainees. It is noteworthy FFC sent letters to all Resistance Committees in the country to collaborate on establishing a united civil front. Communist Party announced support for the sit-ins and considered them a diversification of the tools of peaceful resistance to reach a comprehensive political strike and mass civil disobedience.

El Burhan announced the military will no longer participate in negotiations. Reactions by activists are sceptical: …testimony to mounting popular pressure but it’s simply the snake changing its skin. While pretending to exit politics, the army is creating a defence council of SAF and RSF controlling the State with no civilian oversight… evidence of the success of revolutionary escalation…he knows the military cannot rule directly…it is not possible to accept any scenario that keeps El Burhan and Hemeti in any position of power without accountability…his council, proposed to establish an authority parallel to the civilian government and claim to withdraw from the political scene are nothing but misleading. We must all continue escalation through peaceful resistance and unite revolutionary forces…The military want to buy time by showing the international community that civilian opposition is not united…

6 children injured when a device exploded in Zamzam camp for the displaced near El Fasher last week. The siblings suffered various injuries, including to an eye, a broken arm and chest injuries. Their mother told Dabanga an unknown device detonated when her children started playing with it in the camp. Her daughter went to fetch fodder for livestock, found a strange object and carried it home. Years of ongoing conflict left war-torn areas littered with unexploded ordnance.

S Kordofan witnessed more lawlessness as Security Forces assaulted people in Abbasiya…joint security forces wreaked havoc in Abbasiya yesterday, assaulting and attacking local people…beating and shaving the hair of young men and tearing clothes of young women. There is widespread condemnation of the attacks and they describe the actions as barbaric. Security Forces are affiliated with one of the rebel movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement…forces were brought from the capital of So Kordofan and deployed for June 30 demonstrations. Dabanga

Sudan-Ethiopia border witnessed a rapid rise in tension as Khartoum launched a large-scale attack on positions controlled by the Ethiopian army after accusing it of executing its soldiers. It comes shortly before 3rd filling of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, one of the main elements of friction. But several civil society groups criticized the generals for taking advantage of a situation partly the result of their mismanagement of priorities to rally people behind their leadership. It occurred after Sudanese troops conducted an incursion supported by Tigray People’s Liberation Front and put the blame for the deaths on unidentified local militia. TPLF denied allegations by the Ethiopian government, suggesting its forces had been involved in killing Sudanese soldiers and civilians…the group said Ethiopian security forces have in the past been caught on tape executing civilians repeatedly: When the Abiy regime finds itself into a tight spot, it makes allegations untethered to reality. Having failed at governance, the regime continues to see Tigray as a punching bag in diverting attention away from its embarrassing domestic record. Al Monitor

Hundreds of protesters in Khartoum took to the streets for 4th day, after at least 10 people were killed earlier this week. A rally Sun against the military was met by heavy deployment of Security Forces, including the army and RSF. Resistance Comm called for continuation of protests until the military stands down from power. A general strike Fri shut down public transport and closure of shops and local markets. Middle East Eye

Bahri neighborhood committees warned of a plan to break up a sit-in at Al-Mo’as’sasa by forces affiliated with the putschist authorities. The committees appealed to people to head towards the sit-in and check its borders and protect it by constructing more barricades. It called for cameras on the ground to document the forces, their equipment and violations. Bahri Resistance Comm stated in the event of dispersal, there will be comprehensive escalation and barricading of each zone. It is on the path of overthrowing the coup by all means of peaceful resistance. Resistance Comm in Bur’ri neighborhood announced sit-ins on main streets. Al Taghyeer

El Burhan abruptly postponed a visit to El Fasher citing security concerns…was to attend graduation of 2,000 soldiers presided over by Hemeti. Gov of Darfur Minawi, Min of Defence and Saudi Amb arrived with leaders of armed struggle movements. Hemeti accused enemies abroad of obstructing the peace process, that his forces adhere to peace even if this will lead to war…attributed the spread of violence to racism and regionalism …accused international community of not abiding by promises to support peace. Members of the army led by El Burhan or RSF led by Hemeti are associated with ongoing violence against local farmers and displaced people. Dabanga

Following the June 30 anti-junta Marches that witnessed a huge turnout in more than 40 cities and towns, activists in greater Khartoum set up a number of sit-ins, calling for democracy and overthrow of the military junta. FFC denied they entered negotiations with the military. Fri, groups of protesters were blocking streets in front of El Jawda Hosp in El Deyoum El Shargiya, El Muassasa in Bahri, Omdurman between El Azhari Sq and Wad Durro neighbourhood, and El Arbaeen St (Martyr St). Resistance Comm in El Rumeila and El Lamab started a 5th sit-in, while Resistance Comm of Wad Madani, El Gezira, announced a sit-in Tues. Hundreds of activists including lawyers were detained in various states some for a short period, others still being held. Opinions varied about the effectiveness of neighbourhood sit-ins and their impact on the overall situation. Many state the large sit-in of 2019 has a very large impact because of its location in the centre of Khartoum army Hq. Others fear sit-ins will be dispersed, as in June 2019 when more than 100 protesters were killed. Journalist Durra Gambo believes sit-ins may reduce direct confrontations…sit-ins give revolutionaries the opportunity to stay with each other in one place for relatively long periods during which they can coordinate the next steps, in addition to opportunities to seek safety. Emergency Lawyers announced a central room to follow up sit-ins and monitor human rights violations, prepared adequate monitoring and follow-up for any attempt to target sit-ins. They called lawyers in all cities and towns to join the Central Security Room to protect sit-ins. Dabanga

July 4, 2022

Al-Burhan said ruling Sovereign Council will be dissolved after formation of a new government. army will withdraw from ongoing political talks and allow political and revolutionary groups to agree on formation of a civilian government. Sovereign Council will be dissolved once political parties agree on forming a civilian government, a higher council of the army and RSF will be established after dissolution of Sovereign Council. FFC wants the military to leave power and the formation of a fully civilian government in the country. Middle East Monitor

Al-Burhan called political forces to agree on a civilian transitional government without them, adding they want to establish a national security council. During the past 2 years he quarrelled with the civilian government as he put his nose in everything: peace talks, foreign policy, economic policies until the coup of Oct, when the coalition asked to hand over chairmanship of the Sovereign Council. He surprised many when he declared army withdrawal from the political scene. The surprising announcement comes as Resistance Committees launched a series of sit-ins to trigger a general strike forcing the coup leader to hand over power to the people. Dissolution of Sovereign Council means dissolution of the military cabinet, and leaders of peace signatory groups would lose their positions. Sudan Tribune FFC-Central Comm stand with the street movement, protest marches and sit-ins. El Degeir, FFC-CC leading member said rumours about an 80% agreement with the military are incorrect: We did and do not communicate with the coup. There is no political process possible withal this killing…mainstream FFC will continue to call for a unified centre of revolutionary forces and urged the international community not to equate the victim with the executioner. Dabanga

July 2 2022, 

 

Hundreds have taken to the streets in Khartoum, a day after 9 people killed in anti-military demonstrations…funeral marches for those killed turned into protests while others gathered after Fri prayers at mosques. Online, photos of the dead were posted, in some cases in an effort to identify them. Sudan’s Doctors Comm said Security Forces shot and killed 9 people, including a child. The demonstrations coincided with widespread internet disruptions. Internet monitors and activists say the government crippled communications to prevent gatherings and slow the spread of news on days when large protest turnout is expected. Independent

FFC called for a united civilian front to overthrow the military through a general strike within 2 weeks. FFC said delay of a unified civilian front is the reason for the existence of the regime…urgent call to form a unified coordinating centre to prepare for escalating mass action and comprehensive civil disobedience after Eid al-Adha. Positions of some political forces contributed to disrupting unity and cohesion of revolutionary forces. Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors said Security Forces wounded 629 protesters: 35 by live bullets, 64 head injuries with tear gas canisters, 23 gunshot wounds from cartridge weapons, 10 in vehicle-ramming attacks by Police, 12 eye injuries, and a protester was stabbed in the shoulder with probably a machete, several cases of suffocation. Resistance Committees, Communists and non-signatory groups reject participation of the military and are on the same page with FFC. However, they reject ongoing negotiations brokered by US and Saudi Arabia between FFC and the military. Communist Party rejects FFC call to form a united front and accuses them of working to restore a partnership government with the military. Communists call for a Unified Centre for a Comprehensive Radical Change to Achieve Peace, Justice & Unity…a coordinating body for the struggle to overthrow the junta. The Party stressed this body is open to political parties, unions, armed movements and committees and organizations created by the masses to lead the revolutionary movement towards radical change. The Party opposed the Juba Peace Agreement with Darfur groups and SPLM-N…Darfur armed groups do not represent the silent majority in Internally Displaced Persons camps. Holdout Sudan Liberation Movement, al-Nur rejected any partnership with the military and called for unity to bring the coup to hand over power to the people: Building a unified civilian front to coordinate all forces of the revolution is an urgent duty we must now accomplish without delay …necessary to defeat the coup and establish full civilian power. The holdout armed group called for consensus on a civilian transitional government made up of independent figures that would implement a national programme through Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue to address root causes of the crisis. Resistance Comm started 3 sit-ins in Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman to keep pressure on coup leaders. Sudan Tribune

Dep Head of SPLM-N Arman, called cadres and supporters to participate in anti-coup demonstrations. Arman held a meeting with leaders of SPLM-N in Khartoum State where he spoke about New Sudan’s vision for peace, justice and equal citizenship: We must stand with the revolution and actively participate in demonstrations, mobilize all our cadres and masses, and raise our flag in the rallies. SPLM-N stands by the revolution, and its future is with the revolution. Juba Peace Agreement was designed to complete the transition and has no value without democratic process. Arman, among FFC leaders detained, has been actively engaged alongside FFC groups to restore civilian government…denounced statements by SPLM-N leader Agar, who described anti-coup protests as terrorism. Sudan Tribune

July 1, 2022

Khartoum death toll reaches 10. Security Forces fired stun grenades and tear gas in an attempt to stop thousands of protesters from reaching the presidential palace. Protests in Atbara and Wad Madani spread to the capital. In Omdurman the government attempted to stop protesters from crossing into Khartoum. Protesters hope a united front from civilian opposition will signal to dissidents in the military and potentially inspire mutinies. 112 people died in anti-junta protests, Thurs, the highest death toll to date.

 POWER OF PROTESTS Protesters rallied again Fri and Security Forces fired tear gas a day after a mass demonstration drawing tens of thousands was met with the deadliest violence this year. Hundreds of activists massed near the palace after at least 10 people were killed. At least 7 were shot in the chest or head, Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors said. One of them was a minor killed by a bullet in the chest. Comm noted very large number of injuries, at least 100, caused by live fire, as reports of serious violence came in from all parts of Sudan. Resistance Committees called for continuation of protests until the military stands down. A general strike Fri saw shutdown of public transport and closure of shops and local markets. Protests in Khartoum were larger than normal, and demonstrations took place in Wad Madani in the south, W Darfur, eastern states Kassala and Gedaref, Pt Sudan. Thurs rallies showed a change in the balance of power in favour of the mass movement and its goals of seizing complete civil authority and defeating the coup, said FFC. Middle East Eye

Protesters returned to the streets in continuing demonstrations against ruling military generals. Hiba Morgan said protesters gathered in front of Al-Joda Hosp where dozens were being treated for injuries: Protesters have been staging a sit-in for more than 24 hours now, they say they will continue to voice their anger at the military and demand they hand over power to a civilian government. US and international community condemned the violence in this East African nation, rocked by near-weekly protests since an Oct coup upended its fragile transition to democracy. Military authorities met protests with a deadly crackdown, which has so far killed 113 people, including 18 children. Sudan’s Doctors Comm said Security Forces killed 9 people, including a child, and injured 500 in or near Khartoum Thurs. Demonstrations coincided with widespread internet disruptions. Internet monitors and activists said the government crippled communications to prevent gatherings and slow the spread of news on days when large protest turnout is expected. Leading pro-democracy groups – Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change and Resistance Committees – called for nationwide protests. UN political mission, AU and 8 nation-E African IGAD have been trying to broker a way out of the impasse. The 3 bodies expressed disappointment over continued use of excessive force by Security Forces and lack of accountability, despite repeated commitments by authorities. Dallia Mohamed, former journalist, said it has been 8 months of straight protests and people in Thurs’ rally were more resilient. They were more adamant with their calls and what they want…civilian rule and for the army to go back to the barracks. The protesters’ demands are very clear they have never wavered from their demands. They want a civilian government. Al Jazeera

Perthes announced that talks between FFC-Central Council and the military allowed both to come close to an agreement. The main dispute is limited to military remaining its presence and influence in State institutions…parties are roughly 80% towards reaching agreement, but the presence of the military in politics remains a point of contention. Perthes rejected accusations of siding with certain parties but stressed Sudan must return to transitional constitutional rule with the aim of establishing a democracy…mainstream FFC-CC is an essential component of a comprehensive solution, but their presence is not sufficient and all parties must make concessions…praised positive change in positions of all parties regarding negotiations and participating in Trilateral Mechanism, except the Communist Party and mainstream Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party: They reject any dialogue with the military. Ba’ath party accused remnants of the former regime and revolutionaries plotting to lure other national forces into a settlement that preserves the Salvation Regime [of Al Bashir] in new clothes. The party reflects the opinion of many that the military will never hand over power to the people: It is not possible to imagine a political solution with the putschists, especially as the people have repeatedly rejected all attempts to legitimise the coup.

Various rebel movements and protest groups including FCC and Resistance Comm of Khartoum State refused to take part in dialogue with the military and those who support them. Resistance Commmittees in Wad Madani and Khartoum launched a Charter to break with current dominant opposition forces. Wad Madani launched Revolutionary Charter for People’s Power, whilst Khartoum Resistance Comm proposed Charter for the Establishment of the People’s Authority. Both call for civilian-led democratic governance and prioritise social justice. Resistance Committees working on unifying both Charters to create a common stance. Resistance Comm Khartoum announced unification efforts and set the deadline for merging the texts on July 5. Bahri Neighbourhood Comm criticised procedures for merging the Charter…many Resistance Committees in the States that signed RCPP have not yet seen the CEPA text.

21 Sudanese human rights and civil society organisations called on UN not to engage Reps of African Union. They submitted a memorandum to Rep of Secy-Gen in which they criticised the negative role of Reps of the AU and accused them of not being neutral, procrastination, obstructing the transfer of power to civilians…pointed to the absence of monitoring the work of the Trilateral Mechanism. It accused AU Envoy Lebatt and Amb Belaiche of siding with the military junta, and working to promote the coup: This is in violation of the declared position of the AU, which suspended Sudan’s membership immediately after the coup d’état. Among signatories are Darfur Bar Assoc, Darfur Aid & Documentation Centre, Legal Authority for Defence of Those Affected by the Unlawful Detentions, Nuba Mountains Lawyers, Beja Lawyers, Nubian Legal Comm, MANSAM alliance of activists and political and civil society groups, including women’s and youth groups. Dabanga

Western governments repeatedly called on generals to allow peaceful protests, but have angered the protest movement for sometimes engaging with leading generals. Pro-democracy leaders call for the generals to leave power immediately. We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of life in yesterday’s protests, US Emb said Fri. We urge all parties to resume negotiations and call on peaceful voices to rise above those who advocate or commit violence. A video circulated online appearing to show Security Forces prodding and kicking a badly injured protester in the street…the protester later died. Interior Min which oversees Police continuously denied the use of live fire on protesters, despite evidence.

Protesters rallied again and Security Forces fired tear gas at them, a day after a mass demonstration drawing tens of thousands was met with the deadliest violence this year. Hundreds of activists massed near the presidential palace after 10 people were killed during rallies against a military takeover. Resistance Committees Fri called for continuation of protests until the military stands down. Medics reported several attempts to storm hospitals in Khartoum, with Security Forces firing tear gas into one where some of injured during protests had been taken. UN, AU and IGAD criticised the violence and excessive force and lack of accountability, despite repeated commitments by authorities. Protests were larger than normal, and demonstrations took place in Wad Madani, south, west Darfur, eastern states Kassala and Gedaref, Pt Sudan. Thursday’s rallies showed a change in the balance of power in favour of the mass movement and its goals of seizing complete civil authority and defeating the coup…30 June is our way to bring down the coup and block the path of any fake alternatives said FFC. The people want to bring down Burhan, some protesters chanted while others, carrying photos of people killed in months of protest-related violence, yelled: We call for retribution! Protests come on the anniversary of a previous coup 30 June 1989 which toppled the country’s last elected civilian government and ushered in 3 decades of authoritarian rule. Middle East Eye 

The injured in Khartoum alone reached 500…forces met protesters with violence that included live bullets, rubber bullets, heavy tear gas deployment, beating and according to some social media sources, throwing protesters off Mek Nimr bridge. The authorities disabled all internet connections and methods of communication since Thurs morning. Despite so, a video showing the moment a protester was killed by gunfire managed to make its way to social media. Several tweets indicated that US-sanctioned Central Reserve Forces were very active in the violent crackdown on the 3rd anniversary of protests that brought civilian forces back into leadership following the infamous Khartoum massacre.

June 30, 2022

8 people killed as huge crowds took to the streets amid a communications blackout to rally against the military. 6 people were fatally shot when police fired live ammunition at protesters in Omdurman. Across the Nile, another person died from a gunshot wound 

Wounded protester, Khartoum in the head and a child died after being shot in the chest. Crowds in the tens of thousands were estimated protesting in Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri. The protesters barricaded some of the main thoroughfares with stones and burning tyres. Videos showing thousands of people waving Sudanese flags and running under clouds of tear gas. We’re very, very much gravely concerned by the continued use of excessive force by the government security forces in Sudan as they respond to protests and especially what we’ve seen today, UN said. Hiba Morgan said civilians had been mobilising for weeks: They want to make sure the message is: they want a civilian government and not a military leadership. Protesters carried banners calling for justice for those killed in a violent crackdown during an uprising in 2019 that overthrew Al Bashir and led to power-sharing between civilian groups and military. Others chanted Burhan, Burhan, back to the barracks and hand over your companies – a reference to the economic holdings of al Burhan, who toppled the transitional government and brought back military rule. Al Jazeera

Unified Doctors Office raised alarm after several attempts from Security Forces to attack hospitals in Khartoum as well as medical staff working tirelessly to treat the injured during today’s demonstrations. The doctors warned coup authorities against violating health facilities and abusing medical staff: This may lead complete withdrawal from all hospitals without exceptions…we are working on all lines to treat the injuries of our people who suffer from the cruelty and oppression of their leaders whose sights are clouded by the authority. Dabanga

First casualties fall as pro-democracy Marches of the Millions erupt. Thousands answered the call of Resistance Committees, taken to the streets of Khartoum, towns and cities across the States timed to mark the anniversary of the coup that toppled the last elected government and began the dictatorship that would last 30 years. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors and Sudan Emergency Lawyers confirm 4 protesters were shot dead in Omdurman. Both organisations reported many casualties among peaceful demonstrators in Omdurman, Bahri and Khartoum. By 18:00, the death toll mounted to 6. Wad Madani 

is seeing massive demonstrations converging on the government secretariat. State government declared a holiday in the city. Government forces are using excessive force against marchers on Nile St using tear gas and birdshot. Demonstrations in Nyala and Zalingei, Darfur, Kadugli, So Kordofan, El Gedaref and Kassala, east Sudan, and Dongola and Atbara, no Sudan. Reports from Pt Sudan, Red Sea State indicate demonstrations are subjected to repression and tear gas fired near the College of Engineering. The junta pre-empted demonstrations with a campaign of arrests in Khartoum and the States: Amna Abdel Moneim in Khartoum, because of distribution of posters; activist Fathi Yahya Wed evening for hours. So Darfur State Prosecution anticipated the June 30 appeal by summoning the head of Darfur Bar Assoc, Adam Rashid and others on unspecified charges. At the level of diaspora countries, activists organised vigils in Netherlands, Switzerland, France and other countries in solidarity with the Marches. Radio Dabanga

Sudan coup 2021: Who is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan?

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15-year-old protester was killed in peaceful processions in Bahri, Wed evening, with a gunshot wound to the chest. In Khartoum and the states, people rallied in anticipation of the Marches of the Millions. Khartoum State Security announced closure of Nile bridges, except for Soba and Halfaya. Thurs, Security Forces continued to detain members from Resistance Comm and activists, and searched vehicles. El Daein Resistance Comm, E Darfur reported detention of Fathi Yahya Adam. Khartoum and towns witnessed heavy military deployment, while demonstrators defied them and took to the streets in anticipation of mass marches today. Parades and vigils calling for mass participation were reported in Wad Madani, Hasaheisa, Rufaa, El Managil in El Gezira, Kosti in White Nile State, El Obeid in No Kordofan, En Nehoud in W Kordofan, Nyala in So Darfur, Ed Daein in E Darfur, Pt Sudan and Kassala in east Sudan, Sennar, Ed Damazin in Blue Nile State, Atbara and El Matamma in R Nile State, and Dongola in Northern State. El Gedaref Resistance Comm said military forces toured the city to show their strength. In Northern State 60 Egyptian lorries were blocked for a 2nd day, after members of Resistance Comm barricaded the highway linking Khartoum with the Egyptian border…they stopped trucks loaded with cotton, sesame and Sudanese raw materials on their way to Egypt. Dabanga

June 29, 2022

US and EU diplomats urge refrain from violence against pro-democracy protests…4 Congressmen renewed calls for targeted sanctions on coup leaders. Asst Secy of State for Africa spoke with Gen al-Burhan, not to use violence to disperse protests supporting the restoration of a civilian government. Phee spoke with leaders of FFC and Sudanese Revolutionary Forces. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and EU delegation calling upon authorities to guarantee freedom of expression…it is essential for protests to remain peaceful and protected by security forces. The Congressmen issued a statement calling coup leaders to cede power to civilian government and respect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Sens Menendez and Risch and Reps Meeks and McCaul condemned killing of 200 civilians as result of excessive violence…urged the military to return to their barracks and called Biden administration and international community to take punitive measures against military leaders: We urge US and the international community to curb impunity by imposing individual, targeted sanctions on Security Force leaders responsible for gross violations of human rights or significant public corruption. Sudan Tribune Sudanese Foreign Min summoned UNITAMS head to protest statements about the need to avoid violence. Undersecretary Ali summoned Perthes to express dissatisfaction of the Sudanese government with statements about anti-coup demonstrations…built on preconceived judgments and assumptions condemning law enforcement. Amid multiple calls to take to the streets, the military deployed Security Forces across the capital. They closed streets leading to army general command and palace. Emergency Lawyers, Darfur Lawyers Assoc, Nuba Mountains Lawyers Assoc, Lawyers for Change, among others, wrote to the AG and UNITAMS about risks facing the protesters. Al-Burhan described calls for protests sabotage…the armed forces will not compromise in their duty. Sudan Tribune

7 killed as protesters rally on uprising anniversary…crowds took to the streets despite heavy security and a communications blackout to rally against the military. In central Khartoum, Security Forces fired tear gas and water cannon as they tried to prevent swelling numbers of protesters from marching towards the palace. They estimated crowds in Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri at least in the tens of thousands, the largest crossing into Khartoum. Some protesters carried banners calling for justice for those killed in previous demonstrations. Others chanted Burhan, Burhan, back to the barracks and hand over your companies – reference to the military’s economic holdings. In the evening, protesters in Bahri and Khartoum were starting sit-ins against Thurs’ deaths, one of the highest single-day tolls to date. Either we get to the presidential palace and remove al-Burhan or we won’t return home said a 21-year-old female student. It was the first time in months of protests internet and phone services had been cut. Witnesses reported tear gas and gunfire as Security Forces prevented staff at 2 private sector 

telecoms companies said authorities ordered them to shut down the internet once again. Security Forces closed bridges over the Nile, another step typically taken on big protest days to limit movement of marchers. Wed, medics aligned with the protest movement said Security Forces shot dead a child in Bahri during neighbourhood protests. Thurs’ deaths, 5 in Omdurman, 1 in Khartoum and child in Bahri brought the number of protesters killed to 110. There were many injuries and attempts by Security Forces to storm hospitals in Khartoum where demonstrators were being treated, Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors said. Reuters 4 protesters were killed in Omdurman as Sudanese massively took to the streets. Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors confirming 2 protesters were shot dead by live ammunition in the chest…many wounded by tear gas and stun grenades Security Forces fired directly on protesters. The authorities shut off internet across the country to prevent coordination between neighbourhood groups and international communications. However, some activists and pro-democracy groups continue to report about protests. During a phone call with Asst Secy for Africa Molly Phee, al-Burhan pledged to not use violence against protesters. Videos and pictures show large demonstrations in Madani, Pt Sudan and Nyala. Activists reported huge protests in Kadoguli and Dongola. Sudan Tribune

June 28, 2022

Human Rights Watch is rolling out a series of videos, Voices from Sudan, in which Sudanese engaging in the struggle for a fairer future describe their very different stories, hopes and fears…we express our solidarity with Sudanese from all walks of life bearing the brunt of ongoing repression and encourage decision makers and people across the globe to take some time to really listen to these hopes and calls. https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/styles/16x9_xxl/public/media_2022/06/202205AFR_Sudan_Voices_Darish.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=OofKZ246

We start the series speaking to a member of a Resistance Comm: We as young people did not want the conditions to stay the way they were said Mohamed Darish…it was not the life we dreamt about. It was not the nation we aspired for. Resistance Comm continued to advocate for justice and systemic reforms, while providing social services to their communities amid growing economic challenges. These groups repeatedly warned that failing to tackle the well-entrenched culture of impunity through credible justice reforms and domestic accountability would only embolden those in positions of power who continued to commit serious abuses. And yet, the justice agenda was put on the back burner by transitional authorities and international backers. Security Forces killed 102 people during protests, including 15 children, and detained hundreds, targeting those active or perceived to be within Resistance Comm or social movements. The government has increasingly unlawfully and inappropriately used tear gas and rubber and frangible bullets to inflict serious physical harm.

We speak to Zainab Al Sidig, mother of Sit alNfor Ahmed, one of the protestors killed. Nov 17, 2021 Central Reserve Police killed 16 protestors in Bahri – the heaviest day of fatalities. Sit, a 24-year-old nurse and Resistance Comm member, would provide first aid to injured protesters. Her killing served as a rallying cry for many, including women protesters. Her family has yet to receive answers, despite lodging a complaint with their local police station, who said she died in an accident before agreeing to investigate. Her mother’s frustrations similar to families of other protesters killed during the 2018-19 revolution and since.

We speak to a female photojournalist who uses her work to support the struggle for rights, gender justice. Within a vibrant movement, women have been active participants, often at a heavy price. We documented incidents of sexual assault and harassment – Oct to March, UN received reports of 16 cases of sexual violence during protests. Security Forces have a long history of using sexual violence, intimidation and abuse to silence and intimidate female activists, human rights defenders and protesters. Even before the coup, the much hoped for reforms in women’s rights, including repeal of discriminatory laws and promotion of women’s political participation, failed to materialize. Afraa Saad, photographer, played a role in capturing protests on camera: We as women are fighting in all areas but in the end we just want our full rights…in a Sudan that has room for everyone and has peace, liberty and equality for us as women.

Arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances targeting active protest members have been widespread. Motaz Bashir, 37-year-old activist, was held 2 weeks: Detention is a price that we have to pay. Unidentified security forces raided Bashir’s house and took him to Soba Prison with no access to the outside world. His story resembles many social movement members or perceived to be, detained since the coup.

We speak to a journalist trying to cover protests. Security Forces sought to restrict reporting on protests and dissent, raiding offices of media outlets twice, arresting and harassing journalists. All these things make the work of journalists more difficult, Durra Gambo, female journalist, because they are split between reporting the news…as well as protecting themselves. Concerned governments and donors should make clear they are willing to stand with Sudanese not only in words but actions and get behind calls for accountability, justice and security sector reform. This means listening to the voices of this vibrant movement, addressing their key demands on building a rights-respecting, civilian rule, and not jettisoning justice in favor of political expediency.

The military launched an offensive against Ethiopian forces along al-Fashaga border after the alleged execution of 7 Sudanese soldiers and a civilian. Conflict in fertile al-Fashaga, claimed by Khartoum and Addis Ababa, occasionally flares up but has been largely dormant this year as Sudan’s authorities consolidate rule following a military coup, while Ethiopia remains embroiled in a brutal civil war. The deaths sparked military, political and diplomatic escalation, with Ethiopia denying it was responsible and accusing Sudan of cooperating with Tigray People’s Liberation Front the Ethiopian government is at war with. A land spanning over 1 million acres, al-Fashaga sits between Atbara and Salami Rivers. The region was declared Sudanese in a 1902 agreement between Ethiopian emperor and British colonial authorities long witnessed disputes and battles. Ethiopian official: Sudanese claims were propaganda to cover its hidden intelligence war against Ethiopia…Sudan is trying to conceal its support for TPLF, at war with the government since Nov 2020, the month Sudan seized al-Fashaga. National Resistance Comm labelled it an attempt to draw attention away from Sudan’s domestic crises: Burhan wants to draw attention away from the big 30 June rallies we are organising to bring his regime down. Sudanese political analyst said the governments are in acute need of something to distract people from crises they can’t solve: Burhan and Abiy are in bad need of these tactics, Abiy has no clear vision to end the civil war in his country, Burhan is facing huge internal pressure because of wide popular rejection of the coup he committed, as well as international isolation…there could be other strategic reasons behind the escalation – 3rd filling of highly controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is due in July, which may threaten Sudan’s water supply. Middle East Eye

June 27, 2022

Resistance Committees and political and professional opposition groups continue preparations for the June 30 Marches of the Million calling for overthrow of military rulers. Resistance Committees in neighbourhoods and villages continue parades and vigils to call for mass participation in the intifada Marches of the Millions this Thurs .

 calling for full civilian rule. Assoc of Sudanese Abroad urged people planning to travel to adjust travel conditions before June 30, the date of the popular uprising the country has not witnessed before…air, sea and land borders will be closed by order of the people, meaning whoever is inside remains inside and whoever is abroad remains abroad. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors stressed full readiness to treat protesters on the 30 June in field aid teams and hospital emergency wards…called colleagues to urgently help setting up strike committees. June 30 demonstrations coincide with a campaign calling for criminalising violence against protesters and banning shotguns.

Civil servants in Red Sea State have given the state government 48 hours to adjust salaries according to the 2022 salary structure, threatened to escalate protests. El Fasher junior doctors announced a comprehensive open strike in 3 hospitals. Residents in Nyala marched to government offices Sun morning to protest confiscation of the only bus station in the neighbourhood. State government sold the site without public notice. El Gedaref Resistance Comm organized a sit-in in rejection to sell land by public auction…a waste of the rights of future generations. Dabanga

The number of victims of maltreatment and torture by authorities is rapidly increasing says Sudanese Psychiatrist Amal Jabrallah…increased physical maltreatment of pro-democracy activists and demonstrators aims to break the revolutionaries in order to get confessions and fabricate charges. The authorities should have researched and disclosed the locations of the torture centres and ghost houses, who founded them and those in charge of them…They should have held accountable those who committed crimes of torture that led to the death of some and injury of others with severe physical and psychological effects. The impunity of the government forces leads to more human rights violations. The psychiatrist called for more efforts to be made to uproot the phenomenon of torture from Sudan and provide support to the victims in order to save our youth from the destructive effects. Dabanga

June 26, 2022

The military demands to participate again in the transitional government but FFC strongly opposed to repeating past mistakes, said Mariam al-Mahdi Dep Head, NUP. The military explicitly proposed re-establishment of a civil-military partnership again. FCC: The military talks about a civil-military partnership as it was before or a formula close to it. But we consider this partnership was a mistake…The military are saying clearly they should be part of the government, and we tell them clearly that you should not be part of the government…issues of war-affected regions are national issues after the revolution and not the monopole of a specific political group or armed movement. FFC are considering participation of Resistance Committees in the next step saying they are the entity that protects the revolution: Dialogue alone is not enough and the role of the street is important and crucial. Sudan Tribune

June 25, 2022

US diplomat strongly criticised visit by Dep Head of Sovereign Council to Russia, saying it was against people’s desire for peace and freedom. The decision by Hemetti to visit Moscow at a time where Putin was planning an invasion of a neighbouring state was very poor...I would urge all Sudan’s leaders to decide how to engage with foreign countries to keep on the forefront what Sudanese people are asking for which is peace, freedom, democracy. DOS said Russian activities in Africa are designed to impoverish African states. He advised avoiding any assistance Russia offers particularly through private military companies like Wagner stressing countries engaged with these entities find themselves more improvised and less secure. Sudan Tribune

June 22, 2022

FFC and civil society groups denounced statements by AU Amb suspending participation in Trilateral Mechanism. Mohamed Belaiche, AU Rep said he has been excluded to bridge gaps between rivals FFC and military. Belaiche made his remarks with groups supporting the coup…triggered strong criticism from FFC, Darfur Lawyers Assoc and Civil Action Group. The former ruling coalition said the Rep spoke about exclusion while surrounded by figures known for their support of the military that ousted them: So about what exclusion does Amb Belaiche speak? We reject his statements, condemn it and call on AU to correct them stressed FFC. Civil Action Group alliance of political and civil society activists accused AU of exercising clear and explicit blackmail several times, to disrupt handling of the coup crisis…weakness by UN and IGAD towards continuous blackmail practised by AU in favour of the putschists. Darfur Lawyers said Belaiche’s statements represent clear interference in Sudanese internal affairs and attempt to cause confusion…shed light on the discomfort of political forces to deal with AU envoys who reflect a counterrevolutionary mentality.

June 23, 2022

Public Prosecution issued warrants to arrest Nasreldin Abdelbari, former Min of Justice, and Lugman Ahmed, former Dir of State TV…accuse the 2 former officials of defaming them. Abdelbari served in Council of Ministers formed by PM Hamdok until the coup; Ahmed was replaced after the coup. Dabanga 13 people were injured in Khartoum, Bahri, Omdurman and Wad Madani Mon. Tues saw new protests of activists and organisations preparing followers for widespread national mass action across Sudan – and possible closure of borders – in Marches of the Millions June 30. People took to the streets in massive processions in Omdurman, Bahri and south Khartoum, Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira State to demand overthrow of the ruling military junta. During the marches, which began after Secondary School exams, protesters chanted slogans demanding full civil authority. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors confirmed 13 cases of injuries in June 21 demonstrations in Khartoum and Bahri including 6 head injuries; 7 cases of injuries to the body as a result of stone throwing and stampedes.

Kamelab Tribes Youth Assembly continued to barricade Heidoub Port, Red Sea State for 5th day, demanding compensation for building highway and development projects. In a memorandum to the Red Sea State government the youth called for introduction of electricity and maintenance of water stations, rehabilitation of health centres and provision of ambulances, 5% of the quarry’s revenues in support of social responsibility programmes, appointment of competent people from Tokar in management of ports, and 3 seats for people from the region in Board of Directors of Maritime Ports Auth. Dabanga

The statements of Rep Belaiche regarding suspension of participation in activities of the Tripartite Mechanism aroused wide reactions. Belaiche decided there is no need to attend meetings of camouflage, evasion and lack of transparency in an exclusionary atmosphere. Hemeti stressed the need for AU to continue. Minni Minawi, SLM-MM, said withdrawal of AU is a clear reflection of the ambiguous bilateral dialogue, which will impose its outcomes on the people…warned against bringing Sudan into a tunnel difficult to get out of…secret negotiations are taking place more dangerous than before Oct. El Bereir, FFC-CC, denied any dialogue taking place in secret between FFC and military. FFC agreed to mediation in order to end the coup and create an atmosphere building confidence, lifting emergency, stopping violence before starting comprehensive dialogue. Ardol, Secy-Gen FFC National Accord, praised the position of AU and suspended participation in bilateral meetings between Freedom and Change and the Military, describing it a strong and solid position. He said dialogue between the military and FFC-CC created a parallel platform for the Trilateral Mechanism, which hinders its efforts…warned bilateral meetings would threaten the future of dialogue. Dabanga

June 22, 2022

 Over the weekend authorities handed over 21 Egyptian dissidents to Egyptian authorities, accusing them of taking part in a terror act in Jabra. Their deportation received widespread concern from rights activists, particularly as one of the men, Muhammad Ibrahim, was deported with his wife, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Human rights groups said the Egyptians had been tried in absentia in politically motivated cases and it is widely known what will happen to them back home. There is well documented evidence that outspoken Egyptians are subject to abuses including forcible disappearance and torture. Egyptian journalist in Turkiye, Haytham Abokhalil: What the regime in Sudan has done is a big crime. They know the judiciary in Egypt is politicised and there are no fair trials. Haytham’s brother, a renowned psychiatrist, died in an Egyptian jail from medical neglect after being detained as a punitive measure against Haytham’s critical reporting: If those innocents are accused of any crimes, they should be tried in Sudan and their alleged crimes should be clarified. That these innocent people should be handed over is incomprehensible. Incomprehensible, yes, but not the first time Khartoum handed government critics over to Cairo. Habiba Ahmed Mohamed was arrested in E Nile with her mother and sister and deported to Egypt, forcibly disappeared for 3 days, accused of funding a terror group. Egyptian citizen Hossam Menoufy Sallam was living in exile in Sudan and sentenced to 25 years in absentia accused of being involved in several terror acts. This latest deportation comes against the backdrop of deepening ties between Egypt and Sudan to the extent that after last year’s coup in Sudan opposition leaders accused Egypt’s President of giving Al-Burhan the greenlight to oust PM Hamdok. There is no doubt what occurred involved complicity between the coup authority in Egypt and the military regime in Sudan. Often these deportations are done under the pretext of the fight against terrorism. MEM

June 21, 2022

AU refuted reports the bloc is to withdraw from the Trilateral Mechanism. Opposition voices continue to boycott the dialogue, asserting it legitimises the junta. United Sudanese Revolutionary Forces Abroad, a revolutionary coordination body of more than 31 Sudanese entities across the world, expressed disappointment and rejection of the Trilateral negotiations with the coup government. USRFA were steadfast in opposition of any talk to legitimise the coup government and exonerate those who committed unspeakable atrocities in Sudan. Dabanga

Alternative Sea Port Workers Union announced rejection of a new port funded by Abu Dhabi. Osman Taher: UAE is a major competitor to Sudan’s ports in the Red Sea… threatening to close facilities in the port…called for implementation of the project for the benefit of Sudan with regional and international banks. UAE will build a new port as part of an investment worth $6b, able to handle all types of goods and compete with Sudan’s main national port, Pt Sudan. Resistance Committees reject privatisation of ports and new parallel ports owned by foreign companies or countries: this directly leads to transformation of Pt Sudan and Suakin into abandoned ruins…deprives Sudan of controlling and managing incoming and outgoing movement, turning it into an open focus by multinational companies…stressed non-recognition of any local or international agreement concluded by the coup government…countries, institutions and companies have warned against entering such deals as they are destined to fall with the fall of the coup…called all revolutionary groups to reject these corrupt deals. Acting Foreign Min says agreement is designed to enable banks to perform in development of Sudan’s economy negotiated between Sudan, UAE and large strategic economic partnerships, private sectors. Dabanga

FFC Central Council received an invitation for another meeting with the military junta called by US and Saudi Arabia. FFC prepared their vision, which requires ending the coup and establishing a democratic civil authority…FFC believes the measures needed to create a democratic climate have not been implemented, especially release of all detainees, cessation of violence against protesters, freedom and right of expression, protection of civilians, cessation of procedures that allow return of employees of the former regime, and return of the people’s recovered property and money: we must deal transparently with our people and the forces of revolution and resistance…we do not want a political process that comes at the expense of our people’s struggle and sacrifices, buys time or legitimises the coup. FFC mentioned extensive preparations for mass protests in complete unity between revolutionary forces aiming to defeat the coup, and we stress that any political solution must fulfill the demands of the revolution and nothing else. Sudanese all over the country are preparing for massive national protests against coup authorities on June 30. Dabanga

Russian Wagner mercenaries involved in heavy attacks on artisanal mines along the lawless border between Sudan and Central African Rep to plunder the valuable gold trade. Dozens of miners thought to have died in at least 3 major attacks this year involving mercenaries working for Wagner…reports of attacks on mines in at least 6 other places across CAR. Most of the victims identified as Sudanese and Chadian mine workers. A witness stated he had been attacked in the border by people he identified as Russians and soldiers belonging to CAR. He helped burial of the other 21 victims, all Sudanese. Another Sudanese witness revealed around 70 people, including his brother and relatives, were murdered by Russian and African soldiers who attacked miners in March…the armed Russo-African militia came to kill and rob everybody their hands could reach. 2 weeks ago NYT released a report detailing the extent of Wagner’s operations in Sudan…obtaining lucrative Sudanese mining concessions that produce a stream of gold. Al Taghyeeer

June 20, 2022

An accelerated breakdown in services including water and electricity supplies, left citizens counting the cost of political stalemate. The slide in living conditions comes after the coup triggered suspension of $US billions in international funding, at a time when the war in Ukraine pushed the cost of key imports higher. It has fed into anti-military demonstrations held at least once a week for 8 months, adding pressure for military and civilian groups to come to a political agreement. Authorities are pressing on with economic reforms that a civilian-led government began under IMF monitoring in 2020, aimed at reducing subsidies seen as inflationary, but government spending has skyrocketed. The government refrained from printing money to finance the deficit, and monthly revenues have risen by 2/3 over 6 months. But inflation means spending has grown even faster. The monthly bill for public sector salaries stood at 180 billion pounds, up from 54 billion since the start of the year, on top of rising costs for fuel, wheat and other imports. Al-Shigla residents crowding round private tankers selling water said their local water supply has been dry for weeks: Since April water hasn’t flowed through my kitchen’s pipes, and the Nile is just a km away, said a homemaker. Roads were dotted with stagnant, green pools of water and uncollected rubbish. Several residents described their lives as hellish: We can’t buy water because it’s so expensive, 36-year-old bakery employee. Inflation eased slightly but remains at 192%. In Khartoum, major intersections are often jammed as traffic lights lose power. Officials at the water authority blame a lack of government funding to maintain water stations or pipes. Frequent power outages disable water pumps. The government subsidises electricity, but there is a supply deficit authorities hope to fill through foreign investments and renewable energy: What happened in Oct had a significant impact on the economy, citing suspension of $4b in Western aid for 22-23. We had big projects in electricity, irrigation and rural development, and this all stopped. Western donors say suspended economic assistance will only return after appointment of a credible civilian government. Analysts say even if that condition were met, it would be harder than before to mobilise support after the coup derailed engagement with international lenders. The civilian coalition that shared power with the military before the coup began meetings with generals in an effort to break the deadlock. But protest leaders still refuse to negotiate with the military and demonstrators blame the Armed Forces for their economic woes: In Sudan, we’ve always been ruled by army men. What do they know about the economy? 20-year-old college student. Middle East Monitor

According to DAL chairman Osama Daoud, the UAE investment package estimated at $6b will include a free trade zone, large agricultural project and $300m deposit to Sudan’s Central Bank. The deal marks the first major investment since foreign aid was suspended following the coup. Min of Finance revealed a memorandum had been signed between Sudan and UAE regarding a port and large agricultural project…the port would be located 200k north of Pt Sudan and include a free trade and industrial zone, as well as a small international airport. Alfalfa, wheat, cotton, sesame and other crops would be grown and processed on 400,000 acres of leased land…a $450m, 500k toll road financed by Abu Dhabi would connect the port to the project. Reuters revealed 2 high ranking government officials in Sudan stated the outlines of the deal were agreed between Al-Burhan and UAE President during a recent visit. Al Taghyeer

June 19, 2022

For meaningful dialogue, military authorities must end their violent crackdown on dissidents. Leaders demanding a return to civilian rule were subjected to arbitrary detention, while officials from the regime of al-Bashir returned to influential positions in government. Islamists’* return to power explicitly defies the decision of transitional authorities to dismantle the regime established in 1989. Sudan’s precarious economy faced setbacks in the aftermath of the coup, which effectively killed the country’s dream of reconciling its $50bn debt. 2021 IMF and World Bank approved an agreement to alleviate Sudan’s tax burden and aid its path towards stability. Under the programme for heavily indebted poor countries, creditors conditioned debt forgiveness on implementation of reforms, and resumption of economic aid on restoration of the civilian-led government. Despite promises of democratic transition, coup leaders’ myriad human rights violations and revival of the old regime’s structural violence triggered widespread international condemnation and crucial aid cuts. With the economy and security situation in flux, hopes for reforms were reborn with an attempt by the Tripartite Mechanism to initiate talks. The mechanism facilitated intra-Sudanese dialogue 8 June, seeking a resolution to Sudan’s protracted political impasse.

With only ruling parties and allies Popular Congress and Unity Party present, the convening of talks provoked critical responses. Pro-democracy civilian groups including FFC, Resistance Committees, Sudanese Professional Assoc and Umma Party boycotted the dialogue. Local and social media reactions ranged from sarcasm to frustration. Al Sudani newspaper described the session as frustrating, while al-Garrai, prominent figure of the Republican Party, likened dialogue to Bashir’s illustrious Wathba or Leap, dialogue the ousted leader organised following 2013 protests in which more than 200 protesters were killed to solidify his power-seizing continuum. Garrai went further to criticise the Trilateral Mechanism: If it is not aware that those gathering with al Burhan, like himself, belong to the ousted regime toppled by the people’s revolution, then it doesn’t know the people of Sudan, and it is not worthy of resolving their problem.

However, in a potential breakthrough, members of FFC met with military leaders 9 June brokered by US Asst Secy of State. FFC issued a statement and held a press conference, the first of its kind since the coup. FFC has no interest in engaging in a fake political process seeking to legitimise the coup…shared its plan to provide the Trilateral Mechanism a roadmap to ending military rule and handing over power to the people. The group pledged peaceful resistance would continue through protests and strikes until civilian rule is restored. The meeting sparked huge controversy, with many coalition members citing the popular slogan: no negotiations, no partnership, no legitimacy. Burhan lifted State of Emergency…to create an environment conducive to fruitful dialogue. Security Forces’ commitment to the decree came just days later when demonstrators marked the 3rd anniversary of the massacre that left more than 100 protesters dead. Protesters again faced violent repression. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors announced death of a protester gunned down by Security Forces. According to FFC, the military must end its use of excessive force against peaceful protesters as a prerequisite to constructive dialogue. Until then, any negotiations that excludes oppositional groups seeking a genuine democratic transition will be deemed unilateral, unrealistic and paralysed. Although the talks have been put on hold for now, coming days will bear witness to whether democratic aspirations will prevail over personal gains. MEE *Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.

Continued detention of former Police Officer was to pressure him to waive corruption lawsuits he filed against former regime leaders. Abdallah Suleiman, a Police Colonel, was arrested after the coup…the purpose of detention is to bring him to waive his lawsuits. The officer filed 106 corruption cases against leaders of the former regime. Suleiman’s detention for nearly 9 months without trial constitutes a clear breach of law. Sudan Tribune Socialist Doctors Assoc confirmed a protester was killed during June 16 processions in Khartoum…authorities used excessive violence, live bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. Hashem Mirghani was killed…136 others wounded, including 6 live bullet wounds, 6 run over by vehicles, and 67 directly hit by projectiles. Security Forces arrested 39 people, including 5 young women and 4 minors. Dabanga Sudan deported at least 20 Egyptian nationals despite risks they may be detained and tortured. Many Egyptian dissidents sought refuge in Sudan after the 2013 coup that removed Morsi from power…many who fled to Sudan were supporters of the opposition, now proscribed a terrorist organisation by the Sisi government. Sisi has been accused of holding at least 60,000 political prisoners. Middle East Eye June 18 Sudanese expats in US planning big protest in Washington against the putschist military regime in Sudan…their protest comes in support of the ‘3 Nos’ championed by Resistance Comm back home…no partnership, no negotiations and no legitimacy

with the military. US Congress has been announced as the final destination for the march, with participants from the east coast heavily encouraged to participate.

UNITAMS completely refuses to engage in negotiations with outlawed Islamists…* commended the role of young people and Resistance Comm in shaping the future of the country. The resistance the coup met played a significant role in forcing the putschist military council to accept negotiations and dialogue. Al Taghyeer * Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be use as a slur.

June 17, 2022

Paris Club countries suspend Sudan’s debt removal process as Finance Min seek to attract Arab financial institutions. 2021, Paris Club signed a multilateral agreement with Sudan to write off $14.1b of $23.5b debt. The remaining debt would be cancelled if Sudan implements desired reforms. However, the 16 creditors announced suspension as a result of the military coup. The members of the Paris Club are Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russian Fed, Spain, Switzerland, UK and US. Sudan’s debts to the Paris Club are estimated 38% of its $60b foreign debt. Debt cancellation was the main objective of Sudan’s civilian government during its 2-year life. The government implemented political and legal reforms, negotiated removal from the terror list and joined the Abraham Accord to get support of international financial institutions. The Min said relations with Arab and Islamic institutions are greatly improving, expressing hope they will fill part of the void. JEM, former rebel group now backing the military, disclosed ongoing meetings with Saudi Public Investment Fund and Kuwait Investment Fund…continue to meet with Jeddah-based Islam Development Bank to rescue funding of several projects. Sudan Tribune

Comm of Sudanese Doctors reported a young man was killed during anti-junta demonstrations in Omdurman yesterday. Hashem Mirghani was likely killed by a cartridge weapon as he died from injuries of birdshot pellets in his chest and abdomen. At least 104 protesters have been killed since the coup. The demonstrations moved from various assembly points towards the Republican Palace and National Parliament. The authorities pre-empted the processions by closing Mak Nimir Bridge and heavily deploying Security Forces. The protesters nevertheless managed to reach El Gasr/Palace St and closed roads in Soug El Arabi with barricades. Police briefly held journalist Hanadi Osman. The police accused her of distributing foreign funds to anti-coup protesters. She was released in the middle of the night after they questioned her for hours in several Khartoum Intelligence offices. Osman went out at 11am for an appointment with a dentist…policemen in civilian clothes stopped her car and forcibly opened its doors and violently searched the car. After finding her British passport the men accused her of providing foreign funding to protesters. She was investigated and questioned in several departments of Central Investigation after which they filed a complaint of providing foreign funding for demonstrations. Osman was only released after she had written a pledge not to appear in places of non-peaceful demonstrations. Press freedom has been increasingly under attack since and journalists face dangerous circumstances, arbitrary arrest, harassment, assault. Dabanga

June 16, 2022

The coalition of civilian forces that co-governed Sudan during its fragile democratic transition met June 9…decided to suspend (participation in Tripartite Mechanism). FFC proposed a roadmap that includes revolutionary forces and ruling military junta aimed at handing power to civilians. Nada Ali, activist: FFC overlooked the need for accountability for perpetrators of the coup and violence since the fall of Bashir, a central demand of the pro-democracy movement…Resistance Comm’s Charter specifically mentioned the need for justice. Khartoum Resistance Comm reject negotiation with coup authorities and partnership with the military junta. They criticized the top-down approach by the Tripartite Mechanism: it does not address roots of the conflict…priority remains to overthrow the coup and hold perpetrators accountable. They called on the international community to support their ambitions. Muzna Alhaj, Resistance Comm…US government does not seem to want to imagine Sudan without a partnership with the military. They don’t want to make the effort to get rid of the military and see Sudan fully ruled by a civil government. As per seeing FFC as the legitimate representative of the street: this is because they maybe realize they are the weakest link among all revolutionary forces or just a force that claims to be revolutionary while they are not. They’re easy to bring into deals bringing them back into power. Sudanese Professionals Assoc: history is repeating itself and plans to reach a new partnership are back on the table…this type of negotiation prevents the democratic revolution from achieving its goals and priority to remove the generals from the political scene. SPA has always been clear: no compromise, no negotiation and no legitimacy for this coup. We will bring this coup down by people’s power, not by negotiating with perpetrators. FFC has always been willing to compromise. They change position many times, sometimes they are with us and the revolutionary forces, sometimes not…they use this as a tactic; they don’t believe in people’s power. And that’s why they always have the solution that the army should be involved. Khalid Mukhtar, political science professor: Bringing Islamist* and old regime people to the table was a mistake that turned the process upside down. FFC said the invitation from powers such as the US and Saudi Arabia was a key factor in the decision. The alliance explained its strategy to reverse the military coup is based on mass protests, international solidarity and potential political solution leading to handover of power to civilians. National Umma Party stated the political alliance should be in charge of completing the political solution…the rest of revolutionary forces should be involved only in the last phase to unify national ranks. FFC enjoyed considerable sway when it signed the partnership with the military in 2019 to co-lead the transition but has been losing influence ever since. Al Monitor

* Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.

30% of Sudan’s people are facing a food crisis because of climate shocks, political turmoil and rising global food prices. WFP and Food & Agriculture Org said 15 million people face acute food insecurity across 18 provinces…economic and political crises, rising costs and poor harvests are pushing millions deeper into hunger and poverty. Living conditions rapidly deteriorated across cash-strapped Sudan since a coup sent a fragile economy into free-fall. WFP warned food insecurity may dramatically increase to unprecedented levels and lead to more conflict and displacement unless Sudan receives robust support with agriculture inputs. 40% of the population is expected to slip into food insecurity by Sept. Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF and World Vision warned 3 million children under age 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, and about 375,000 could die without treatment. The military coup stalled 2 years of efforts by the civilian government to overhaul the economy. Al Jazeera

Min of Finance announced Sudan and UAE signed a memorandum of understanding on a new agricultural project…linked by road to a new port on the Red Sea. The news comes in light of protests led by farmers against decisions issued by the Min. A group of farmers involved in the Gezira project announced they would rather serve jail time than hand over their wheat yield to the Sudanese Agricultural Bank. Al Taghyeer

3 armed men raped a nurse at gunpoint and assaulted teachers after storming a clinic in Abbasiya, S Kordofan…3 other incidents of rape occurred since Dec 2021 in the same district and in Tab El Zarafa. Local witnesses attributed renewed lawlessness to the lack of security infrastructure in preventing such incidents…spread of weapons is of significant concern and has allowed violence to go unabated. Dabanga

5 people were shot dead and several injured during escalating inter-communal clashes that began Tues in Makram and Kadugli, Kassala. Now in its 3rd day of conflict, the violence impacted dozens of people’s livelihoods. Political activist Hamarour Hussein: individual conflicts have become heightened by hate speech and the lack of security in the area. Dabanga

June 14, 2022

FFC-CC are formulating vision to solve the crisis…called for a joint coordinating centre with all revolutionary forces. FFC-CC’s refusal to partner with the military in a new government and demand return to the situation before Oct 25 and will not accept participation of the military in the political authority. Some rebel movements and protest groups, including FFC and Resistance Comm of Khartoum, refused to take part in any dialogue with military authorities as this will legitimise the coup. FFC-CC leaders met with the military…confirmed refusal to participate. NUP praised suspension of sessions between the military and civilian opposition, and stressed dialogue would not lead to a solution…called for diligence in ending the coup and resuming civil democratic transformation in the shortest possible period. The party demanded the Trilateral Mechanism be in agreement with parties opposing the coup and supportive to ending the coup: The political process needs special credibility from the military component, and if this does not happen, the crisis will remain in place and the situation   will worsen. FFC-National Accord Forces, a split-off from FFC by former rebel leaders, expects resumption of sessions: Ardol welcomed the meeting between the military and FFC-CC. Ardol moved away from SPLM-N and became Dir of Sudanese Co for Mineral Resources with ties to NCP of Al-Bashir. Activists call someone they consider a defector from the revolutionary course or any politician they do not trust an Ardolian. Dabanga

Kulbus, 50,000 people displaced due to fighting killed more than 125 mostly Gimir tribe. Abu Jubeiha, 18,300 people affected by conflict between Kenana and Hawazma tribes. Clashes between Gimir and Rizeigat in Um Hariz following dispute over land ownership…clashes spread to a livestock waterpoint and Um Tuyur. Gimir reported 101 killed and 117 injured; Rizeigat stated 25 Arabs were killed and 16 injured. A committee is visiting the locations to urge their people to stop further hostilities: These conflicts have serious humanitarian implications as insecurity makes it challenging to access the populations in need for ongoing humanitarian programmes and the newly displaced. Darfur has a long history of strife between Arab herding tribes and non-Arab African herders or sedentary farmers. Arab tribesmen were recruited by Al-Bashir to join Janjaweed militias…employed to repress a revolt over ethnic marginalisation targeting non-Arab African farmers. 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced. 19,000 displaced in N Darfur after fleeing conflict that spread from W Darfur. The mayor warned the situation was likely to explode at any moment…referred to continuous flow of militant tribesmen from outside. Abu Jubeiha, 19 people killed, 41 wounded. OCHA: humanitarian partners started delivering health and water and charities provided food to those affected…the main needs are food, shelter and non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition services, psychosocial and protection support. Dabanga

Trade union leaders predicted increase in strikes due to deteriorating living conditions, poor wages and salary adjustments. Workers of 6 dams continued their strike the 2nd week against slowness in returning workers to Hydro-Generation & Renewable Energy Co…striking workers reached 718 from Blue Nile State, R Nile State, Kassala, El Gedaref, S Khartoum and El Gezira. Staff in specialised hospitals in Wad Madani entered a general strike for 3 days to protest lack of maintenance and supply and demand new salary structure. Coordination of Private Hosp Comm – specialised heart, eye, endoscopy and kidney hospitals, Children’s Surgery Hosp & Fertility Centre – said the strike excludes critical cases. Employees of Min of Finance, S Darfur laid down tools to demand implementation of the new salary structure. Min met with Fed Min of Finance about partial application of the new salary structure in States suffering shortage of income and funding. The increase in wages took place in Khartoum, in isolation from the States. Employees of Min of Finance, Red Sea State went on strike due to government’s failure to implement new salary structure…noting significant increase in prices of basic commodities. Staff of higher education institutions continued strike to demand the same salary structure as university personnel. Marches accompanied by road closures were organised in Khartoum and Wad Madani to demand overthrow of the coup and establishment of civilian rule. Protesters closed main roads and held speeches demanding the killers of demonstrators be brought to justice. At least 103 pro-democracy protesters have been killed in anti-coup demonstrations. Police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators. At least 14 injuries in Burri. Activists in Sennar staged a protest to condemn government sale of lands…raised banners calling for dismissal of the governor and land manager – Sennar government put up lands in a public auction. Journalists and activists in El Fula, W Kordofan, carried out a sit-in to condemn attacks by Security Services on journalist Ismail Abdallah…assaulted by a member of RSF while performing his work…demand those involved be brought to justice. Dabanga

Multiple neighborhoods protest against current military rulers…protests will continue until the regime is toppled. Khartoum witnessed demonstrations calling for return to democracy and end to the military coup…led and organized by Resistance Committees, leading them since the coup. The death of over 100 protesters, the short-lived agreement between al-Burhan and former PM, nor international community calls for dialogue have managed to curb protesters’ willingness to take to the streets. Al Taghyeer

June 13, 2022

Tribal clashes in war-ravaged Darfur killed 100…fighting grew out of a land dispute between Arab and African tribes in Kulbus, W Darfur. Local Arab militias attacked multiple villages, forcing thousands to flee. A tribal leader said the dead included at least 62 bodies found burned after militias set more than 20 villages on fire…attackers gained control of water resources, aggravating the humanitarian situation. The fighting was the latest bout of violence. It came as the country remains mired in a wider crisis following the Oct coup. In April, clashes killed 200. The violence raised questions over whether military leaders are capable of bringing security to Darfur. The conflict began in 2003 when ethnic Africans rebelled, accusing Arab-dominated government in Khartoum of discrimination. Al-Bashir’s government was accused of retaliating by arming local nomadic Arab tribes and unleashing militias known as janjaweed on civilians. AP

United Sudanese Revolutionary Forces Abroad, a revolutionary coordination body of more than 31 Sudanese bodies and entities across the world, expressed disappointment and rejection of AU-IGAD-UNITAMS negotiations with the coup government. USRFA were steadfast in opposition of any talks to legitimise the coup government and exonerate those who committed unspeakable atrocities. The signatories used the statement as an opportunity to highlight sacrifices of millions of peaceful protesters across Sudan, tirelessly putting their lives and wellbeing in grave danger…anything other than complete rejection of the negotiations would only maintain and strengthen the setback by the coup regime. The organisation concluded by reiterating they stood firmly with the people of Sudan to end the coup, establish a civilian-led democratic government, and ensure the military return to their barracks. Since the initial 26 signatories of USRFA, at least another 5 organisations joined. Dabanga

Mohamed Adam, 17, Mohamed El Fateh, 18, and Musab El Shareef, detained since Jan on suspicion of killing a high-ranking police officer, had trial postponed after an appeal was submitted. The appeal seeks to access the original investigation file, and requests the accused be presented before a medical committee for assessment. Adam was placed in the western cells reserved for those sentenced to death…contrary to law, as the accused is innocent until proven guilty. Amnesty Intl: there are credible concerns the youths were abducted and held without charge, in violation of due process rights, and subjected to torture while in detention. Adam’s mother saw 2 nails had been hammered into his legs, which had been beaten whilst injured from gunshot wounds sustained at protests. Throughout detention, both activists were subjected to torture. Adam was detained whilst in hospital after gunshot wounds during Jan 13 Marches of the Millions…lawyers and rights groups say he was tortured and interrogated about the protest movement for 3 weeks, before eventually giving a false confession. He was suspended from his feet…subjected to continuous beatings, and deprived of water. He suffered from swellings in the nose and behind the ear due to being hit with rifle butts. He was previously unable to stand on his feet. El Fateh sustained injuries to his back as a result of torture. Dabanga

June 12, 2022

Emergency Lawyers discussed 15 items including human rights violations perpetrated during and subsequent to the military coup in a meeting with Asst Secy of State. The agenda covered the environment inside prisons preventing detainees from receiving treatment and holding minors in prisons for long periods, murder violations, weapons used in killing, torture, arson, harm, rape, harassment and enforced disappearance, and violations to lawyers, doctors and media professionals while performing their work. There have been wide calls for targeted sanctions on El Burhan and Hemeti for their involvement in serious human rights abuses. Dabanga

The death toll from ongoing tribal clashes in Kulbus, W Darfur, has risen to 49 after 6 people were killed and a village burned…many wounded and many more displaced. 8 villages burned to the ground in 2 days of clashes…dispute over agricultural lands. Dep Exec Dir said gunmen attacked Um Rukeina, Wari, Ray and Beit Arbaa…a joint force of army soldiers, policemen, RSF and Central Reserve Police was ambushed by herdsmen while they were moving to the site of the clashes. Dabanga

June 11, 2022

Tripartite Mechanism adjourned a meeting scheduled for Sun after meeting with FFC. The boycott of FFC dashed hopes the mechanism would bring an end to the stalemate as the 3 envoys are now perceived as following military-set guidelines. FFC said supporters of the military from Islamists* and allies of the former regime should not take part in the first stage of talks. Sudanese Revolutionary Front made a similar proposal. FFC head of Sudanese Congress Party made it clear the coalition would not be part of any process aimed at legitimizing the coup: We are ready to positively deal with the Trilateral Mechanism to end the coup and restore the path of democratic transition with an inclusive authority representing all the revolution’s forces. We do not seek to strike a bilateral deal with the military. Sudan Tribune

*Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.

June 10, 2022

Leading pro-democracy group met the generals for the first time since last year’s coup in what could signal a breakthrough to bring the democratic transition back on track. The meeting brought Forces for the Declaration of Freedom & Change alliance of political parties and protest groups – with representatives of the ruling military council. Talks focused on resolving the political impasse mediated by Saudi Emb and US delegation. The pro-democracy group refused to sit with generals at the negotiating table, insisting they first transfer power to a civilian government, end violence against protesters and release all detainees: We are keen to have 2 influential countries in the region and world remain supportive of Sudanese people and pro-democracy forces. The group agreed to lay out a roadmap with civilian groups on how to end the deadlock and hand it over to the international community. Al Jazeera

Asst Secy of State Phee and Saudi Amb Jaffar hosted the meeting between the sides after failure of the Trilateral Mechanism to bring anti-coup forces to the table. FFC put forward the need to end the coup and hand over power to the people through a clear and conclusive roadmap within the framework of a political process whose parties are forces for revolution and change on one hand and those who staged the coup on the other. FFC do not claim to monopolize representation of forces of the revolution. They stressed they are a tool for expressing demands of the street and not a substitute: The political process is a product of what we do on the ground, not a substitute for the mechanism we adopt – daily popular, peaceful resistance and its civilian mechanisms. Alassam, Sudanese Professional Assoc, warned against repeating mistakes and negotiating with coup leaders instead of bringing them down: The repetition of mistakes and miscalculation by FFC is regrettable and unjustified. He echoed Resistance Comm call that democratic transition cannot take place without removing coup leaders and keeping the military from power, money and politics…referred to numerous attempts to seize power…their failure did not mean they abandoned the idea but it would be just a truce before arranging a new coup. Sudan Tribune

Khartoum and El Gezira witnessed more demonstrations to demand overthrow of the military and installation of a civilian government. The marches were brutally suppressed by Security Forces with heavy tear gas and live ammunition. Other protests took place in the country around unions and workers’ rights. Most main roads in Khartoum were closed by authorities. Demonstrators managed to reach El Gasr St leading to the Palace despite repression. Central Comm of Sudan Doctors said multiple protesters were injured, including critical and serious injuries. Socialist Doctors Assoc reported 5 bullet injuries. An armoured vehicle collided with a train near Sharwani bus station – 7 were injured.

27 workers’ groups staged a vigil in front of Intl Labour Org against plans of authorities restore the legitimacy of trade unions set up by dictator Al-Bashir. They denounced the absence of Sudan at the Intl Labour Conf, Geneva. The vigil called for workers to be protected from trade union law violations…referred to human rights and trade union violations. Employees and civil servants in Sennar carried out a mass procession to government secretariat in Singa. Medical staff at Sennar Hosp said a large number of employees and workers from all ministries and localities participated and chanted slogans to demand their full rights. They handed a memorandum to the state government containing 15 demands, including amendment of the 2022 salary structure…gave 72 hours to respond and threatened to strike if demands were not met. Civil servants in Sennar went on strike last month to demand salary restructuring and so did teachers. Medical workers went on strike to demand better working conditions. Dabanga

Ethiopian official says his country is interested in resuming talks with Egypt and Sudan on Blue Nile dam that will be Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant. The project is expected to bring electricity to millions of off-grid Ethiopians, but Sudan and Egypt fear it will reduce the amount of water they receive from the Nile. AP

June 9, 2022

The proceedings of Darfur Janjaweed leader Al Kushayb, accused of 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, continued as witnesses gave testimonies in ICC, The Hague. The prosecution brought compelling witness testimonies to support the allegations. The court heard from World Peace Fdn, Prof de Waal. Darfur was extremely rudimentary in comparison with many places in Africa; he was shocked and had never seen a place with such low levels of health care and education. Witness spoke of attacks on villages and described burning, looting and arrests, identifying perpetrators as janjaweed…who ride on horseback, own weapons and kill people from different tribes. Dabanga

June 8 , 2022

A 5 year-old was killed Tues when a police vehicle ran her over while chasing protesters. …talks aiming to end political deadlock have begun…as violent crackdown on anti-coup protests continued. The pro-democracy alliance is boycotting them over continued police crackdown. Forces for Declaration of Freedom & Change criticised participation of pro-military and political groups who had been allied with al-Bashir. Al Jazeera 5 year old died in El Kalakla neighborhood after being run over by a vehicle belonging to Central Reserve Police. Southern Khartoum Resistance Comm confirmed the death, saying the vehicle fled immediately. In a reaction to the grisly milestone of 100 dead, Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, UK, US and EU note with deep regret and concern the death of the 100th civilian. We once again call on authorities to undertake further confidence-building measures: ensuring an effective end to the use of force against protesters; lifting emergency decrees; ensuring progress on ongoing investigations into human rights violations; releasing those arrested for political opinions under emergency legislation. Dabanga 

The Trilateral Mechanism to resolve the crisis suspended dialogue with hope to convince FFC to join. The opening session was attended by the military, Sudanese Revolutionary Front, Natl Consensus coalition of rebel groups that supported the coup, Islamist PCP, and groups allied with former regime. PCP stressed the military bears responsibility for killing protesters. Anti-coup groups FFC, Resistance Committees, Sudanese Communist Party and Sudanese Professionals Assoc were not present. Perthes, UNITAMS, told reporters they would intensify contacts with the pro-democracy camp. Osman, FFC Exec Council: We agreed to not participating in any political process that does not have the right methodology to clearly identify parties to the crisis…dialogue should be between FFC, peace groups and the military component. But the military insisted pro-military groups from the former regime should be allowed to participate in the transitional government. FFC declined because there is a need for internal consultations with the rest of FFC…underscored commitment to the political process and ending the coup and restoring democratic transition…the coup camp was under considerable popular pressure from revolutionary forces and pro-democracy Sudanese, so the putschists have no choice but to obey the people’s order. Sudan Tribune

Emergency Lawyers disclosed increase of enforced disappearance cases after the lift of the State of Emergency. The lawyers met with the Trilateral Mechanism. The lawyers said Security Svcs continue to clamp down on activists under cover of local laws and orders: Sec Svcs are clearly carrying out unlawful arrests, amid rumoured existence of secret detention centres…arbitrary arrests continued until Tues and dozens of activists are still held in notorious Soba Prison…courts continue to try detainees in line with the emergency legislation. Sudan Tribune

Central Comm of Sudan Doctors announced number of victims of repression of peaceful pro-democracy anti-putsch demonstrations has risen to over 100, after killing a protester in Omdurman. The man died of shotgun wounds to the chest. CCSD confirmed 31 injuries, including 23 cases of scattered gunshots, probably from shotguns; these include injuries to the head, chest and abdomen; 2 demonstrators sustained injuries to the head and eye as a result of tear gas canisters fired directly at demonstrators. If one counts the 3 protesters killed in Sennar last month, the true death toll lies at 103.

On fertile clay plains of Gezira, farmers would have normally started tilling the soil weeks ago before planting rows of sorghum or peanuts, sesame and cash crops. Instead, in a country stalked by sharply rising hunger, swathes of 3,400 sq miles lie untouched. Farmers say the government, cut off from billions in international financing, failed to buy wheat. That means they did not have the money to fund the new crop. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine complicated the outlook, driving prices for fertilizer and fuel to new highs. That puts current and future seasons in jeopardy in an unstable country where the humanitarian situation deteriorated…it is unclear how authorities will afford to finance imports of increasingly pricy food. The Min committed to buying 300,000 tonnes of wheat and 200,000 tonnes of sorghum and was seeking funds from the Central Bank. 20 farmers at Gezira Scheme, a vast irrigation project south of Khartoum, described the situation as desperate, and most feared bankruptcy and even prison for not paying back debts. Farmer Abdallah took out loans assuming the government would buy his wheat at $75.40 per sack. Dozens of 100 kg sacks stored under a leaky roof should have been sold in March. If his crop spoils, he will have no way to repay his debt: If it rains, I’ll be sent straight to jail, no question, pointing at the holes in the ceiling. Similar problems plague Gadaref where much of the traditional grain, sorghum is grown: We buy fertilizer and fuel at high prices and when we come to sell our harvest we don’t find a market. The government is impoverishing us. The summer season is threatened with collapse. 50%, 70% of us might not plant. And that puts the food supply in question. Farmers’ woes predate the coup. They are tied to the economic crisis begun under al-Bashir’s subsidy reforms and global pressures. Last year, state-owned Agricultural Bank, which long supported farmers and bought wheat for strategic reserves, failed to provide fertilizer and seeds as prices rose. The cost of fuel rose 6,500%; fertilizer rose 800%. Erratic rains, pest infestations, conflict and irrigation issues account for a drop of 35% production of 3 key staples – wheat, sorghum, millet. Just a year ago, the Transitional Government was doing roadshows to market huge agricultural potential to investors as the economy began to open up following Bashir’s overthrow. Its work was abruptly halted by the coup, which ended a power-sharing arrangement between civilians and military. UN WFP estimates people facing crisis or emergency levels of hunger will double to 18 million out of 46 million. Even with global wheat prices at record levels, Sudan imported 3 times more than in 2021. Though the local wheat harvest makes up a fraction of consumption, government subsidy for wheat farmers forms a backbone for agricultural activity. Without it, the situation will get out of hand. Farmers in Gezira would typically grow sorghum and export crops during the summer, using profits made from government wheat purchases. But Gezira governor said no financing was available, government or private. Deprived of cash flow, they are selling small amounts at market rate $49.12 per sack to make ends meet. Farm machinery lies idle. The farmer said peers would likely reduce planting key exports like sesame by 80% if financing wasn’t received. Reuters

Sudanese documentary The Martyrs of Khartoum collected the An-Sophie Fontaine Human Rights Award at Fastnet Film Festival. The Martyrs of Khartoum recounts the events of the June 2019 Khartoum Massacre in which hundreds of protesters were brutally murdered by Security Forces. The events are recounted by doctors who were witness to the atrocities. The massacre constitutes one of the primary drivers of protests, with retribution for our martyrs a slogan repeated during marches. In 3 years, the government failed to bring anyone responsible to justice and no trials have been held. The award is the 2nd the film collected, having won previously at Impact Docs Awards. Sudanese films have enjoyed great international exposure ever since 2019 feature You Will Die at 20 and documentary Talking About Trees. Al Taghyeer

June 7, 2022

A protester was killed by security forces in Omdurman yesterday, 100th since Oct. The protester was most likely killed by buckshot, said Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors. Protests flared yesterday in response to a visit by Gen Al-Burhan. The former ruling civilian coalition, FFC, said it would not participate in talks as they included parties supportive of the coup. Al-Burhan’s lifting the State of Emergency was described as a trust building measure. 1 protester was shot and killed less than a week later.

A military leader issued an order preventing search of a Russian plane suspected of smuggling gold, former Sudanese anti-corruption official told NYT. As part of an investigation on Russian involvement in Sudan gold mining, the official said on 23 June 2021, a General, on order from al-Burhan, prevented search of a plane operated by the Russian military. Sudanese officials, part of an anti-corruption body dismantled after last year’s coup, suspected the plane was Russian military involved in smuggling gold directly to Moscow. The revelation comes as Wagner Group, private military contractor with close links to the Kremlin in gold mining across Sudan and neighbouring countries continues to emerge. Records show the network secured lucrative mining concessions that produce a stream of gold. Sudanese gold passes through UAE…$1.7bn Sudanese gold landed in Dubai last year. Western officials say Prigozhin runs Wagner Group… operated in Africa since 2017, becoming more involved after a meeting between Putin and al-Bashir. Al-Bashir, struggling to hold power after 3 decades told Putin Sudan could be Russia’s key to Africa. NYT reported that within weeks of the meeting, Russian geologists and mineralogists employed by Meroe Gold arrived in Sudan, followed by Russian defence officials securing a naval base on the Red Sea coast.

US Treas Dept says Meroe Gold imported 131 shipments into Sudan: mining and construction equipment, military trucks, amphibious vehicles, 2 transport helicopters. Prigozhin’s jet arrived in Khartoum carrying a delegation of Russian officials before returning to Moscow with Sudanese officials. One was brother of Dagalo, a key player in gold mining. About 70% of gold production is smuggled out with Hemeti and his family benefiting. The RSF leader is now al-Burhan’s deputy. Wagner Group mercenaries fought alongside RSF, helping them suppress the pro-democracy revolutionary movement. As Russia was invading Ukraine, Hemeti was in Moscow. Cameron Hudson: There are extensive rumours Hemeti took in excess of $30m Sudanese gold to Russia and signed new gold mining deals. NYT reported that 5 June 2019, 2 days after a massacre that left 128 protesters dead, Meroe Gold imported 13 tonnes of riot shields, helmets and batons to a company controlled by Hemeti’s family. CAR eyewitnesses said Russian fighters belonging to Wagner Group perpetrated a massacre in March, killing artisanal gold miners from Sudan and neighbouring countries. MEE

A week of political visioning for Sudan: National Umma Party and Democratic Unionist Party agreed on inter-Sudanese dialogue whilst FFC-CC published its vision to end the coup and establish a new civil democratic path. The parties welcome cooperation with the international and regional community as facilitators to reach a solution to the crisis. Following a meeting of 2 high-level delegations, parties appealed to all political forces to gather ranks and agree on crucial issues of the homeland to achieve unity and a just comprehensive peace, and complete democratic transformation. The 2 oldest parties who used to be bitter rivals established a joint committee to coordinate on national issues. FFC-CC said the way out of the crisis is the end and overthrow of the regime and a new constitutional establishment in which authority is entirely civilian and the military institution is far removed from politics. FFC-CC declared support for AU-IGAD-UN to facilitate… stressed need to involve regional and international friends, neighbouring countries, the Troika (Norway, US, UK) and EU as supporters and guarantors of the solutions…the process will go through stages, starting with ending the coup followed by a new constitutional order, and establishment of the civil democratic path in a transitional period that should end with a constitutional conference. FFC-CC parties wish to enter in this process: the putschists camp on the one hand and anti-coup forces that include FFC factions, Resistance Committees active in neighbourhoods, and rebel forces. Most opposition groups are prepared to talk about a solution but only after the military has stepped down. SCP will deal positively with the Trilateral Mechanism, provided the goal is to end the coup and agree on constitutional measures under which a full civilian authority will be established. Communist Party: the only solution is for the military to hand over power to the Sudanese people. Sudanese Professionals Assoc, the driving force behind the revolution: categorically rejects any dialogue with perpetrators of crimes that would lead to their impunity and demands like most of the people a pure civilian government, devolution of companies owned by the military sector of the Min of Finance, and justice for the victims of the junta. Dabanga

Western officials pinpointed Prigozhin, Russian oligarch, has been financing Wagner’s operations. Wagner, once thought to be merely mercenaries, expanded into a network of mining companies and political influence. US DOS identified Prigozhin as owner of infamous mining company Meroe Gold. Lucrative Sudanese mining concessions that produce a stream of gold would help boost Russia’s $130b gold stash used to soften the blow of economic sanctions. Al Taghyeer

Min of Finance said the country was heading to privatize military owned companies… announced a number of 655 state owned companies to be shut down, and others privatized…all commercial companies will be put up for public subscription, except companies that produce weapons. The government is looking toward Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE for funding. World Bank and IMF will not resume cooperation with Sudan without a legitimate political agreement to establish a democratic government… negotiations are underway to build a port on the Red Sea and development of coastal ports will not be limited to Pt Sudan. Al Taghyeer

June 6, 2022

Rival parties getting ready to sit face to face for the first time since the coup. UNITMAS revealed the army will hold direct talks with politicians and civilian activists to seek a solution to the crisis. The negotiating committee which will represent the military will be chaired by Dagalo, Dep Head of Sovereignty Council. The move came upon recommendations of Security & Defense Council (which includes senior army leaders), which called for release of all political detainees under emergency law. US, Britain and Norway praised steps to create the environment for dialogue… praised decision to lift the State of Emergency and release political detainees as a positive step to create necessary conditions to a peaceful solution…called authorities to release remaining detainees and take necessary steps to guarantee peaceful assembly and end to excessive force. Emergency Lawyers Comm said protestors in Pt Sudan and 39 detainees who took part in protests in Khartoum were released. Emma DiNapoli, REDRESS, said lifting the State of Emergency was to some extent encouraging: It would seem premature to describe this move as an indicator of progress, given the continued use of excessive force against protesters and reports of additional arrests. Political forces and pro-democracy groups demand release of all political detainees and cessation of violations against peaceful protesters as a prerequisite for entering into political dialogue.

Kholood Khair, Confluence Advisory thinktank in Khartoum, said lifting the State of Emergency has not created the right level of confidence to encourage pro-democracy forces to join any negotiations with the military: It seems like a maneuver dressed up as a breakthrough. Some pro-democracy groups and political parties ousted from power by the coup still refuse to negotiate directly with the military. They demand civilian rule without any partnership with the military. Cameron Hudson: It feels unlikely that lifting the State of Emergency is going to translate into tangible improvements on the ground…a move an effort to create time and space for the military to strengthen its hold on power. The military was committing abuses, arrests and killings of protesters from the start of the revolution and well before it imposed its State of Emergency. Lifting it now does not mean it intends to reverse this trend. Military leaders will now look to extract concessions from protesters and the international community. However, relieving pressure on the military or praising them is exactly what they want and would only empower them further. It seems clear the junta is not willing to relinquish power in the foreseeable future. army leaders are hoping to gain approval of Western countries that suspended funds. Sudan recently lost 40% of revenues secured by grants and international aid. After the coup, Western financial institutions froze funds. The military has plenty of experience in cleverly managing expectations of the international community. Minor concessions without more to dismantle the real systems of oppression, like detention centers and legal framework, are not really sufficient to demonstrate a turn toward respecting human rights or a political opening. Perthes warned Sudan was close to economic and security collapse if a civilian authority does not take over the transitional period. Khair: Instead of any meaningful desire to engage in a political process toward a solution, this is a regime that is trying to survive — it’s not a regime trying to reconcile. It does seem to be a facade designed to convince the international community that the regime is looking for a solution to a crisis of its own making. Al Monitor

Talks aim at ending the ongoing political deadlock, although the country’s main pro-democracy alliance is boycotting them over continued police crackdown on those protesting Oct’s coup. The effort aims to bring generals and political and protest groups to the negotiating table. The military’s takeover upended Sudan’s short-lived fragile democratic transition and plunged the nation into turmoil. Sudan had been transiting to democracy after 3 decades of repression and isolation under Islamist-backed strongman al-Bashir. A popular uprising pushed the military to remove al-Bashir. Perthes said the process would discuss a transitional program, appointment of a civilian PM and drafting a permanent constitution and elections. He urged all factions to take part, vowing the military will implement their outcome. Forces for the Declaration of Freedom & Change alliance of political parties and protest groups is boycotting the meeting…says talks should lead to a civilian democratic authority and criticized participation of pro-military groups and Islamists* allied with al-Bashir. It seeks release of detainees and ending violence against protesters. Some factions favor participation as the best possible option, given international support, but hard-liners, including the influential Communist Party, reject the entire process and demand immediate handover of power to civilians. The talks come as violent crackdown on anti-coup protests continue. Washington Post

* Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like Islamist are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.

Relative calm returned to Abu Jubeiha, S Kordofan, after government forces were deployed to the area following tribal violence that erupted. The death toll from fighting between Kenana and Hawazma tribesmen has risen to 11, 35 wounded. Markets and government offices were closed completely. Among the dead was a teacher hit by a stray bullet inside his house. Among the wounded were 2 cases of random shooting, including a woman inside her house. Abu Jubeiha Hosp is overcrowded. The hosp is run by a medical assistant and is short of medicines, including first aid equipment…many more ambulances are needed to transfer the seriously injured to better equipped hospitals. The gov of S Kordofan contacted commanders of the military stationed in Kadugli and Abu Jubeiha and confirmed control over the security situation. Dabanga 15 people have been killed, dozens wounded, 8 villages burned to the ground in 2 days of tribal clashes north of Jebel Moon, W Darfur. Policemen, a Police Commander, and Armed Forces are among casualties. Unknown number of people travelling from Kulbus to Saraf Omra were abducted. El Tom, Gamar Tribe: clashes erupted after a dispute over agricultural lands…expanded and escalated to include a number of villages and occupation of a water well. The fighting continued until late Tues. The Higher Coordination of Nomads, W Darfur said clashes occurred after the killing of one of the nomads and injury of another in a shooting in Um Hariz…perpetrators were pursued which led to clashes. The nomads hold W Darfur government and Security Comm responsible for the violence. Dabanga

Khartoum Resistance Comm announced a schedule of escalation to protest the coup government, in coordination with Resistance Committees nationwide. They planned holding a March of the Millions June 16 and 30, as well as demonstrations on Mondays every week in June. The Committees affirmed they would continue to utilise street barricades to maintain processionary routes. US Emb invited Resistance Committees for a meeting with US Asst Secy of State for African Affairs Phee…explained the meeting would aim to resolve the crisis. Dabanga

June 4,  2022

A protester was killed during Fri’s demonstrations despite UN calls for Security Forces to refrain from excessive violence. UN human rights expert called for accelerated investigations into killings of protesters and atrocities, as the death toll nears 100: It is simply unacceptable that 99 people have been killed and more than 5,000 injured as a result of excessive force by security forces. Adama Dieng raised concerns over arbitrary mass arrests of activists, sexual and gender-based violence, acts of torture and ill-treatment during detentions…pointed to intensification of an existing economic crisis since the coup, which has seen Western donors return to the sidelines. Spiralling prices and poor harvest are forecast to dramatically increase the number of people living in poverty. Thousands of protesters took to the streets to mark the 3rd anniversary of a crackdown that killed 128 people in June 2019 when armed men in military fatigues violently dispersed a weeks-long sit-in outside army hq. Al Jazeera

June 3, 2022

Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors reported 20 protesters sustained injuries in yesterday’s protests to commemorate 3rd anniversary of 2019 June 3 Massacre. CCSD: among 20 victims, 13 gunshot-related injuries were observed; 3 others suffered head injuries caused by tear gas canisters; another in the body with the barrel of their gun. The families of victims, professional and revolutionary bodies organised a sit-in in

Khartoum to condemn violent dispersal of protesters on June 3 and honour the victims. Resistance Comm in El Gedaref, Pt Sudan, Kassala and other state capitals organised demonstrations and vigils to commemorate the massacre. AU-IGAD- UNITAMS Trilateral Mechanism called the military to refrain from unnecessary force against peaceful protestors…to respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly, ensure conducive conditions for the talks going forward.

In the early morning of June 3, 2019, Amira Kabous called her son after Security Services violently dispersed a sit-in. Kabous thought he was helping wounded friends or lost his phone in the scramble. She learned hours later he was one of 120 killed in a massacre: My family spotted his body in a photo on Facebook. Kabous, VP of Martyrs’ Families Org: My husband went to the hospital and after 1 hour he called to tell me he found Mohamad. 3 years after that harrowing day, victims’ families and survivors are still searching for justice. Dec 2019, the civilian-military government tasked a committee with releasing a report about the killings and pressing charges against those responsible. But the Oct military coup that derailed the country’s brief transition to democracy destroyed the little faith civil society had in the probe. Like most, Kabous believes government forces orchestrated the violent dispersal that killed her son. Numerous witness testimonies point to a well-coordinated attack by Police, Military and RSF that evolved out of state-backed tribal militias that killed thousands in Darfur. Examination of unidentified bodies is very essential to our inquiry, because we need to know the number of those killed and injured. That is part of our mandate…and it can change the nature of the offence committed. A team of medical forensic specialists from Argentina was denied access to morgues in 2021. Yahya Abdelaziem Hussein, who founded a civil society group that aims to uncover the fate of those who went missing, said forensic experts accused authorities of tampering with autopsies…only through examining bodies in morgues can families of the missing find closure. He warned that vital evidence could be lost by a new committee tasked with quickly burying the dead to reduce overcrowding in morgues: We believe the goal of the new committee…is to bury evidence of the sit-in dispersal and other crimes. Victims’ families, survivors and the sprawling pro-democracy movement called ICC to launch a probe into the deaths of demonstrators. Emma DiNapoli, Redress: ICC is unlikely to take up the case since Sudan did not ratify the Rome Statute necessary to give the court jurisdiction. Al Jazeera

June 2, 2022

June-Sept rainfall expected to be above average and flooding likely to result in crop losses. The preparations for this year’s agricultural season do not exceed 3%. El Gezira & El Managil Farmers Assoc: Farming now is like taking a leap in the dark…Despite great efforts made by farmers during the winter season, serious errors made by the transitional government led to a decrease in wheat productivity. The last season turned out to be a catastrophe because of the state’s lack of commitment to set prices for wheat and cotton, maintain irrigation canals, provide necessary inputs such as fertilizers, on time. The farmers were forced to take loans from the Agricultural Bank as financing stopped 5 years ago and they did not receive state support. The government is refusing to buy cotton and wheat, as farmers refused the price of SDG 43.000 as the amount did not cover their expenses. Now farmers are forced to sell wheat for less than SDG 30.000. The lifting of subsidies in the past 2 years followed demands of the World Bank. Min of Finance said lifting subsidies would support inputs – which did not happen. On the contrary, costs of agriculture rose significantly, leading to a decrease of cultivated acres. If the situation continues there will be no cultivation anymore in El Gezira. All farmers will migrate to Khartoum to earn a poor living by doing odd jobs and marginal businesses.

El Gezira used to be one of the largest projects in the world irrigated by pumps. The agricultural season last year suffered from a lack of rain, but also failed because of delay in financing and rise in fuel prices to mythical levels following the lifting of subsidies. The preparation for the summer season is zero as a result of high costs and poor yields in previous seasons and indebted farmers. About 90% of farmers here are insolvent. The capabilities of the Agricultural Bank decreased because of high inflation and scarcity of resources: When farmers pay off debts, the value of the Pound significantly decreased…if we lend a farmer an amount to buy a tractor, and he will pay back the loan after 5 years, the same amount will not even buy a wheel anymore. The yields in previous seasons were thanks to the farmers and their diligence only. And if agriculture collapses, Sudan will collapse. Dabanga

Mariam Obaid did not get a chance to say goodbye: her 20-year-old son Nizar was among 100 gold miners from Sudan, Chad, Niger, Central African Rep killed in a massacre in March. Nizar had sole responsibility for supporting his family. Obaid said her son had been buried by colleagues after Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group perpetrated the mass killing in CAR. An unknown number of gold miners have gone missing in recent months as Russian mercenaries, working with local militias and CAR government, increased their presence in mining areas. Survivors are appearing in Sudan, having crossed the border into Darfur after walking vast distances. The attacks began 23 March and continued sporadically, pushing thousands to flee through Chad into Sudan, often walking for days. Eyewitnesses told MEE mercenary fighters belonging to Wagner Group attacked them in CAR, killing dozens…many who escaped were considered missing and only recently arrived because they walked all the way to Sudan via Chad…some died of thirst on the road. Hamad, among returnees who crossed the border into Sudan: I was in Andaha mining field when the Russians began the attack, closing the road, killing and looting, so we fled in all directions. As the Russian fighters closed the road, we couldn’t go directly to Sudan since we were forced to leave all transport behind. So we took the route to Chad and walked 9 days, then walked another 2 days to Sudan. We were a group of 11 people, we left all our properties, gold and money behind and just ran. We suffered a lot on the road as we didn’t have food or water. We didn’t drink any water for 5 days and we lost some of our colleagues. We finally reached a small Chad river, so we at least got water and some help from villagers…that was the worst suffering I faced in my life, I thought I would die on the way.