Edited by Carol Dudek from news reports
November 5, 2022
A year of Resistance and repression in one Sudanese town. Protesters are still regularly taking to the streets of Gedarif in defiance of the military. But the response has been brutal. Sudan‘s revolutionary project was unravelling, pulled apart by military forces intent on maintaining power. Mohammed, 37-year-old government employee and pro-democracy activist from Gedarif, was at home on 25 Oct 2021, when his internet and phone connections were cut off. He and his comrades snapped into action, following a carefully laid-out plan for response and gathering to begin a vast demonstration. Mohammed was arrested by military intelligence alongside a number of activists.
‘The martyr at the barricades’ Imprisoned at hqs he was held for 2 weeks. Initially, the interrogation was conducted in a professional manner. Then it turned brutal. They brought detainees in, beat them violently and insulted them. Some were active in the resistance movement. Some were not. Activists spoke to MEE about their year-long struggle to save Sudan’s democratic movement…over the last year RSF conducted patrols with truck-mounted heavy machine guns, and Security Forces used rocket-propelled grenades, stun grenades and tear gas. The revolutionaries told MEE about being beaten and intimidated by the military, having urine and faeces thrown on them, their hair forcibly cut and being hit with the base of rifles. Close to Ethiopia, Gedarif is capital of the state that bears its name. Known for sesame seed cultivation, it is a lush, green place with a long history of agriculture. A multicultural city, attracting arrivals from different ethnic groups across the country and continent. It is home to 4 refugee camps that house Tigrayan refugees fleeing the war in Ethiopia. Gedarif always had a lot of trade going through and was for the longest time a very rich place, Kholood Khair. It saw its fortunes turn during the Bashir era because Bashir saw how wealthy it was, his regime got their claws into it. So this led to massive degradation in agriculture…other parts of the economy. Bashir patronised some of Gedarif’s large farm owners, who responded by supporting him. But the flight of money and resources from the once-wealthy town prompted formation of a strong, determined opposition. Environmental issues like deforestation added to this sense of injustice, making Gedarif a focal point for the popular revolution that swept Bashir from power after 3 decades. There was a sense the regime could not maintain law and order. Some of the strongest Resistance Comms are there because of agriculture. A couple of days after Mohammed was imprisoned, Adam, 18-year-old from Gedarif’s Resistance Comm, was arrested alongside several activists. 1 was badly abused in front of Adam, his hand broken and his hair cut by intelligence personnel. This all happened inside the police station in front of several officers, including the captain, first lieutenant and lieutenant who did not intervene. Weeks later they were released. Stepping back onto Gedarif’s streets, Mohammed found anti-coup protests continuing with security forces unable to stop them. Military intelligence hunted activists from the Resistance Comm. They were arresting activists, intimidating and beating them to try and neutralise the large protests. I was arrested a 2nd time on 24 April then released without any charge. This time, security forces seized him at the ministry where he worked. I was arrested by force by people not wearing uniforms driving a car that did not have any official plates. The military presence in Gedarif’s centre was overwhelming, yet pro-democracy Sudanese evaded their grasp. The citizens of Gedarif are always able to get out and break this security cordon, Zenab, 24-year-old activist. Gedarif held organised protests on 57 days since the coup. Resistance Comm members always tried to plan routes that can avoid giving government forces an opportunity to loot and smash up the town’s popular market. Military trucks would enclose the activists and military intelligence forces became infamous, recognisable from their uniforms and Toyota Land Cruisers they rode around in, adorned with special number plates. The forces wear civilian clothes. Their commander wears his official uniform. Another commander, rank of major and a first lieutenant, appear with him. Over the past year protesters have been assaulted by the army, police and notorious RSF paramilitary – a full military arsenal as 18-year-old activist Adam put it. They all practice excessive repression. Zenab has been on the receiving end of brutal tactics multiple times: They don’t hesitate to hit you in the face, she said. They use sticks and the branches of trees, as well as tear gas. 28 March she and fellow activists were confronted by police: Police trucks were chasing demonstrators and trying to run them over…I went down a side street and there one of them shot me with a tear gas canister in the head. Another policeman hit me. Gedarif is a town with just over 350,000. To many it feels like a small place, with a tight knit community. Protesters often know the soldiers or policemen they face off personally – though locals reported seeing mercenaries from outside the state. RSF has been a key part of the crackdown. Hemeti’s paramilitary was born from Janjaweed militias deployed by Bashir’s government to quash uprisings in Darfur – devils on horseback – accused of genocide and widespread atrocities. A video shows a notorious colonel trying to arrest a teacher. The colonel is stopped by the crowd. He is the one who interrogated us in prison, it was a political interrogation – there was an agenda behind it, he wanted to undermine the revolution and its meaning. The colonel is accused of supervising the arrest of 16 high school students. Adam: security forces interrogated him, they were particularly annoyed by media pressure Resistance Comms had been able to keep up; names and details of intelligence personnel published and the arrests of activists regularly denounced throughout the year. Osman, 24-year-old activist, was arrested, having been under surveillance for weeks. He knew something was up. His brother had been threatened and Osman left his home and moved to a nearby neighbourhood to escape the heat. But he was spotted on the street and pursued by a military officer on a motorbike. He was asked about the financing of Resistance Comms. I didn’t answer the questions, so they took me back to the cell, where one of them tried to drop faeces and urine of another prisoner on me. I was taken out of the cell and threatened with death. They continued beating me in the evening until the captain came and I was released. The captain accused Osman of getting paid to write about the revolution and orchestrating media campaigns for the revolutionaries. After he was released, Osman went to the hospital for treatment following severe beatings. Looking back over a year of this resistance and repression, Mohammed’s account of his own deprived and dislocated childhood stands out. Mohammed’s family came to Gedarif from the Nuba Mts, from where they were displaced, losing their livestock and livelihood. Growing up there, his father’s salary was insufficient, the health insurance system didn’t work and he and his siblings had little to no educational opportunities. His older brother had to leave school for Mohammed to continue his education. The family was targeted by Bashir’s government. Mohammed left school and got a government job, organising to bring that government down. In Gedarif there was and is a rich tradition of resistance. Osman, a revolutionary and believer in change, sees his city as a mini Sudan, where all the components of Sudan are gathered, where there is diversity and social interdependence. It is here that he and fellow activists will keep fighting. Sudanese Archive /Sudan Protest Monitor/MEE
November 4
The coup authority approved a draft law to fight information crimes, which would harm freedom of expression and place officials and state agencies above criticism…Min of Cabinet Affairs approved the Anti-Cybercrime Law…the result of information crimes and hiding perpetrators through modern technology. The amendment stipulated it was not possible for charges to be dropped if the victim was any of the state agencies or public figures who occupy positions in it. Al Taghyeer
The attack on the lawyer’s union hqs in Khartoum yesterday was met with widespread condemnation. Lawyers were detained in union hqs and subjected to violence from armed militias affiliated with the former regime. Emergency lawyers held state agencies responsible for their safety. This took place amid inaction by police forces who did not intervene to protect the house or the assaulted lawyers. Sudanese Journalists Syndicate described the chants of dissolved party members calling for bloodshed as behavior that expresses the malicious intentions of the counter-revolutionary forces. The attack was part of the totalitarian forces’ attempt to obstruct the democratic transition process. Sudanese Journalists Network expressed deep concern, complicity of the police who simply watched the attack.
Police prevented lawyers from Sudanese Bar Assoc entering Lawyers House in Khartoum and deployed military reinforcements after the former regime’s lawyers violently confronted the SBA Steering Comm. Lawyer Rehab El Mubarak told Radio Dabanga police surrounded the building…prevented water and food for lawyers in the house. Dozens of lawyers are protesting inside, refusing to hand over the house to remnants of the former regime. They called unions, professional bodies, Resistance Committees and revolutionary forces that believe in democratic and civil transformation to head towards the Lawyers House to provide protection. Lawyer Hala Abu Garoun: a police force wearing civilian clothes carrying skewers, sticks and stones stormed the Lawyers’ House. Some lawyers sustained injuries. Lawyer Sati El Haj: the battle is targeting progressive unions, especially Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, Sudan Bar Assoc and Sudanese Engineers Union…SBA will oppose the decision despite its politically-motivated nature, which aims to tip the scales towards totalitarianism. The Steering Comm submitted 3 requests to the AG and judiciary, and filed an appeal regarding cancellation of laws that dissolved the former regime’s unions. They submitted a complaint against Judge Sebeiha related to lack of integrity, impartiality and competence…request to expel Judge Sebeiha from the committee considering the appeal. Many international, political and professional forces and Resistance Comm condemned the attack. The workshop by Sudanese Bar Assoc envisioning a transitional constitutional framework in August including distancing the military from politics.
Climate change, pollution and exploitation by man are putting existential pressure on the world’s second longest river, AFP writes in a report before the start of COP27 in Egypt. Sudan’s food and energy security, and that of its neighbours, are under severe threat and so are its ecosystems and people’s lives and livelihoods. Along the Nile’s 6,500k-long flow on which 1/2 billion people depend, alarm bells are ringing. The organisation researched the decline of the river from its source in Uganda to its mouth on the Egyptian coast. In 1/2 century the Nile’s flow dropped from 3,000 m3/second to 2,830 m3/second, yet it could get much, much worse. Its flow could fall by 70% according to IPCC’s most dire predictions. The river drains 1/10 of the continent. By 2050 the population of Egypt and Sudan will have doubled and it will be 2 or 3 degrees hotter. For 6 decades, the Mediterranean has eaten away 35-75m of the Delta each year. If sea level rises by 1m, 1/3 of the Delta could disappear. This would force 9 million people out of their homes. Droughts, increased temperatures, and a slow tilt in Earth’s axis are threatening Lake Victoria, the Nile’s biggest source of water after rainfall. Local governments have tried to capture the river’s flow by building dams. Experts worry the dams are only increasing problems. 1968-2009, the Mediterranean ate away 3k into the Delta as sea levels rose 15cm due to climate change, and weaker flow is unable to hold back seawater. Silt sediment that formed a barrier to protect the land for thousands of years no longer makes it to the sea since the Aswan dam was built in the 60s. UNEP warned the Mediterranean will advance 100m a year into the Delta if temperatures keep rising. The dams upstream could threaten water supply downstream and disturb sediment, fish migration routes. The Delta is incredibly fertile and the region’s food security is at stake.
What was once a bread basket has become the 3rd most vulnerable place on the planet to climate change. Another threatening outcome of dropping water levels and encroaching sea is increased salt levels. Salination of soil forms a big threat to the ecosystem and agriculture. Salt seeps into large areas of soil, killing and weakening crops. To control salt levels, farmers pump more fresh water from the Nile into the soil…further sinking river water levels, hugely costly for local farmers. The loss of water flow severely threatens food security by threatening the most fertile lands in NE Africa. 1/2 of Sudan’s power comes from hydroelectricity, and in Uganda 80% of the power is generated from the river. Power cuts are more and more frequent. In Ethiopia, 1/2 population is forced to live without electricity. Its Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is hoping to mitigate the problems, but it is causing tensions as Sudan and Egypt fear the dam will threaten their water supply…reduced flow and disruptions in silt flow most Egyptian and Sudanese farmers rely on. Corruption, especially during the 30-year reign of dictator Al Bashir, led to mismanagement of farmland and the El Gezira irrigation scheme. Sudan and countries along the Nile are near the bottom of Notre Dame’s GAIN rankings, which measure resilience to climate change. Sudan will face longer dry periods and more destructive floods caused by short heavy rains. It witnessed some of its worst and most deadly floods in past years, which destroyed farmlands. Droughts and conflict over resources exacerbated food insecurity. Working Sudanese are unable to make ends meet, and reports of deaths from starvation have been emerging in recent months, highlighting a growing food emergency spreading from rural to urban areas. Especially displaced people, often farmers themselves, are vulnerable and the crisis is causing tragic deaths and conflicts.
November 3
Pro-coup armed groups and some political parties launched a new alliance dubbed FFC Democratic Bloc to form a civilian Transitional Government based on an amended 2019 Constitutional Declaration. However, leaders of the National Consensus Forces of SLM-Minnawi and JEM-Ibrahim signed a new political agreement with Democratic Unionist Party-al-Mirghani. The coalition rejects a new constitutional text. Instead, it calls to amend the Constitutional Document of 2019…stipulates the Constitutional Document may not be amended in contravention of the Juba Peace Agreement except with agreement of parties. The text proposed by Sudanese lawyers calls to review the Agreement negotiated by the military and armed groups. Sudanese Revolutionary Front-Idris voiced rejection. Ardol, former SPLM-N, disclosed that DUP al-Mirghan joined them and would formally establish a new coalition. Sudan Tribune
Journalists Assoc for Human Rights marked Intl Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists to highlight significant abuses. Since the military coup d’état of 2021 increasing brutal restriction on the press has taken hold through a slew of repressive policies and practises. According to Faisal El Bagir journalists facing harassment, kidnapping and false imprisonment…blocking the internet, cutting off telephone services and hacking digital devices have become well established tools. Sudan is ranked 151 of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index. Anti-journalist predators enjoy total impunity and are protected by authorities, Reporters Without Borders…journalists are working in a worsening climate of violence. Dabanga
November 2
Sudan Doctors Comm announced 140 protesters were injured during the crackdown on the Oct 30 protest march, among them 11 eye-injuries…rubber bullets and tear gas was used extensively by Security Forces. 1 protester suffered injuries sustained by a firearm. The streets of Khartoum saw many people march for an end to the coup that saw Gen al-Burhan climb to power after toppling down the civilian government. Al Taghyeer
The defence team of lawyer Wajdi Saleh, former head of dissolved Empowerment Removal Comm, announced he would be released on bail, before he was detained again due to another complaint. …another complaint filed by the same authority yesterday. Defence lawyer Mahmoud El Shazli told reporters the new complaint was lodged by Min of Finance related to Saleh’s statements about the Min squandering statements about the Min squandering ERC, his popularity among pro-democracy groups grew…he became a symbol of opponents of the military. Sept 30 Saleh handed himself over to authorities following Public Prosecution declaring him a fugitive. He denied any attempts to flee, his phone was constantly on…he was present on the streets and public seminars. Saleh refused to answer questions until his immunity is officially lifted. It is his legal right as a lawyer to refuse questioning under the Law of Advocacy. Saleh expects malicious political and illegal complaints against him will not end, Lawyer Moez Hazrat…the actions by Prosecution were an exploitation of prosecution to settle political scores. Saleh has been detained incommunicado. In a letter from his prison cell yesterday, Saleh refused to be questioned so that these violations will not be repeated or affect other lawyers…he would sue all who accused him of not adhering to the law. He stressed the importance of the unity of revolutionary forces, and called to escalate civil disobedience actions and political strikes in order to overthrow the military junta. His wife, Jihan Abdelwahab, told the press he is patient and his spirits are high. Wajdi is ready for more complaints and any trial, and he will observe legal procedures. The complaints were filed because her husband spoke out against settlement with the military. Dabanga
Amid rumours of agreement between FFC and the military junta over the transition from dictatorship, coalition spokespeople report strong resistance to any impunity for the military, paramilitary, security and police forces. Prof Siddig Tawir, former member of Sovereignty Council, said mainstream FFC in favour of agreement with the military is limited…any notion of agreement finds wide resistance within the coalition and on the streets. FFC Political Conference reiterated there are to be no negotiations nor guarantees of impunity: FFC do not have any right to waive the rights of the Sudanese people and families of the martyrs. He questioned the seriousness of military promises they would withdraw from the political scene or step down from power. Various rebel movements and protest groups including FFC and Resistance Comm of Khartoum initially refused to take part in dialogue with military coup authorities and those who support them, as they fear this will legitimise the coup. Lawyer El Sadig Ali Hasan, Darfur Bar Assoc stressed the uselessness of any settlement between FFC and the junta regarding exemption from accountability for crimes committed since violent dispersal of the Khartoum sit-in June 3, 2019. He claimed dialogue is taking place behind closed doors, the contents unknown:…El Burhan speaks with several tongues. He cannot be trusted, and the street knows this all too well. Saudi newspaper Al Sharq Al Awsat reported Sudan is awaiting announcement in the next few days about a final agreement between FFC and the junta…on formation of a government of technocrats headed by a civilian PM, head of a civilian Sovereignty Council. El Burhan and ‘Hemeti’ Dagalo will retreat from the Council and remain commanders of Armed Forces and paramilitary RSF. Rumours have been circulating regarding imminent agreement between the military and civilian counterparts. FFC leading member and former Cabinet Min Yousef denied such dialogue…talks about bilateral settlement with the military are sheer nonsense…the only political solution we will accept is complete and real civil authority that distances the military entirely from politics. Prominent human rights lawyer Nabil Adib told Radio Dabanga transitional justice based on the perpetrator’s acknowledgment of wrongdoing in exchange for the victims’ acceptance of truth and reconciliation must be discussed first among victims.
November 1, 2022
A group of lawyers loyal to dissolved NCP launched an attack with sticks and tear gas on Sudanese Bar Assoc in an attempt to seize it. The attack follows a decision by the Transitional Sovereign Council to reinstate a committee elected by Islamist* lawyers in 2018, and annul the Steering Committee that drafted a Transitional Constitution. Some Islamist of the dissolved union attacked lawyers and destroyed properties. Osman al-Zain told Sudan Tribune: NCP is responsible for the attack on union hqs and use of forces to impose their lawyers. Emergency Lawyers appealed to pro-democracy lawyers to gather at lawyers’ hqs immediately to defend it and expel the Islamists. Resistance Comm called members to support the attacked lawyers to repel remnants of the ousted regime. Speaking at a rally Sat, Islamist leaders pledged to intensify actions to prevent a political settlement based on the constitutional text proposed by the lawyers. Secy-Gen, Steering Comm, El-Tayeb al-Abbas, said the committee aims to stop efforts to end the crisis. He questioned the legality of the Appeal Comm of the Sovereignty Council saying its members are unknown and were not formed by judicial authorities. Secy Gen of the Islamist Comm voiced rejection of the draft Transitional Constitution and accused foreign parties of being behind its provisions. Sudan Tribune *Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like ‘Islamist’ are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.
Central Comm of Sudan Doctors and civil society organizations insist that excessive force is used by Security Forces in the face of peaceful demonstrators. 119 demonstrators were killed since the coup, with thousands of others seriously injured or permanently disabled. Sudan Tribune obtained non-public information that policemen receive 3,000-5,000 Sudanese pounds monthly in a state of readiness with RSF.
350 Darfuris are illegally detained in prisons throughout Sudan. This includes 12 minors. All were detained without legal justification, mostly by infamous RSF.
W & N Darfur Detainees Defence Comm visited Shala Prison to inspect conditions. DBA lawyer Igbal Ahmed Ali told Radio Dabanga 8 minors are in Omdurman, 4 in Pt Sudan. Darfuris are illegally detained in Ardamata Prison El Geneina, El Huda Prison Omdurman and Pt Sudan Prison Red Sea State…the majority are displaced people residing in camps. Lawyers addressed the head of the judiciary to demand their release on the basis that the majority were held without any legal procedures. The Comm threatened to resort to regional and international mechanisms if detainees were not released…detainees have become like hostages: Some are negotiating with mediators to pay ransom for their legitimate right to freedom. The sums range between SDG 50,000-500,000…a number of detentions were ordered by RSF Peace Comm, referring to RSF-led W Darfur Peace & Tribal Reconciliation Comm whose head, Col Ambeilo, is responsible for committing grave crimes in the region, including crimes against humanity. The lawyer accused RSF of detaining young people from Abu Shouk camp for the displaced near El Fasher without legal justification. DBA received testimonies from the displaced in Zamzam camp that forces raped more than 165 women and girls and killed a number of displaced. All the camps they visited lack necessities of life completely and there are no health and education services anymore.
SPLM Arman criticized the AU and IGAD for meeting with remnants of the ousted regime…cast great doubts about AU and IGAD’s role in the political process…whether these parties were working to restore the old order, or support democratic civilian rule. AU and IGAD met with the People of the Sudan Appeal initiative supported by dissolved NCP. SPLM said the meeting should be condemned by all forces of the revolution… multiplies doubts about the role of these important organizations in issues of democracy, accountability and transparency in Africa. Al Taghyeer
October 31, 2022
A sit-in in Abu Hamad, R Nile State to demand expulsion of mining companies from El Fida continued 6th day. Activist and member of the Sit-in Comm Osman Ali Jibril told Dabanga the sit-in will continue until all mining companies have stopped. Activists demanded the government and police and intelligence in El Fida stop all mining activities…they are only 2-3k from populated areas, which violates national and international laws. They reported cases of kidney failure, cancer, epilepsy and miscarriages.
Thousands demonstrated in Khartoum and other places in response to calls of Resistance Committees to demand an end to military rule, and police statements indicating protesters are organised and violent. Heavy military deployment began early morning in anticipation of announced demonstrations. A number of demonstrators were injured. Processions marched towards the Republican Palace from assembly points in the capital, Omdurman and Bahri. Authorities fired tear gas heavily at demonstrators at the entrance to Mak Nimir Bridge, El Hurriya Bridge, in front of Parliament, and other areas. 15 demonstrations took place in 7 other places. Security Forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Pt Sudan, Red Sea State, and many members were detained. In El Gedaref, government forces fired tear gas at demonstrators, injuring a student in the head. Mohamed Salem, N Darfur Professionals Assoc, told Radio Dabanga followers of the former regime tried to sabotage their procession in El Fasher. In Northern State demonstrations took place in El Bargeig and El Debba. Other street protests reported from Wad Madani and El Managil in El Gezira, Kosti and El Duweim in White Nile, Kassala, Zalingei and other cities. The authorities pre-empted processions by closing most of the bridges. Emergency Lawyers called closing bridges collective punishment imposed on residents of Khartoum…constitutes a violation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights…Intl Covenant on Political & Civil Rights. E Nile Resistance Comm and Haj Yousef Neighbourhood Comm affirmed their adherence to peaceful protest, denying the connection of any revolutionary with a policeman’s disappearance. Khartoum Resistance Comm issued a statement in response to police accusations that protestors are trained forces with armed military formations, saying police had a habit of fabricating stories about peaceful protests in order to legitimise shameful acts against them. Resistance Comm in Bahri, Omdurman and Khartoum organised unscheduled protest marches to the Palace against making any political settlement with the military junta. Tues 1 protester was murdered by Sec Forces, who shot him in the head and chest before running a military vehicle over his body.
Lawyers group once again accused RSF of human rights violations against civilians in Darfur including arbitrary detention of 300 people. Darfur Lawyers Assoc, defending human rights in Sudan and Darfur particularly, held a press conference in Khartoum Mon. RSF violates the law and commits violations through arrests it carries out in illegal proceedings, and should be held accountable for these abuses, Nafisa Hajar Dep Head, Darfur Lawyers Assoc…warned against repeated violations of human rights committed by the paramilitary force…300 people illegally arrested are imprisoned in Khartoum, Red Sea and Shala of N Darfur. She reported deteriorating health conditions of several prisoners due to lack of health care and medication: Some of them are seriously ill due to the poor prison environment. Following the surge in intercommunal violence between several tribes, RSF arrested hundreds of people. Dep Head slammed law enforcement agencies saying they relinquished their responsibilities to RSF…IDPs in Zamzam Camp, N Darfur lodged over 5000 complaints against RSF. Their merger in the national army is one of the demands of the revolution agreed in the 2019 Constitutional Declaration. Sudan Tribune
October 30
3,000 protesters in Khartoum rejected UN mediation efforts between civilian and military leaders as foreign interference and called for religious rule. The crowd gathered in front of the UN mission chanted pro-Bashir slogans and burned photos of UN envoy Perthes. We are demonstrating for our dignity and our sovereignty. Volker has defiled our country…another wanted the armed forces to side with the people and kick Volker out. With police standing nearby, some demonstrators waved banners reading No to foreign interference and No to the UN. Pro-democracy activists worry Al-Burhan’s regime has reappointed Bashir loyalists to official positions. Arab News Thousands took to the streets in the capital and 16 cities across the country to protest against the military coup. Protests dubbed Martyrs’ Banners, Resistance Comm held up banners with photos of 119 people killed during protests that started immediately after the coup. In Khartoum thousands gathered in Bashdar before heading to the palace and being dispersed with tear gas and stun grenades. Police chased protesters near hqs of the military-led government. The protesters told Sudan Tribune they are resolved to continue peaceful protests despite violent repression exercised by the military government: We are protesting to restore civilian rule, and we will not stop demonstrating until our goal is achieved. We will not allow the army to rule again, Ahmed Hussein, a protester. Our destiny is that we are the generation that will end the military coups in Sudan forever, and we will not stop this battle. In Omdurman, thousands arrived at parliament as others demonstrated on Al-Arbaeen St when Police fired tear gas to disperse them. In Bahri, Security Forces prevented protesters from crossing Mek Nimr Bridge to Khartoum. Similar protests took place in Madani, Al-Manaqil, Singa, Abu Hajjar, Al-Duwaym, Pt Sudan, Kassala, Gedarif, Karima, Dongola, Dabba, El Fasher and Zalingei, among other towns. Security Forces injured 2 journalists covering protests Sun; Mohamed al-Mustafa was hit in the back by a stun grenade, photojournalist Fayez Abu Bakr was hit with a tear gas canister in the head. Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned targeting of journalists…excessive use of violence by security forces against peaceful protesters. The pro-democracy group warned authorities about the high rates of violence against journalists, media professionals and photographers…considered legitimate targets.
October 26
After coup, Sudan’s political future still uncertain. Under the coup generals, Sudan plunged into a deep political and economic crisis, while attempts are underway to forge a way out that avoids even greater instability. One year after the military takeover the country finds itself caught in a deep political crisis between the coup alliance, unable to consolidate authority, and democratic civilian movement. When the generals seized power, coup leader al-Burhan promised he would quickly appoint a technocratic Cabinet to rectify the situation and run the country until elections in 2023. Under his rule, Sudan’s economy collapsed, the country is experiencing high levels of violence and insecurity particularly in the periphery, and Khartoum is suffering from broad international isolation as fears of greater instability mount. The junta has been confronted by broad and sustained popular opposition despite their harsh crackdown.
Faced with resistance, Burhan announced last July the Armed Forces were ready to take a vague step back from the political scene, but his maneuver was widely rejected. There have been other proposals and failed attempts to try to find a way out, with the role of the generals the main sticking point. All actors, including the military, realized [the coup] was a mistake, but the way out is something that still needs to be agreed upon, Hamid Khalafallah, Tahrir Inst for Middle East Policy. There has been speculation about an imminent deal between FCC-CC which includes part of the civilian coalition and coup generals. Sharif Mohamed Osman, FFC-CC confirmed informal contact with Burhan and Dagalo based on a draft Constitution prepared by Sudanese Bar Assoc. Osman expressed doubts over agreement because of deep distrust toward the generals and the political cost such a deal would have: Confidence that the military will fulfill pledges made in informal meetings is very weak. Any agreement that revalidates a power-sharing formula and does not include return of the military to the barracks… accountability and comprehensive security sector reform is bound to meet with opposition from the pro-democracy movement, spearheaded by increasingly organized Resistance Comm. Our role a year after the coup is to knock new doors through the revolution’s forces and diversify the methods of struggle, Faisal Alsaeed, Resistance Comm Omdurman. The generals’ inability to cement their authority, and the country’s delicate stalemate, has led to cracks within the loose alliance that supported the coup, raising fears the untenable situation could degenerate into further instability or another coup. Al Monitor
Sudan anti-junta demos face brutal resistance. At least one demonstrator died as hundreds of thousands took to the streets across 9 states yesterday to mark the anniversary of the coup d’état of 2021. In marches across the country, protesters demanded overthrow of the military junta, and return to democracy and civilian rule. Marchers were met with fierce resistance from Security Forces. Many more injured as tear gas and stun grenades were used against peaceful protesters. In measures to pre-empt the marches, authorities cut off internet services, and closed a number of main roads, bridges linking the capital with Omdurman and Bahri. Protesters gathered at 2 muster points to converge on the Republican Palace. Large numbers of military personnel were deployed along anticipated paths of the processions. Most schools in Khartoum closed doors, while most government and private facilities stopped working in anticipation of demonstrations. The marchers were met with volleys of tear gas and stun grenades. In Khartoum, marches reached El Gasr St despite tight security barriers, but retreated due to excessive resistance. Security Forces impeded the arrival of demonstrators from Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman by using excessive violence and closing bridges with containers. Bahri Neighbourhood Comm called for complete closure of the city, calling revolutionaries to occupy the streets. At least one protester was killed in Khartoum, reportedly after being run over by a military vehicle. Bahri Neighbourhood Comm announced 3 protesters were seriously injured in the neck from tear gas and stun grenades. Demonstrators from Omdurman said a number of injuries were caused by excessive violence in front of the main hospital. In El Gezira, a number of protesters were injured by tear gas. S Darfur government announced closure of schools for a week, while El Gezira, Red Sea, El Gedaref, N Darfur and N Kordofan announced an official holiday Tues. Processions took place in Wad Madani, Atbara, El Fasher, Zalingei, Pt Sudan, Kassala, El Gedaref, Kadugli, El Obeid and other cities to demand overthrow of the junta. In N Darfur, hundreds of demonstrators approached Freedom Sq in El Fasher from 3 directions. Mohamed Salem, Democratic Alliance of Lawyers called for a return to the democratic track and restoration of civil authority and institutions of power. Processions in Pt Sudan left from the public parking lot to El Buseiri Pl St passing through the Workers’ Bank, to the railway. Demonstrators said the procession was subjected to repression using tear gas, stun grenades and batons by Security Forces. Hundreds demonstrated in Kassala and El Gedaref, demanding civilian rule. Activist Nujoud El Shalali told Radio Dabanga that in Atbara, marchers converged on the new bridge, bearing the slogan: No negotiation, no partnership, no legitimacy. She confirmed Resistance Comm closed the main roads with barricades.
October 25
Sudan’s hidden resistance: The day that can no longer wait. A year after the coup, resistance to military rule is taking multiple forms — some overt, others more disguised. As a renowned musician’s concert wound up close to midnight, the large crowds started leaving the old open theatre. They had been listening to the last song on their feet under the night rain. There was a strange, contemplative silence as they began walking out. Then, as they spilled onto the street they suddenly started chanting, spontaneously, a revolutionary poem: And we will reach the day that can no longer wait…the day whose sun is ablaze, the chorus went. 1 year after the military coup, the country continues to witness frequent demonstrations demanding return to full civilian rule. These organised protests only scratch the surface of popular resistance bubbling inside the country, the intensity which often appears to be lost on the international community in its focus on street demonstrations. Mass defiance against the coup continues to manifest in broader, more complex and nuanced forms. Sometimes the act of protest isn’t even visible, especially to the outside world. Resistance Committees — neighbourhood grassroots networks that served as key pillars of the organised pro-democracy street movement — have been writing political charters that embody their vision for a Sudanese state. Their aim is to offer alternatives to traditional political systems by the country’s elite. The participatory processes and community engagement that goes into producing the charters are as important as the content. Electricity sector employees, medics, street cleaners, traders and other professional groups have been demonstrating their collective power. Many have gone on strike while local markets in several states shut down in recent weeks to reject new taxation imposed on them by Finance Min Ibrahim, who supported the coup. The drivers of these actions have been largely economic, related to demands for salary increases, anger against unpaid salaries and new burdensome taxes that allow the coup plotters to keep securing the revenue they need. They are indicative of mounting anger at acute hike in prices of food like bread, sorghum and millet, as well as basic goods. Sudan witnessed 359% inflation in 2021. These strikes could spread. Resistance simmers in day-to-day interactions and conversations on social networks and between families and friends in households, markets, public transport and universities. You’ll hear strains of defiance against the coup and its leaders among groups of Sudanese sitting around women tea-sellers on street pavements – social spaces that bring people together every day. People serve up constant sarcasm directed at the junta’s claims of undertaking the coup to restore the path of democracy. They ridicule the military’s insistence that it consolidated power in order to protect the transition as well as the promise to eventually hand over power to civilians and forever stay out of politics. Such conversations are ubiquitous on Facebook and, even more so, on wildly popular WhatsApp where Sudanese regularly share audio or video footage that captures abuse against protesters, reject the junta’s threats and keep the flame alive in the fight for a civilian, democratic state. Hashtags are created every other week under different titles calling for termination of the coup. Hidden forms of resistance exist inside social, cultural and artistic events from music concerts to discussion forums, where anti-coup slogans frequently break out. In a recent event celebrating good journalism, a press report with the title Burhan and Hemeti Chose the Wrong Generation to Carry Out their Coup Against, received the most intense round of applause. The reference was to al-Burhan and Hemeti. Graffiti with revolutionary slogans: Long Live the Struggles of Sudanese Women and The Revolution Goes On are painted over by the regime only to keep popping up again on street walls. Hundreds of journalists were able to get together and conduct free and monitored elections amid the coup and form their first Sudanese Journalists’ Union in over 3 decades. All these forms of resistance, some overt, others disguised, coexist and strengthen one another. They adapt in response to the policies and repression of the junta. And they can come together. The international community must recognise this mood of defiance and myriad ways people are expressing themselves. To assess Sudan’s appetite for a democratic, civilian state or acceptance of the status quo through the barometer of the size of street demonstrations alone would be a serious mistake. We often hear members of the international community assert that Sudanese civilians are not united. That’s a claim the military first propagated to justify the coup. Pro-democracy forces do not have to be united in the narrow sense of the term: differing political ideologies and perspectives on how to bring about change demonstrate the robust democratic underpinnings of their movement. And they do agree on fundamental issues including, first and foremost, full civilian rule. A new deal between the military and some civilian political parties, midwifed by the international community, appears to be taking shape. Should this deal not meet the aspirations of most Sudanese, they will resist it in their own different ways. It will not be an easy road, nor a short journey. But Sudan is moving slowly but definitely towards the day that can no longer wait. Al Jazeera
Sudan protesters march towards Palace on coup anniversary. Internet services were blocked. Protesters burnt tyres on main roads, chanting power belongs to the people, the military belongs in the barracks. Protesters marching from southern Khartoum towards the Palace and from central Omdurman towards the bridge to the capital were faced with heavy tear gas from Security Forces. A year on, military leaders have not appointed a PM, while Islamists loyal to Bashir purged from the civil service have returned. Bashir is in jail pending trial related to the coup that brought him to power and the war in Darfur. Tribal violence has broken out across the country, including Blue Nile State where 250 were killed. The generals say they will give up power when a government is in place, are engaged in negotiations with FFC facilitated by UN and AU, US, Britain, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Resistance Committees have sustained the anti-military movement with regular demonstrations mostly rejected talks with the military and demand its leaders be brought to justice over killings of over 100 protesters, including one on Sun. Even though they blocked the internet and closed the bridges, we will keep putting pressure on the military until they step aside, Salah Abdallah, 21-year-old university student who was against the deal. The biggest roadblock is Islamists* who are trying to create crises and an atmosphere that is not conducive to finding a solution, particularly those who remain a significant presence in the military and security services.
*Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like ‘Islamist’ are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.
Sudan blocked Internet access nationwide as pro-democracy activists marked the first anniversary of a coup that derailed the transition to civilian rule with hunger and inflation throttling the country. Waving Sudanese flags, protesters defied authorities who launched repeated deadly crackdowns on past rallies, chanting power to the people and demanding soldiers go back to the barracks. A year ago Al-Burhan seized power and arrested civilian leaders with whom he agreed to share power in 2019. As demonstrations gathered across the country Tues, authorities launched a nation-scale Internet disruption NetBlocks said, a regular tactic when mass protests are planned. In Atbara, hundreds of students took to the streets. Ahead of planned rallies protesters insisted the revolution continues and called for creation of a politically and economically-free Sudan, a civil democratic Sudan. Authorities ordered all public institutions, schools and businesses shut as Security Forces deployed heavily throughout the city, blocking roads and bridges. 118 people have been killed while demanding a return to civilian rule. Cut off from western aid, Sudan, already one of the world’s poorest countries, plunged into a worsening economic crisis. 1/3 of inhabitants suffer from hunger, 50% increase compared to 2021. The cost of food jumped 137% forced Sudanese to spend 2/3 of their income on food alone. Many worry that 3 years after the 2019 uprising that toppled Bashir, signs point to a reversal of their revolution. Several Bashir-era loyalists have been appointed to official positions, including the judiciary currently trying the dictator. Burhan’s pledge of elections next year is seen as far-fetched. 31 protesters were injured, including 3 who were hit in the eye by tear gas canisters. Even as Security Forces are mobilized to counter protests, a broader security breakdown nationwide left nearly 600 dead and 210,000 displaced as a result of ethnic violence. Sudan has enjoyed only brief spells of democratic rule over the decades.
SPLM-N headed by Yasir Arman, former advisor to Hamdok, called on Sudanese to join demonstrations against the coup. Central Council members agreed to focus on Sudanese in the countryside. DRM was formed after Malik Agar, leader of SPLM-N and member of Sovereignty Council, and deputy Yasir Arman amicably agreed to split. The group agreed to deal with a revolution, not a political crisis…to separate religion from state, build a nation based on democracy and citizenship without discrimination, form a broad civil front that will join upcoming elections to complete the tasks of the glorious 2018 Dec revolution through a peaceful transfer of power. Members noted the vast majority of Sudanese live in the countryside, and the destruction inflicted on them led to large, unproductive migrations towards cities, towns and rural areas, where the state has been unable to provide services. DRM adopted a strategy to build a democratic membership movement linking the countryside with the city while adhering to a new Sudan based on civil society and sustainable governance. Real reform must lead to restoration of the productive face of the countryside and modernisation of agriculture and herds grazing. One of the basics of national economic reform is to pay attention to the people of the countryside and city together. DRM prioritised reform of the security, military and justice sectors, respect for human rights, Rule of Law, lifting of impunity [of security forces] and accountability. …discussed the Juba Peace Agreement…agreed political contents must be reviewed while gains for war zones should be preserved and the urgent issue of eastern Sudan resolved in an equitable manner and with all stakeholders. The Council stressed the need to strengthen FFC alliance by opening up to forces of the revolution without condition and giving a voice to Resistance Committees. The Dec Revolution provided the will, environment and human resources needed for change, to build a new Sudan, as the current nation is aging and unable to carry out its tasks. The statement concluded by calling for wide public participation in the Oct 25 demonstrations to end the coup. Dabanga
Faculty of 33 universities resume strike because authorities will not respond to all their demands. University staff demands are related to employment conditions; one is allowing PhD holders of retirement age to continue giving lectures as long as they are willing and able. Faculty demand improved salary structure. Sudanese Univ Lecturers Comm said 96% of lecturers voted for resumption of their strike. Strikes around unpaid dues and unmet promises took place Feb and March – lecturers went on strike after the unconstitutional dismissal of 30 university directors replaced by people chosen by El Burhan. School teachers are considering to re-embark on a strike…demand increased wages. Sudanese Teachers Comm announced meetings in the entire country to discuss escalation and strike possibilities after the deadline for authorities to respond to their memorandum…to send delegations to communicate with Council of Ministers, Min of Finance & Economic Planning and state governments. The Comm confirmed adherence to establishment of an elected teachers’ union with branches in states…accused the Min of making a U-turn on promises. EU Comm for Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid remarked sadly, nearly 1/3 of school-aged girls and boys do not go to school. 12 million face significant learning disruptions due to a lack of teachers, infrastructure and an enabling learning environment.
Min of Finance to amend income tax on business and real estate profits and personal income tax amidst strikes. Chambers of Commerce Fed demanded immediate review of economic policies and abolition of business taxes which increased significantly. Nadir El Hilali said economic policies and increased taxes have worsened severely lacking purchasing power, which reduced GDP and state revenues. Finance Min Ibrahim said he does not have authority to reduce business profit taxes from 30% to 15%…referred to abolition of production tax on industrial products after complaints from industrial sectors. The Min repudiated tax increases, confirmed agreement between Employers Union and Council of Ministers to raise tax on business profits in the industrial sector 10-15% and services 20-30%…the delegation to DC was able to circumvent the decision to suspend aid and obtain promises. The Min said the visit achieved great gain: resumption of communication with World Bank and IMF, and Sudan is allowed to benefit from World Bank support for food, climate change mitigation and emergencies. Kamal Karrar, Sudanese Party: the economy is heading toward the abyss…the path of dependency on the World Bank and IMF is closed and leads to impoverishment of more people. Economic Expert Mohamed El Nayer called for review of the programme of World Bank and IMF given that Sudan did not receive compensation: the international community has taken the coup as an excuse not to fulfil its promises. Sudan should not rely too much on the international community but on its own resources. Sudan could do more to exploit its huge resources such as agriculture, gold and employ them for the benefit of Sudan instead of exhausting the citizen’s pocket with levies, fees, customs and other taxes. World Bank did not provide the transitional government of Hamdok with aid during its 2 years in power, despite Hamdok being a civilian that steered the country towards democratic transition. Dabanga
Jamal Nasir, Min of Health Blue Nile State, reported the number of victims has risen to 233 dead, and 217 wounded, many suffering from burns: This kind of violence is new to the region. Even during the civil war, family homes were not torched in this way…rescue teams have not been able to reach all the victims. There are many injured who have not been treated yet, and we have been unable to remove all the dead. Ramadan Yasin, Comm for Humanitarian Aid: it is unclear how many people have died in Medina 3 in Wad El Mahi as security forces have been unable to enter the area so far. The Health Min called on the federal government to collaborate with Blue Nile State Health Min after 1 of 10 seriously wounded transferred to Khartoum hospitals was reported dead. He said the wounded should be brought to the Sudanese capital by air ambulance instead of road, as the road is poor quality and the distance is too far. Regional hospitals in Sudan are hardly equipped for treating serious wounds. Even first aid departments lack medical supplies. Seriously wounded patients are almost always transferred to Khartoum, if possible. The hospitals of Ed Damazin and El Roseires are not only overcrowded with wounded people, but are unable to cope with serious burns. Ezzeldin Adam Suleiman, Dir of Min of Social Welfare and Head of the High Emergency Comm in Blue Nile State, told Radio Dabanga the conditions in the hospitals exceed the capabilities of the State Min of Health. 50,000 people fled to Ed Damazin and El Roseires. Many are suffering from malaria, typhoid, anaemia and heavy colds. He called the federal government and relief organizations to provide shelter materials, food, and medicines. Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Comm reported 13,000 families fled from Wad El Mahi to Ed Damazin and El Roseires since Sun evening because of the violence.
October 24, 2022
Protestor killed.
Adam Eisa, 15 Central Comm of Sudan Doctors reported a demonstrator was killed in Khartoum after being shot in the chest. Assoc of Sudanese Abroad reported the victim is Adam Eisa. 31 protesters were injured Fri in Khartoum, including 3 eye injuries due to being hit by tear gas canisters; 1 person was hit in the leg by a rubber bullet, another suffered a stun grenade to the abdomen; 5 suffered head injuries by gas canisters; direct firing of tear gas canisters, stone throwing and a stampede. Dabanga
Demonstrators brace for violence ahead of protest march. Pro-democracy activists say they’ll turn out in large numbers to reaffirm demands for full civilian rule. Security Forces stepped up crackdown to deter protesters. Demonstrators demand full civilian rule one year after a military coup upended transition to democracy and tipped the country into economic crisis. Activists are bracing for violence from the Police Force, under significant criticism since the death of a young man, Mudasser Kamal, in custody. The junta relies on this sort of violence to stay in power, Sammer Hamza, 25-year-old member of pro-democracy movement. This time, the crime was committed by the Police, but armed groups and the army have done the same thing. Since Kamal’s death, the ruling generals have cracked down on demonstrations and activists while fueling conflicts across the country’s marginalised peripheries. The violence hardened the attitudes of members in the pro-democracy movement who promise to turn out in large numbers. Authorities targeted activists and artists affiliated with the pro-democracy street movement. Government forces stormed an art and tech space called Civil-Lab in Khartoum…trashed an art exhibition, confiscated paintings and arrested 9 people… charged with advocating violence against authorities, disturbing public peace and compromising public safety. The theme of the exhibit was to draw attention to the threat authorities pose to protesters. They arrested us because they want to scare young people, but people aren’t scared of them, Alma al-Deen, 26-year-old financial coordinator. In the eyes of Duaa Tarig, Art Curator at Civic-Lab and active in the pro- democracy movement, coup authorities were clearly frightened by art that challenged the legitimacy of high-level negotiations: the most important installation was called The Negotiation Room, which reflects the opinion most protesters have towards talks to restore a military-civilian partnership rather than pursue full-civilian rule, justice and accountability – core demands of the pro-democracy movement. We had a portrait of a dictator in a military uniform covered in blood, and on his badge it read ‘murderer’… [authorities] confiscated the portrait, but the idea was that when you stood in front, all you would be able to see is blood smeared around him. Armed groups aligned with the military are fuelling violence in the neglected peripheries. In Blue Nile State 220 people have been killed and thousands displaced in intercommunal violence – a term that obscures the political drivers of the conflict. Kholood Khair said violence has been exacerbated by armed groups who signed the Juba Peace Agreement which was supposed to bring an end to conflicts in rural areas. Signatories to that agreement supported the military coup later: There is a direct militarisation of the peripheries due to the Juba Peace Agreement. Back in Khartoum, scores of people were injured during protests Fri. 2 days later security forces shot and killed a young man. Khair suspects coup leaders, especially expecially al Burhan are resorting to repression to gain leverage in ongoing negotiations: Burhan is trying to strengthen his position of power….While he’s offering all this rosy rhetoric about making concessions, he’s showing he has cards he can play by attacking protesters or letting the situation get worse in Blue Nile. Despite the risks, protesters are preparing to march towards the Presidential Palace on the anniversary of the coup to make themselves heard. All the people who were arrested with me have protested on the streets in the past, Al-Deen We will all be there again on Oct 25. Al Jazeera
October 23
A young protester was killed by gunshot Sun in a neighbourhood rally to mobilize for protests to mark the anniversary of the Oct coup. CCSD stated a 15-year protester was shot in the chest by security forces in Khartoum. Issa Omer was killed during participation to advertise for the protest against the coup of al-Burhan against the civilian transitional government. Resistance Comm organize for several days neighbourhood protests and posted short messages on social media calling on Sudanese to take to the streets Thurs. The forensic doctor’s report confirmed the cause of death was a fiery projectile that injured the heart and lungs and caused internal bleeding that led to his death on the spot. Emergency lawyers confirmed Omer was taken to al-Gawda Hosp after he was shot in Alsahafa neighbourhood. Sudan Tribune
African Centre for Justice & Peace Studies condemn the sentencing death by stoning of 20-year-old Amal after she was found guilty of adultery. The sentence is yet to be approved by the High Court, as authorities failed to refer the sentence to the court for approval. Amal’s lawyer appealed her case to the High Court. ACJPS called authorities to overturn the sentence…applied in violation of the rights to fair trial and in violation of the right to life and imposing cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and guarantee Amal immediate and unconditional release, and fair trial. There is evidence to suggest Amal’s interrogation and trial was tinted with several irregularities…she was interrogated by a police investigator who allegedly illegally obtained a confession. The application of the death penalty by stoning…is a grave violation of international law… law includes the right to life and prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment, set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Sudan is a party: 2021 Sudan ratified the Convention Against Torture and Cruel Punishment. International Fed for Human Rights and ACJPS called authorities to remove the penalty and abolish the death penalty in the legal system, and prioritize reforms to ensure absolute prohibition of torture. Most cases of adultery in Sudan are issued against women, highlighting the discriminatory application of legislation in violation of international law that guarantees equality and non-discrimination based on gender. Dabanga
Protesters in troubled Blue Nile set fire to the government office in Ad Damzin as others looted an arms depot in an unprecedented extension of the chaos in the region. Sun afternoon protesters gathered again outside the State Secretariat before burning the building. Other protesters organized a sit-in outside 4th Infantry Div where they handed over a memorandum demanding dismissal of the Gov. Tribal leader Abu Shotal gave central government in Khartoum 48 hours to remove him from his position. Military forces were chasing groups that stormed army Command. Resistance Comm Ad Damazin issued a statement denouncing the inertia of regular forces and called to exercise restraint end inter-communal violence. In response to the attack al-Burhan relieved the commander and appointed Maj Gen Abdallah of Blue Nile Military Region.
Abdallah is a holder of a PhD in conflict resolution. Hamaj tribal leadership accuse SPLM-N leader Agar and the Gov of backing the Hausa claim for a tribal chiefdom in the region, a matter they reject. Sudan Tribune
2 days of tribal fighting killed 220 people, one the deadliest bouts of violence. The unrest added to the woes of an African nation mired in civil conflict and political chaos. Fighting in Blue Nile Prov pits the Hausa Tribe, with origins across W Africa, against the Berta people. Officials counted 220 dead Sat night – the tally could be much higher since medical teams were not able to reach the epicentre. The first humanitarian and medical convoy managed to reach Was el-Mahi to assess the situation, counted a huge number of bodies, dozens injured. In such clashes, everyone loses. We hope it ends soon and never happens again. But we need strong political, security and civil interventions. Footage which corresponded to AP reporting showed burned houses and charred bodies, women and children fleeing on foot. The latest fighting comes at a critical time, just a few days before the first anniversary of a military coup that further plunged the country into turmoil…derailed the short-lived transition to democracy after 3 decades of repressive rule. The generals agreed to allow civilians to appoint a PM to lead the country through elections within 24 months, however violence in Blue Nile is likely to slow down efforts. Protest groups reject the deal with the ruling generals…preparing for mass anti-military demonstrations Tues, the anniversary of the coup. The New Arab
Thousands took to the streets of Khartoum and all major cities across the country Fri to commemorate the anniversary of the 1964 Revolution that overthrew the junta. Authorities pre-empted the demos by closing Mak Nimir Bridge, inspecting other bridges to halt processionary routes to Khartoum. Similar processions were launched Wad Madani, Atbara, Singa, Kosti, Nyala, El Fasher and Zalingei in Darfur, Kassala and Gedaref in east Sudan. UN Office of the High Comm for Human Rights called authorities to refrain from force and ensure people exercise their rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression…the right to peaceful assembly protected under international human rights law to which Sudan is a State Party…that investigations into human rights abuses are expedited and conducted in full compliance with international norms and standards…need for those in Sudan to witness justice, and all those responsible of human rights violations tried and held to account. The African Centre for Justice & Peace Studies expressed similar sentiments, urging the African Comm on Human & Peoples’ Rights to address the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators and ongoing violations of human rights. Dabanga
Op-Ed: No immunities from prosecution for grave human rights violations or serious international crimes can be contemplated. The Hague. Rumours of imminent political breakthrough have circulated countless times. This time a deal between the military and FFC may be drawing nearer. …at REDRESS we read with alarm about features of possible agreement….Bloomberg: the suggested deal…would provide some immunity from prosecution for the military…roll back commitments made after Bashir’s fall. Immunities for certain crimes would mark significant departure from even the draft Constitutional Agreement by Sudanese Bar Assoc… appears to proscribe immunities for war crimes, crimes against humanity, extrajudicial killings, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, undermining constitutional order, and crimes of corruption between June 30, 1989 and signing this Constitution. …no concessions to the military in relation to immunities should be accepted – this would be contrary to the international prohibition on amnesties of international crimes subject to (prosecution)… genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearance. Sudan is party to Conv Against Torture and Conv for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which impose a concrete duty to investigate and prosecute torture and enforced disappearance. UN Human Rights Comm responsible for interpreting the Intl Covenant on Civil & Political Rights: amnesties are generally incompatible with the duty of states to investigate [acts like torture], states may not deprive individuals of the right to effective remedy. To take a leap of faith to military commitment to breaking the cycle of abuses and impunity would be foolish. Transitional justice requires accountability for serious human rights violations to erode these practices in the future. Beyond adversely affecting victims’ access to the truth of what happened and reparations, immunities to actors responsible for serious international crimes will not promote genuine and lasting transition towards a democratic Sudan. In June REDRESS explained in greater detail – peace vs. justice problem: in democratising societies, victims expect justice, often in a courtroom, while internal and external political actors will prioritise stability, including economic stability, for long-term peace. “Long-term peace” often wins out over “justice.”…impunity encourages repetition of violations and shakes victims’ trust in law—perpetuating the cycle of instability and human rights abuses. This is exactly what has historically happened in Sudan. Serious engagement with human rights and transitional justice challenges is a prerequisite for a democratic and peaceful Sudan…preventing immunities for grave human rights violations and international crimes is an obvious first step. Emma DiNapoli, Legal Officer, REDRESS
The military government has withdrawn accreditation of a consumer protection group that took it to court. Sudanese Consumer Protection Society asked a court to order the government to restore internet blocked during the coup. Yasir Mirghani, SCPS, was handed a decision to revoke the group’s permit after 24 years of operations…the order stipulated deregistration, seizure of assets and property, freezing of assets and accounts but did not list the alleged violations of the group. The New Arab
Finance Min announced plans to sell Sudan’s Special Drawing Rights to IMF as the country has no sufficient resources to fund programmes. Sudan has the equivalent of $1b SDR, part of a loan of $2.4b by IMF in 2021; the remaining $1.4b served to pay off debts to IMF. The loan was to support the civilian government to benefit from Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. IMF would resume technical assistance…to renew the period granted to reach completion of Sudan’s debt forgiveness. We identified new means for loans, including a special window to finance food security…specific to the agricultural sector. The second window related to climate change programme. These have nothing to do with debt forgiveness. IMF officials agreed to sell some of Sudan’s SDR to convert to dollars a part of SDR Sudan got last year, $650m SDR, to use in financing vital sectors. The Transitional Civilian Government planned to use loans to rehabilitate the economy; the coup negatively affected the economic situation as the international community and financial institutions suspended support. Sudanese economists ruled out that the international community would approve…that sale of Sudan’s SDR would resolve the economic crisis. The speech of the Min indicates his desire to sell Sudan’s rights to some countries to take advantage of those funds to support the collapsed economy, Economics Prof al-Tijani Mustafa. Ibrahim is struggling to obtain funds to support the budget, which is fully funded by domestic taxes. Economic Expert Mohamed Alnayer: the money Sudan may get from the SDR would not solve the economic crisis. Sudan Tribune
October 22
200 people killed in 2 days of fighting in Blue Nile State. Clashes broke out last week with hundreds fleeing intense gunfire and homes and shops set ablaze. Fighting peaked to some of the worst in recent months, prompting the Gov to declare a state of emergency Fri. Local Assembly Chief: Some of the bodies have not been buried yet… calling humanitarian groups to help local authorities bury the dead. Head of Wad al-Mahi Hosp: women, children and elderly people were among the dead. Several hundred people demonstrated in the capital, Damazin, shouting no to violence. Some demanded Gov Badi be sacked, accusing him of not protecting them. The Hausa mobilized across Sudan, claiming they are discriminated against by tribal law which forbids them to own land in Blue Nile because they were the last group to arrive there. Access to land is highly sensitive in impoverished Sudan, where agriculture and livestock account for 43% of employment and 30% GDP. A surge in ethnic violence highlighted the security breakdown since the coup. 546 people were killed and 211,000 forced to flee their homes in conflicts across the country. The New Arab
October 21
State of emergency in troubled Blue Nile State…ordered army Commander, Police Dir, Gen Intelligence Svc Dir and RSF Commander to stop tribal fighting and restore state authority. Gov imposed a night curfew in Wad Al-Mahi banning gatherings or carrying weapons. However, the measure did not prevent attacks that led to killing 155 people including children and elders. Hundreds of people protested outside government hqs. SPLM-N Revolutionary Front-Agar condemned the bloody violence and called the security committee to end the attacks. The peace signatory group rules Blue Nile, called to ignore hate speech and violence in social media in an attempt to mobilize public opinion against the peace process. Sudanese Revolutionary Front has 3 leaders in the Sovereign Council, calling military rulers to stop the violence. Sudan Tribune
US called ruling military to refrain from violence against demonstrators commemorating 58th anniversary of the Oct 1964 revolution: we remain focused on supporting restoration of a civilian-led Transitional Government and realization of the Dec revolution’s ideals: freedom, peace and justice. Oct 21 processions come in the midst of the worst wave of civil violence in recent months in Blue Nile and Lagawa, W Kordofan, which have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. While civil strife is raging due to the spread of weapons, military authority has not shown any intervening. The coup authority practiced routine work Thurs casually, while Min of Interior seemed indifferent to what was going on. Al Taghyeer
Protesters rally in the streets of Khartoum ahead of the 1 year anniversary of a military coup as the country remains mired in deepening political and economic turmoil. Fri, pro-democracy group commemorated the 58th anniversary of the first revolution that toppled military power. Several thousand marched chanting no to military rule nearly a year after al-Burhane’s coup put an end to democratic transition. Since then, every week, despite a repression that left 117 dead, Sudanese against military power hold protests. Africanews Watch the short video: https://www.africanews.com/2022/10/21/sudanese-rally-ahead-of-military-coups-one-year-anniversary
Conflict, coups, food shortages: Sudan is reeling from multiple crises, but environmental activist Nisreen Elsaim warns a bigger problem dwarfs them all: climate change. The 27-year old joined protests which toppled al-Bashir in 2019. If her country still grapples with a conjunction of crises, the climate campaigner warns a bigger problem does not receive the attention it deserves: climate change…There has been a noticeable increase in temperature. Sudan has always been hot but it has now become hotter…there are failed rainy seasons. Erratic weather patterns – harsh droughts, boiling temperatures then severe floods affected thousands. Sudan is the 5th most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change, 2020 Global Adaptation Index. Increasing demands on dwindling natural resources has fuelled inter-ethnic conflicts: People are originally fighting over land and water. It’s a natural resource conflict…caused by scarcity. During the upcoming session of UN Climate Change Conf in Egypt, Elsaim will advocate that environmental action and democracy go in pair. She will plead in favour of adapting to the climate crisis in agriculture: climate-smart agriculture: Climate change mainly affects food security and water security. So two things need to be addressed: all agricultural projects in Sudan must use the climate-smart approach. And water harvest projects must be backed. AfricaNews
FFC defended their agreement with the military and denied they agreed the military will not be held accountable for crimes. Sources within military and civilian components reported agreement…after secret talks brokered by the US, co-facilitated by Saudi Arabia, UAE and UK. According to Bloomberg, Sudanese Bar Assoc the draft Transitional Constitution has been used as a starting point, although concessions to the army have been added. Mainstream FFC received criticism from other opposition groups because of their sympathy towards a power-sharing government with the military. SAF and RSF were in direct negotiations with FFC-CC. Jaafar Hassan, FFC-CC, told Radio Dabanga many families of martyrs support the civil democratic transition given that perpetrators are held accountable: Talking about guarantees on paper with a person carrying a gun is futile….We cannot impose on the military forces and demand them to choose specific personalities. Min of Finance Ibrahim informed international institutions of completion of the settlement and formation of a civilian government before the end of this year…the international community is rushing to help….Bloomberg: people familiar with secret US-brokered discussions underline the strategic importance of Sudan as a resource-rich country located on a stretch of the Red Sea that’s a choke-point for global shipping…yet another arena in Africa for the tussle of influence between US, Russia and China, Simon Marks and Mohamed El Amin wrote.
Help save Amal from death by stoning Petition to be sent to authorities in Sudan
To Sign Petition go to: file:///C:/Users/W10P/Desktop/Avaaz%20-%20Help%20save%20Amal%20from%20death%20by%20stoning.html
October 20
At least 150 killed in 2 days of fighting in Blue Nile. Women and children among those who lost their lives during intercommunal clashes in the latest ethnic clashes over land disputes. The bloodshed is the worst in recent months and crowds took to the streets of Damazin in protest chanting slogans condemning a conflict that killed hundreds this year. Clashes broke out last week after arguments over land between members of Hausa people and rival groups, with residents reporting hundreds fleeing intense gunfire and homes set ablaze. The fighting centred around Wad al-Mahi. Thurs, hundreds marched, some calling for the state governor to be sacked. No, no to violence, demonstrators chanted. Eddie Rowe, UN aid chief, reporting an unconfirmed 170 people have been killed and 327 injured since the latest unrest began Oct 13. Al Jazeera
155 people killed in 3 villages on outskirts of Wad al-Mahi as a result of bloody conflict between Hausa and Berta tribes of Blue Nile…brutal attacks took place despite curfew, ban on gatherings and prohibition on carrying firearms in public. The local commissioner issued strict instructions to security and military services to immediately disarm armed groups and disperse tribal gatherings. He revealed evacuation of large numbers of families and called UN and aid groups to provide humanitarian assistance. Activists posted horrific images on social media of victims, most burned to death inside their homes, including women, children and elderly. Osman Jano, Hausa leader, said the number of dead is higher: victims…exceed 200. What has happened over the past 2 days is genocide and ethnic cleansing, Berta groups used heavy weapons and some are carrying machetes…pointed an accusing finger at the governor saying he is still unable to control the situation Sudan Tribune
October 19
15 people have been killed in the latest outbreak of ethnic clashes after land disputes in Blue Nile State. Fighting broke out between Hausa and rival groups in Wad al-Mahi, despite heavy deployment of security forces as well as an overnight curfew. Last week, clashes left 13 people dead. Fighting between Hausa and other groups broke out in July, with 149 dead up until early Oct. 65,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. By late July, senior leaders agreed to cease hostilities. Despite the deal, clashes broke out again in Sept. army accused SPLA-N al-Hilu of shelling Lagawa, W Kordofan, breaching a 3-year truce. Tribal violence between Misseriya and Nuba over land ownership resulted in death of 17 people. RSF deployed in the area were accused of siding with Misseriya people. army accused SPLA-N al-Hilu of carrying out indiscriminate shelling on 3 neighbourhoods: Following shelling, SPLA infantry attacked our forces…a clear violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement. The government and SPLM signed a cessation agreement in 2019. The Juba-mediated process to end the S Kordofan armed rebellion stalled since 2021. SPLA-N al-Hilu rejected the accusations and dismissed participation of its troops saying they are a desperate attempt to distort the image of the movement. Everyone knows the aggression against Nuba, Dajo and Falata ethnic groups was carried out by Misseriya militias and RSF…warned RSF against continuing to support one of the belligerents and taking part in the killing. Sudan Tribune Hilu’s SPLM-N was once part of the rebel force fighting the 1983-2005 civil war against Khartoum, which ended in a peace deal that paved the way for independence of So Sudan. The rebel SPLM-N continued to battle the government of Bashir. A civilian- military Transitional Government declared a permanent ceasefire. Hilu’s faction was 1of 2 holdout groups who refused to sign a 2020 peace deal. Arab News
Yasir Arman, leader of SPLM-N Democratic Revolutionary Current, called Sudanese to take part in anti-coup protests Oct 21 and 25. Resistance Committees plan rallies on the 1st anniversary of the coup. We call on the Sudanese to take to the street to bring down the military coup. The leader called women to join the army and denied hostility to the military establishment…he said the former regime wants to rule the country again on the shoulders of the armed forces: But that will not happen. Arman proposed a broad civil front for all revolutionary forces to run in elections to defeat the former regime… mobilization of the street behind pro-democracy forces is crucial for restoration of the civilian government. FFC called for security arrangements and that continued presence of 8 armies in Sudan could lead to disintegration of the country….called to establish a timetable for integration of armed groups and militiamen into the national army. Sudan Tribune
Following W Kordofan intercommunal clashes between Misseriya and Nuba tribes over a land dispute in Lagawa last week, Armed Forces and RSF accused SPLM-N of shelling the area. Oct 13, SPLM-N allegedly launched numerous mortars during indiscriminate shelling from their base north of Lagawa where clashes took place. SAF said the shelling targeted the main market, epicentre of infighting. The spokesman for SPLM-N vigorously denied the accusations…accused SAF and RSF of fabricating and engineering the conflict. Khaled Jili Gov of W Kordofan accused SPLM-N of shelling the city…SPLM’s denial was completely false….In a flash update released today, UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs confirms 4,000 people were displaced and many homes were burned and looted. 12 people killed and 20 wounded as of 16 Oct. Despite yesterday’s visit by the governor accompanied by state security, at 18:00 the town was shelled by missiles from nearby mountains. Dabanga
10 people were killed during renewed inter-communal clashes in Wad El Mahi, Blue Nile State yesterday. Mohamed Moussa Ibrahim, Hausa leader, told Radio Dabanga thousands were displaced, most of them old people, women and children…no humanitarian, food or health assistance has been provided to the displaced so far. Intercommunal violence in the area saw 162 people killed since July. The violence that erupted mid-July between Hausa, Berta, El Hamaj and other ethnic groups which left 105 people dead has flared up before. Sept, 24 people were killed as violence resurfaced. The clashes sparked protests across Sudan, as the Hausa demanded justice for the dead. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, but protests in Kassala turned into bloody clashes after angry young Hausa torched government offices…5 of them died. Hausa youth planned a protest to demand dismissal of the gov of Kassala after he refused to investigate killings of 5 protesters.
October 18
Sudan Report: 7,000 Protesters Seriously Injured Since October Coup. The Hadhreen initiative published a report on violations against peaceful pro-democracy protesters dating from the Oct 25 coup to August. 116 protesters died at the hands of security forces and 7,000 protesters seriously injured up to Aug, but real numbers are likely higher. The grassroots initiative, which first emerged during the Dec revolution, worked to support injured protesters, especially those who require ongoing medical support. The Real Culprit Hadhreen documents the scale of violations…focusses predominantly on severe injuries that required prolonged treatment. Hadhreen provides statistics on injured protesters they assisted…do not claim that we have treated all the victims…some cases have been missed as not all hospitals had Hadhreen or CCSD field teams, and not all were referred to them late. Those who did not require hospital treatment and first aid teams in the field are usually not included in CCSD reports.
Hadhreen estimates 400 were under 18 years old. 116 protesters sadly lost their lives…more than half between 18 and 25, whilst another 16% were less than 18. Only 10% of the martyrs was older than 36. 1,074 injuries were classified severe, including 187 under 18 years. 78 were admitted to ICUs with 18 cases under 18 years. 46 had injuries to the head and neck. Their stays at ICUs ranged from 2-45 days. 21 protesters admitted to ICUs sadly passed away and 1 was diagnosed with permanent reduction of consciousness and will always require continuous medical care at home. 9 victims sustained varying degrees of permanent or long-lasting paralysis, 4 were minors. 8 victims required extensive rehabilitation outside Sudan. Hadhreen counted 14 partial or complete limb amputations accompanied by 7 removals of spleens or kidneys. The report lists 98 eye injuries. 19 victims lost eyesight in at least 1 eye, of which 12 had to undergo complete eye removal. 180 protesters sustained head and neck injuries, of which 50 martyrs passed away. 122 protesters were injured in the chest and 43 passed away. 1,363 injuries caused by firearms including live bullets, buckshot and rubber bullets; 103 martyrs passed away and 512 required surgical and medical intervention; 3,119 injuries by teargas canisters, direct impact, so excludes the impact of the gas, although 1 martyr passed away because of respiratory complications; 259 protesters required surgical or medical intervention; 258 stun grenade injuries were recorded, including 9 amputations. 68 injuries were caused by beatings, with 3 fatal injuries; 65 protesters were rammed or run over by security vehicles and 3 lost their lives. Hadhreen emerged as a grassroots initiative during the 2018 Dec revolution. The initiative was quick to join great efforts undertaken by health professionals to help treat and save lives of injured protesters throughout Sudan, and Khartoum in particular. The initiative worked to cover treatment costs, collaborated with hospitals and clinics to make treatment available to more victims, formed an independent medical advisory committee, and supported activists in getting treatment abroad if they required specialist support. After the Oct coup, Hadhreen had to reinstate operations, this time in close collaboration with Central Comm of Sudanese Doctors which would oversee initial emergency response. Those requiring additional treatment were referred to Hadhreen, which renewed contracts with private health providers and public specialised centres, provided unavailable medicines or equipment, covered costs of diagnostic tests. Hadhreen sadly announced it is forced to cease operations due to growing indebtedness to private care providers and drying out of donations and funding due to the worsening economic situation and rising costs. Hadhreen handed over responsibilities to CCSD to gracefully take on going forward…despite ceasing operations, we are still actively working to ensure that those injured will get as much support and aid possible. Hadhreen stresses it did not undertake all those monumental efforts singlehandedly but was part of Lastom Wandakom, You are Not Alone, that included Sudanese organisations and professional bodies from all around the world, and many collective and individual initiatives to provide additional support throughout this long journey…we can’t miss the opportunity to extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to all the men, women and children of the great Sudanese public, in Sudan and all over the world for all their support and never-ending sacrifices. Dabanga
13 people were killed in fighting in Blue Nile State, Anadolu reported. Inter-communal violence that spread into Ar Rusyaris from Wad Al Mahi in July, renewed 13 Oct in Dam Town 6…2 Hamaji people were killed due to a dispute over land which led to clashes between the Hausa community and other tribes…1,200 people have been displaced and are taking refuge in schools and nearby Camp 6 refugee camp. Tribal clashes took place following calls from the Hamaji tribe to expel the Hausa tribe under the pretext of being “non-indigenous residents” in it. Middle East Monitor
The police in Zalingei released journalist Hafida Abdallah Musa after arresting her while she was performing her work and detaining her for hours without following legal procedures. The incident led to condemnation from Darfur Media & Journalists Assoc and local state government. Police forces arrested the journalist when she was working to cover a vigil of vegetable traders in a local market. The vegetable traders welcomed the journalist; one of them told Radio Dabanga police prevented her from filming and took her phone before taking her to the police station. Reporters Without Borders demanded her immediate release. Authorities in Central Darfur demanded immediate release of Musa: …no journalist should face objections when performing their duties. Musa works for the State Authority for Radio & TV.
FFC-CC called rumors of a bilateral settlement with the military unfounded. The coalition formed an indirect liaison committee to communicate with the military after the military approved the Transitional Constitution of the Sudanese Bar Assoc which stipulated handover of power to civilians. It pointed out that the political solution includes a plan for unification of the armed forces and reforming state security… commitment to the Juba Peace Agreement, and the cabinet will be entirely civilian led by a civilian PM and legislative council. It stressed that an acceptable political solution requires accountability for killers of civilians, dismantling remaining assets and power left by the annihilated al-Bashir regime and recovery of public funds. Al Taghyeer
October 17
FFC said defeating the coup would not be achieved without mass resistance action, side by side with negotiations. FFC held meetings with the military to discuss ways to restore civilian government based on a draft Transitional Constitution to exclude the military from the future authority. The military reportedly accepted the proposals drafted by the Sudanese Bar Assoc and the principal of civilian Transitional Government. However, the military said a Supreme Council of the Armed Forces should be established, triggering doubts within FFC about al-Burhan’s sincerity to hand over power to a civilian government. Sun, pro-democracy coalition leaders held a meeting to discuss the latest developments. While some were enthusiastic about pledges made by the military, others cautioned against….The reluctant FFC leaders stressed that al-Burhan accepted the draft Transitional Constitution under international pressure and because his deputy rejects any alliance with Islamists…coalition leaders agreed on the need to preserve the unity of FCC forces and transparency with the street. FFC mechanisms to end the coup are Mass peaceful resistance including demonstrations, strikes; disobedience, besides regional and international solidarity along with a political solution that achieves the goals of the revolution.
SPLM-N Revolutionary Democratic Current headed by Arman: We are not a party to any settlement away from the masses and forces of the revolution. We work to strengthen unity of FFC and build a civil front to complete the tasks of the Dec revolution, Buthaina Dinar, SPLM-N Dep Chair…called QUAD countries and the tripartite facilitation mechanism to carefully distinguish between pro-coup forces and revolutionary forces. The statement was alluding to DUP and PCP, parties allied with the former regime. She pointed out that any political process led by supporters of the coup would lose credibility, and the broad forces of the revolution would reject it: accurate identification of the parties is vital for the future of the political process and the transition. Sudan Tribune
National Accord Forces announced total rejection of an alleged bilateral settlement between FFC-CC and military. The agreement provides for a civilian PM, but control over proposed Security and Defence Council remains a point of contention. The mainstream FFC received criticism from other opposition groups because of their sympathy towards a power-sharing government with the military. NAF, formerly National Accord breakaway faction of FFC, proposed the role of the military in the government should be limited to security and defence councils, chaired by a civilian head of state or PM.
Minni Minnawi, SLM, welcomed the vision of FFC for a process that includes forces of the revolution, peace groups and transition forces. Minnawi backed the October coup…. FFC speaks about formation of an inclusive civil authority consisting of a head of a lean Sovereign Council, cabinet and legislative council. According to the proposed text, the PM chairs the Security and Defence Council. FFC call for a technocratic cabinet where ministers are nominated by political groups. However, peace groups reject the idea saying they want to appoint their members to the government. The vision proposes to amend the Juba peace agreement, as many political forces say the armed groups should be disarmed and reintegrated before the election. …the military…expect a Supreme Council of Armed Forces be acknowledged in the Transitional Constitution, giving them judicial immunity. Sudan Tribune
The death of Mudathir Kamal inside an Imtidad Police Station raises worries over police brutality in the country. Mudathir Kamal, 29, walked into the police station on 11 Oct, only to come out of it as a cadaver. His family refused to receive the body unless a final autopsy takes place. Kamal had not spent more than 24 hours in the precinct before his death. Awad Muhammad, his cousin, said the deceased had issues between himself and some precinct policemen. His cousin was arrested at Sitteen St well beyond the jurisdiction of Imtidad police. Mudathir’s family said the police at Sahafa refused to have their son’s body in their station due to signs of torture that appeared on him. According to Mudathir’s sister, his mother called him to tell him their house had been robbed. His car stopped abruptly after running out of fuel. Speaking to Al Taghyeer, she said her brother stopped a motorist to ask him to help him with gasoline. Mudathir was shocked when the motorist asked are you Mudathir Kamal and handcuffed him and took him to the police station: They did not place him in lock-up, they took him to investigation offices immediately. The victim’s sister confirmed her other brother had been told to go away when he went to inquire at the station: He took some food for Mudathir around 11am, but they [police] took the food and prevented him from entering…he returned in the afternoon and was made to go away again. When his family rushed to see their son, a lieutenant told them their son died of a drug overdose. My father asked him, Are you a doctor? They told us they tried to save him and took him to Ibrahim Malik Hosp. We inquired inside the hosp and they denied they ever came. After Mudathir’s family arrived at Umbada morgue, they found blood on his nose and marks indicating beating. They found him stripped of clothes, which police confiscated. The autopsy took place with 5 members from the family, 3 emergency lawyers. The family refused to receive the body after it was discovered that samples from the stomach, blood and urine had been taken as evidence. In front of the mortuary, a group of protesters, friends and family gathered and demanded justice. …the samples taken led lawyers to suspect police’s intentions was to attribute cause of death to a drug overdose. Awad ruled out that Mudathir died from an overdose…Umbada morgue Dir said during the autopsy the coronary artery was open, explaining that if the cause of death was a drug dose it would close or constrict. The toxicology report, supposed to be issued after 48 hours, was delayed. A whole week passed since the death of Mudathir and his body is still in the mortuary awaiting the toxicology report. Emergency lawyers confirmed the autopsy doctors admitted there were traces of violence and torture on the deceased, which suggests he was killed during torture administered by Imtidad guards. Both the causes of arrest and death are still a mystery. Everyone now sits in uncertainty waiting for the final report, the funeral, identity of the culprit and cause of death. What is certain is that the death of Mudathir will add fuel to the fire in the relationship between the people and police with its notoriety for violence against peaceful protesters and detainees.
Clashes between rival groups in W Kordofan have killed 5 people and wounded 9, the army said Sat. Violence erupted a day earlier between rival Nuba and Misseriya people in Lagawa in the far south. Security forces intervened to contain the violence. Ethnic clashes often occur in Sudan’s far-flung regions over land, livestock, access to water and grazing. Thurs, renewed violence between the Hausa people and rival groups in Blue Nile State killed at least 4 people. Similar clashes erupted in Blue Nile State in July and in Sept, leaving more than 120 dead. The July fighting erupted after Hausa members requested creation of a civil authority that rival groups saw as a means of gaining access to land. 370 people were killed and 177,000 displaced in inter-communal conflicts between Jan and Aug. The New Arab
A rebel group operating from Nuba Mtns handed over 9 POWs to Khartoum authorities after So Sudan’s mediation, potentially boosting chances for the sides to reach a permanent accord. The men in the captivity of SPLM-N were captured last month after heavy battles in S Kordofan, and released on humanitarian grounds to return to their families, SPLM-N Secy Gen told a news conference: As individuals we don’t have problems with them but we have problems with the government. The New Arab
October 14
FFC confirmed discussions with military leaders of a draft Transitional Constitution proposed by lawyers which requires army withdrawal from politics. FFC refuses to include the Supreme Council of Armed Forces in the draft Transitional Constitution but commanders can form it as an internal structure for regular forces without granting it sovereign or executive powers. The idea of this separate higher military body was advanced by al-Burhan. FFC rejected this body saying it goes against the principle of a civilian state. The Transitional Government will be an unelected government. Sudan Tribune learned the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces was included in the draft political declaration without giving it sovereign or executive powers. The parties agreed the 3 leaders of the peace signatory group in the Sovereign Council would join the Supreme Council of Armed Forces besides al-Burhan and Hemetti.
October 13
Sudan’s government has been pursuing efforts to reach accords with rebel groups and end decades of conflicts that displaced millions of people and killed hundreds of thousands. Some rebels from the south and the troubled western region of Darfur signed agreements to cease hostilities. But a faction of SPLM-N led by al-Hilu who has control over significant forces and territory from his stronghold in S Kordofan has held out. Talks between the rebel group and Khartoum failed to yield a final accord, although progress has been made. The area where the group operates is dominated by Christians and followers of African beliefs who complain of long discrimination because of their opposition to Sharia law. The handover of captives by SPLM-N signals good intention from the rebels to continue to engage in talks, said So Sudan’s presidential advisor heading the mediation team. Reuters
Two armed movements of National Consensus Forces voiced rejection of a political settlement, stressing their adherence to the power-sharing deal negotiated under the Juba Peace Agreement. The proposal is supposed to replace the 2019 constitutional declaration and its version of 2020 which includes a power-sharing deal between civilian forces, the military and former rebel groups. Sudan Tribune
National Umma Party said there is a rapid acceleration towards comprehensive political agreement. The party stressed the importance of engaging the Armed Forces and RSF to establish a unified armed force. NUP and SCP stressed the need for a single, national, professional armed force. FFC-CC and the military component seem to be close to an agreement.
The spokesman for the Communist Party, Fathi Fadl, described the armed movements’ refusal to amend the peace agreement as a funny thing, and called those refusing the amendment dreamers. The Sudanese Communist Party criticized leaders of the armed movements who refuse amendments to the Juba Peace Agreement signed 2020 between the government, the Revolutionary Front and other factions. Fadl, in a statement to Al Jarida, said Juba agreement signatories will not be able to implement the document… political forces in the country were against the peace agreement…pointed out that the revolutionary front has the right to reject the amendment altogether, that their rejection would be nothing short of a fantasy. The Transitional Government and the Revolutionary Front, an armed coalition, signed an agreement in Juba in 2020…with the intention of ending decades of armed conflicts in Darfur, Blue Nile and S Kordofan. Most signatories supported the Oct coup and their leaders were among the few who retained their positions post the coup.
Lawyers and human rights defenders voiced disappointment after Sudan was re-elected by UN Gen Assembly to serve on the Human Rights Council. Activists and NGOs appealed to member states to reevaluate the candidacy of Sudan to serve in HRC: human rights practices in Sudan are clearly incompatible with well-defined criteria for membership of the HRC. FFC-CC called for re-election to be rejected because Sudan’s current unconstitutional regime continuously and systematically violated the human rights of its citizens since 25 Oct 2021. Sudanese human rights defender Abdelbagi Jibril says re-election is disappointing for human rights defenders. The election of Sudan is indeed problematic for the UN and HRC: the great challenges it faces in the protection and promotion of human rights, widespread violations, and the loss of hope for a return to the democratic path…the conditions for membership do not apply to Sudan. The conditions are to respect the highest standards of human rights protection in their countries and to contribute with the international community to stop any violations… Sudan does not meet the conditions, the election will affect the credibility of the Council. He expressed astonishment at Sudan’s election despite suspension of its membership in the AU. Darfur Bar Assoc said re-election represents an incentive for the regime to commit more violations...despite the deteriorating human rights record and irrefutable UN reports as a violation of standards…the decision undermines the capacity of HRC and its ability to carry out the tasks of monitoring and correcting the human rights situation in the countries of the world…the decision will kill the efforts of the UN in Sudan, and strip it of credibility and respect among the Sudanese public. Nizar Abdelgadir, Dir Geneva Inst for Human Rights said the Sudanese government is required to implement the voluntary pledges it made to win membership and implement its decisions, the most important which is the restoration of the civilian government. Dabanga
Resistance Committee announced marches towards the Presidential Palace to the Militarization of the Judiciary marches. Resistance Comms identified Bashadar Station, Al-Qurashi Park, Abu Hamama in the center of Khartoum as gathering points for demonstrators. The resistance bodies had been watching the frenzied campaign that leads to exoneration of the killers of martyrs in a legal loophole that allowed the alleged murderers to get away. The Resistance Comm worries regarding the killers of notable slain protester school teacher Ahmed Al-Khair, who were sentenced to death, being exonerated as well. They accused judicial institutions of being tainted by corruption, institutional overlap and conflict in issuing decisions and rejecting them at other times. The committees described the readiness of partisan ranks for a political settlement as shameful to those whose lives were taken after the coup. Al Taghyeer
Emergency Lawyers accuse police of murder cover-up. Mudaser Kamal, who died in police custody earlier this month, was tortured and killed, contradicting the official cause of death of stomach pain declared by Khartoum authorities. Kamal’s body was being taken to Umbada Mortuary where lawyers will begin legal procedures and follow up to enlighten the public about the case. The police must disclose the truth of the matter.
Prosecution designate leader of Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, Wajdi Salih Abdo, a fugitive in a criminal complaint. Wajdi Salih, ex-member of disbanded Empowerment Removal Committee, said allegations brought against him were attempts to intimidate, tarnish his reputation and assassinate his character, and confirmed he is in his home in Sudan. Public Prosecutor Othman Ahmed Idris circulated an announcement calling for the arrest of Wajdi Salih Abdo for being a fugitive. Salih responded saying several attempts were made to intimidate him: For those who try to tarnish my reputation or assassinate my character, I am a son of this great people, breastfed from our mothers and imbued with the true values of the Sudanese people, the first of which is manliness, which I will not abandon. I am not a fugitive and am present in the streets, in seminars, in my house, and even the detective knows where my house is because he lives in the same neighborhood. He described the deputy prosecutor as unfit following orders issued by coup leadership and violating the law and justice. Salih said attempts have been made to undermine him since before the Oct coup where he was banned from traveling in Sept 2021, arrest the morning of the coup and solitary confinement until Nov 2021, and accusations under criminal law for inciting discontent in the armed forces. He was arrested with former Sovereign Council member Muhammad Al-Faki Suleiman last Feb and others who worked in the Empowerment Removal Comm, and it was proven the case lacked any evidence and after 3 months, the judge refused to renew their detention.
October 12
For many people, perception is tantamount to truth and Sudan is no different. Ever since the military coup led by al-Burhan, the latter is widely believed to be bringing Islamists* and ex-regime figures into government machinery. The military quietly reinstated NCP supporters who worked for the government as well as affiliated NGO’s. Their assets confiscated by disbanded Empowerment Removal Comm were returned. NCP senior figures resurfaced including former Foreign Min Karti. It does not stop here: The last PM in the Bashir regime returned to Sudan from self-imposed exile in Egypt to a euphoric reception by supporters despite being wanted on corruption-related allegations.
Is there a secret deal between Islamists and the military? PCP leading figure Abdel-Razek told Al-Intibaha newspaper: There are some who participated in coup arrangements and some were even notified of the zero hour without the knowledge of Secy-Gen and the Gen Secretariat. This was the first time an Islamist figure acknowledged arrangements between Islamists and leaders of the coup. The putschists were looking for political allies as an alternative to FFC. NCP leaders promised the military to give them just that. A source told Sudan Tribune: From the first moment of the coup, it was clear an established party with a broad base stood behind it and provided counsel and support…this party provided 3,000 civil servants who returned to work within a month of the coup. A service ministry employee: Things have returned to the way they were before the fall of al-Bashir. Most officials loyal to NCP returned to their positions. Monte Caro usually considered credible reported a heated meeting in August…Karti quizzed Hemetti on the reasons behind his hostility towards the Islamic movement…allegedly issued a veiled threat You don’t know anything about our [Islamic movement] presence, inside the (army) we never lost our presence within this institution. You know the RSF law legislated and approved in parliament was the decision of the Islamic movement and not al-Bashir. *Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like ‘Islamist’ are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.
National Consensus Forces* reject movements towards political settlement. The Tripartite Mechanism (UNITAMS, AU, IGAD) met with El Burhan to discuss rapid developments and prospects of a solution. NCF alliance of progressive political parties said the settlement project aims to save the coup from an imminent fall, rather than what the Tripartite Mechanism promised regarding satisfactory settlement for all parties in negotiations. Engineer Khalafallah, a leader of NCF, announced categorical rejection of any settlement with the coup…NCF aims to overthrow the coup and bring about democratic transition. He pointed out that the settlement project relies on a civilian component that does not contradict the coup authority, along with regional and international forces, in order to save the coup. Khalafallah called for unification of political, social and professional forces of the revolution and all sincere forces in adherence to the democratic option…building a broad front, leading to a political strike and civil disobedience to overthrow the coup. Dabanga
Traders and merchants in El Gedaref went on strike again and closed all stores and stalls in the main market and other markets to protest a tenfold tax increase. There were marches to the tax appeals committee of merchants’ opposition and rejection of the exorbitant increases imposed by federal Min of Finance on traders. The next step of El Gedaref traders’ comm would be to organise a conference in Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira, for merchants and traders in 6 different states to take a unified position. In White Nile State traders continued to strike a 2nd day in protest against the exorbitant taxes. Shops and market stalls closed doors in Kosti, Rabak, Ed Duweim and other cities. Steering Comm of Kosti Merchants stressed rejection of the increase and its refusal to meet with the tax appeals committee. Chamber of Commerce Delling,
S Kordofan, confirmed strike action and closure of markets Wed and Thurs. El Gezira State Chamber of Commerce announced strike Wed and Thurs after the tax director rejected demands they had submitted. Min of Finance Jibril Ibrahim called for expanding the taxes umbrella the most effective and successful way to increase tax revenues and combat tax evasion.
October 11
Sudan was re-elected for a second term at the UN Human Rights Council. A lawyers’ group slammed the elections, as the country is ruled by a military regime that killed over 120 protesters. Sudan’s re-election challenges the Council’s ability to defend human rights across the world. Sudan faced a fierce campaign to obstruct its re-election, which prompted broad diplomatic moves in close cooperation with friendly States and international partners. The Foreign Min went on to add that Sudan’s victory confirmed its commitment to international human rights laws and conventions. Darfur Lawyers Assoc condemned the re-election, it shows the voting process in UN institutions is subjected to political bargaining: The vote challenges the capacity of HRC and its ability to carry out monitoring and defending the human rights situation around the globe. Around 120 people were killed during anti-coup protesters that started after the ouster of the civilian-led government by the military in Oct 2021. 2019, UN elected Sudan a member of the human rights body for the first time in support of the civilian-led government. Sudan Tribune
Sudanese Baath Party rejected negotiations between FFC and coup leaders on a political agreement that restores civilian rule, stressing that it serves the interests of the military. FFC and the military component have been negotiating a political agreement since last week after a meeting between al-Burhan, Hemetti and FFC. The meetings agreed to adopt the draft Transitional Constitution prepared by the Bar Assoc for negotiation. The text calls for non-participation of the army in power and limits its role to national defence and security. FFC groups held internal meetings at the level of leadership and intermediary cadres to discuss the agreement before announcing the agreement and mobilizing public opinion to support it. Adil Khalafalla, Arab Socialist Baath Party, posted a tweet declaring rejection of any agreement with the military that preserves the interests of coup leaders who are about to fall. The settlement is a project to save the coup from falling and prolong its duration…it contradicts the aspirations of the people, their suffering and sacrifices. He called to topple the deal through the broadest popular front peacefully. Several sources spoke to Sudan Tribune about opposition within FFC but said the agreement is generally accepted. They predicted defection of Baath party from the FFC coalition, joining the Communist Party and allied factions. International facilitators are pushing to announce the agreement before the anniversary of the Oct 21 popular uprising or the first anniversary of the coup of Oct 25, fearing that killing protesters will cancel the agreement. Signs of disagreement between Burhan and Hemetti have emerged. RSF commander criticizes Burhan for his alliance with cadres of the former regime hostile to Hemetti. Hemetti no longer goes to his office…the arrival of Rizeigattes tribal leaders in Khartoum and their announcement of support for Hemetti is evidence of this disagreement. Mohamed Belaiche, AU said the meeting with Burhan was frank and expressed desire to reach a political agreement that ends the crisis. Pro-coup groups no longer insist on 25% in the upcoming cabinet. FFC are willing to accept involvement of DUP which supports Burhan and the Islamist PCP. FFC demand full withdrawal of the military and limits its role to security and defence through a national security council headed by civilian.
Head of Otash Camp for the displaced in Nyala, S Darfur, Sheikh Abdelrazeg Jales, revealed a child died and 3 others were taken to the hospital in critical condition after being poisoned eating from the landfill in El Kosha. Children are forced to eat from waste areas due to failure to distribute food to the deserving displaced in the camp. Mohamed Haroun, only 10 years old, died and 3 girls aged 11-13 were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Working Sudanese are unable to make ends meet, and deaths from starvation have been emerging in recent months, highlighting a growing food emergency spreading from rural to urban areas. 12 million are facing acute hunger, could reach 18 million as the lean season ends this month – double 2021. Especially displaced people are vulnerable in times of crisis. Dozens of people died of hunger in Foro Baranga Camp W Darfur in spring, as national and international aid organisations faced challenges accessing and distributing food in the camp since the coup. Jales called authorities to protect the agricultural season, especially security to the displaced and their farmlands, to secure food production. He expressed fears of herdsmen letting their cattle graze on cultivated lands. Disputes between herders and farmers occur regularly in Darfur this time of year. As the rainy season ends and herders need fresh pastures, they let their camels and cattle graze on farmlands not yet harvested. Each year, farmers complain about livestock destroying their crops. In the past, there used to be clearly marked pasture tracks and traditional tribal procedures for compensation of lost crops, but this changed during the regime of Al Bashir. The regime supported the Arab herding tribes whilst looking down on non-Arab African farmers. Al Bashir employed Arab militias to repress a revolt over ethnic marginalisation in the region, mainly targeting non-Arab African farmers in what became known as the Darfur Genocide. Many of these farmers still live in camps for the displaced. Dabanga
October 10
Resistance Committees in Khartoum organised demonstrations calling for comprehensive civilian rule. Authorities used excessive violence in Bahri and Omdurman. A large number of demonstrations also took place in El Kalaklat, Abu Adam and El Kala. A number of protests against police violence have taken place in Khartoum State, including submission of a memorandum calling for an end to ongoing violence against activists and demonstrators in El Kalaklat. In a separate protest workers of Min of Health held a vigil to demand better salaries following a wave of strikes last month across the country. Participants chanted slogans calling Min of Finance and Gov to combat Sudan’s economic crisis more quickly. Along with a salary increase, workers demanded a clothing allowance and other benefits, highlighting a severe lack of incentives compared to soaring inflation. FEWS NET stated staple food prices remain 250-300% above last year, 550-700% above 5-year average. Dabanga National Accord Forces and Sudan People’s Call signed amendment of 2019 Constitutional Declaration for a transitional period of 24 months. 3 bodies will act together: Sovereign authority, transitional cabinet, and legislative council….proposed a Sup Council of Armed Forces involving coup leaders in a new cabinet. The charter was signed by Minawi of NAF Liaison Comm, El Mirghani of DUP, and Wada of Sudanese Ba’ath Party. NAF is dominated by rebel groups that signed the Juba Peace Agreement and support the coup; DUP is an ally. NAF met the committee of the military headed by Hemeti to discuss consultations with civilian actors. Hemeti said he is committed to remove the military institution from the political scene, contrary to claims made by Min of Finance. Sudan People’s Call initiative, backed by El Burhan, was launched in July. The declaration comes in opposition to FFC-CC. Sudan’s Resistance Committees and Coordination Committees activated a separate document, the Revolutionary Charter for the Establishment of the People’s Authority. Dabanga
Finance Min will discuss debt forgiveness during annual meetings Oct 10-16 of World Bank and IMF…will discuss world economic outlook, global financial stability, poverty eradication, economic growth and job creation and climate change. The Sudanese delegation will discuss obstacles to addressing external debt and opportunities to benefit from international debt forgiveness. Following the coup of al-Burhan, World Bank suspended operations in Sudan including debt relief…required restoration of the transitional civilian government before resuming support. The Min will brief international financial institutions about economic reforms, and needed technical assistance to achieve it. The coup leaders withdrew from a process to restore the civilian government facilitated by UNITAMS, AU and IGAD…declined to take part in would-be Transitional Government. National Consensus Forces include the group of the Finance Min, said participation of the military is needed and refused to accept fully-formed civilian government. Sudan Tribune
October 9
Farmers in El Gezira and El Managil stated high production costs and taxes threatened the agricultural season. Mohamed El Hassan, farmer in El Gezira: current season is one of the most disappointing the area has experienced due to high cost of upkeep…preparation for the winter season will be extremely difficult due to lack of financial resources. The Farmers Alliance announced rejection of increased taxes. Abdeen Bargawi, spokesperson for the Alliance, stressed the farmers’ inability to pay fees…called the decision arbitrary…the increase in fees and taxes on farmers and traders aims to cover the deficit of the country’s treasury. Radio Dabanga reported that funded farming in east Sudan decreased by ½ this year. In past years, farmers were forced to take loans from the Sudanese Agricultural Bank to prepare for the winter season because financing stopped 5 years ago, and they have not received any state support.
18 NGOs called on permanent representatives and member states of the UN to reevaluate the candidacy of Sudan to the Human Rights Council in the vote Tues. In an open letter to all UN member states, the group argues human rights practices in Sudan are incompatible with well-defined criteria for membership. Signatory organisations are deeply concerned the de facto government of Sudan, composed after the military coup d’état, is running for re-election for one of the HRC seats slated for Africa. Sudan is a country that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms and fails to fulfill the standards in resolution 60/251…Due to this illegal takeover of government, Sudan’s membership in the AU has been suspended. The military junta abrogated the Constitutional Document of Aug 2019 and toppled the civilian-led government…increase in violence and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Darfur. The country faces growing dangers of hate speech and ethnic hatred, while authorities remained idle. We strongly believe voting for Sudan would undermine the Council’s credibility and institutional integrity and ask your delegation not to support Sudan’s candidacy. We urge all states to accord paramount consideration to the promotion and protection of human rights and the respect of the substantive Council membership criteria outlined in resolution 60/251 during elections of members rather than privileging political considerations over human rights. The letter echoes the statement by FFC-CC.
October 7
A new history of the 2019 revolution: Sudan’s Unfinished Democracy: The Promise and Betrayal of a People’s Revolution by Willow Berridge, Justin Lynch, Raga Makawi, Alex de Waal. A new book on Sudan’s uprising offers a powerful account of the struggle for democracy in a deep state linked to regional powers. There is a longstanding joke about Sudanese politics: it changes every week but if you come back after 10 years it is exactly the same. It is a year since the coup against the civilian Transitional Government, 3 years since dictator al-Bashir was overthrown by the same army in the face of mass protests. Civic revolutionaries have a long and proud history of resistance back to uprisings in 1964 and 1985. The movement against Bashir in late 2018 achieved its immediate goals in April 2019, ill-prepared for state power that suddenly fell within its grasp. Sudan’s Unfinished Democracy is an authoritative, elegantly written, insightful analysis of protest and change that has seen a standoff between the military and grassroots opposition. Sudan’s economic model went from colonial capitalist to a developmental state run by technocrats in the 60s, to socialist central planning in 70s, to an Islamist model late 80s, then back to unbridled capitalism in 2000s. The oil boom 1999-2012 enriched a few and fuelled an elite dream of a petrostate, cut short by the vote of So Sudan for independence in 2011. Then Sudan struck gold, drawing hundreds of thousands of artisanal miners from rural areas, frequently young men who abandoned farming. The book addresses the complexities of a state that contained a metropolitan centre and marginalised, exploited peripheries from the colonial era. Elite alliances under Bashir, and revolutionary forces that replaced him, contained this tension. Many class, race and gender divisions were subtly replicated in the opposition and mass sit-ins which brought together exiled activists using their networks and skills to aid civic resistance. Women’s major presence in the street during protests gave prominence to their voices, yet this failed to translate into political influence during negotiations that gave birth to the transitional authority. Despite women making up to 60% of protestors, there were almost none in leadership of Sudan Professional Assoc and FFC. In the recent uprising and counter-revolution, the periphery, including armed rebel groups such as Justice and Equality Movement and Sudan Revolutionary Front, and pro-government militia RSF, played critical roles. In a post-communist era, it is notable that PM Hamdok was until recently a communist, as were many advisors. But they were primarily pragmatists with a technocratic outlook rather than Marxist revolutionaries. A former UN economist, Hamdok’s office saw him outmaneuvered by ruthless actors in the military and old parties who had cash, power and guns. Hamdok hoped mass civic movement would prevent reverting to dictatorship: We have well entrenched resilient political parties that make it different from the other nations…we have this public movement to guard it. This will help us keep the flame. His removal of subsidies on fuel and food Dec 2019 to balance the books and satisfy international funders sparked opposition from communists and Baathists. Hamdok was hoping for quick aid from US and financial institutions to pay for his plan, but US wanted results before it put its money in. Sudan had to pay out $335m for victims of terror attacks Sudan was held responsible for. Hamdok agreed to pay in order to remove Sudan from the US terror list. Trump wanted Sudan to recognise Israel. Pompeo briefly visited Khartoum in a disastrous visit that saw his security detail manhandle senior officials in the civilian cabinet. The deal was agreed upon with al-Burhan but civilian forces voiced opposition. After an assassination attempt Hamdok said: This is a revolution, we lost some of the most talented young people during the uprising and I cannot say I am any more valuable than those people. Civilian resistance was restless. Communists and leftists took over SPA after the signing of the Constitutional Declaration, opposing the opportunist faction that made deals with the military. 700 local committees in Khartoum, 3,000 across the country were the torch carriers of revolutionary spirit. This new anti-structure was not formalised, a fleeting vision of a new social contract where different classes and national groups were to unite. NUP followed a tradition adopted in 1964 and 1985 to prevent further popular mobilisation by striking a deal with the military. A key figure post-Bashir, Hemeti, Burhan’s deputy and rival, RSF militia leader from Darfur, had grown rich off the gold boom and Yemen war. The militia-based counter-insurgency in Darfur under Bashir created a monstrous instrument. RSF played an important role in Yemen, highly lucrative for commanders. Hemeti received fighters’ salaries in hard currency and paid soldiers in pounds, providing militia leaders with personal profits. Saudi and Emirates recruiters cooperated to hire militiamen from Darfur who would become the largest force of troops in the Saudi-led coalition…ties with Turkey and Qatar provided direct investment. Hemeti bet that anti-Islamist powers led by UAE and Saudi Arabia were going to be the winners, so he broke with Bashir’s balancing act between the camps. When Hemeti signed the Constitutional Declaration with civilian leaders 2019, he waved it over his head upside down. It was a bad omen. The army and RSF were busy taking over semi-secret mechanisms inherited from intelligence agency NISS, including the shadowy business empire. Hemeti handed over his gold mines to the government and relinquished influence at the central bank. But the Transition Government’s anti-corruption agenda – targeting parallel military and militia budgets – became a vexed issue that brought down the civilian government in 2021. After the coup led by Burhan, is there any hope? One factor that makes a conservative takeover unlikely is that 60% of the population is below age 24 and median age is just 20. The majority are not wedded to the pragmatism of old political parties and built their own organisations, like Shabab al-Thawra/Revolutionary Youth, formed at the sit-in at military hq. Even NUP youth opposed conciliation with the military. The dominant factor unifying civilian leadership of the popular uprisings 1964-2019 has been a shared commitment to a civic ideal and rejection of authoritarianism. Revolutionaries were united enough to defeat the military but broke up over different visions of society. Burhan needed foreign support and got it from Egypt’s al-Sisi and Israel, but the Biden administration warned he would lose US aid if he did not return to a civilian transition. His position is still tenuous. For Resistance Committees, there is no turning back; any idea of reaching a deal with the military, following its massacres and betrayals, is a non-starter. Civilians on the streets made their demand clear: A fully civilian government be set up immediately to take the country out of the crisis. Time will tell if Sudan can break with cycles of the past and forge a new era. Middle East Eye
Resistance Committees in Khartoum State organised decentralised Marches of the Millions in Khartoum, Omdurman, Bahri as part of the Oct protest marking the first ‘anniversary’ of the coup. Some marchers denounced the acquittal of intelligence officers of killing protesters in Atbara. A number of protesters were injured as a result of excessive violence and tear gas, forces chasing protesters inside their neighborhoods. To curb the marches authorities closed El Mak Nimr Bridge. Protesters closed a number of main roads with barricades. Khartoum N Resistance Comm marched from Bahri Courts Complex to denounce the acquittal. Emergency Lawyers announced solidarity with the march. Old Omdurman Resistance Comm organised a March of the Millions of Justice to condemn the acquittal commenced in front of Karari Court Complex and proceeded to Martyr Abdelazim St. More marches and separate sit-ins were organised in neighborhoods in Khartoum State. Dabanga
US urged prompt action against Russian Wagner Group, saying they exploit African natural resources to fund Moscow’s war machine and human rights violations. In a speech at UN Sec Council on financing armed groups and terrorists through illicit trafficking of natural resources, Amb Thomas-Greenfield pinpointed thoroughly-documented Wagner activities in CAR, Mali and Sudan, stressing these ill-gotten gains are used to fund Moscow’s war machine in Africa, Middle East and Ukraine…Wagner exploits client states who pay for heavy-handed security services in gold, diamonds, timber and natural resources – Wagner’s business model. Wagner Group is involved in gold mining in Sudan besides training and managing propaganda campaigns for RSF. The company uses Pt Sudan to supply its fighters in CAR. The diplomat stressed Africans are paying a heavy price for Wagner’s exploitive practices… We have the power to go after those who exploit natural resources and fund armed conflict and terrorism. And we have to wield that power effectively and with urgency. Al-Burhan denied the presence of the contractor: There is no presence of this company …in the country al-Burhan told Alhurra TV June 20, 2022. 2020 DOT Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed additional sanctions on entities linked to financier Prigozhin, Wagner founder to attempt to suppress democratic reforms in Sudan. Sudan Tribune
October 6
Military Watch confirmed Sudan obtained the 3rd largest defence sector on the continent. Sudan emerged during the rule of al-Bashir as a leading military industrial power. Sudan faced great pressure to enable external elements to access military industrialization. After signing an agreement for normalization with Israel, military rulers allowed Israeli intelligence to enter the Defense Industries Complex to explore details of Sudan’s cooperation in earlier times with Palestinian resistance factions. The Dec 2019 revolution was not the entrance to pressures faced by this sector, but rather the normalization agreement with Israel that posed a real threat of dangerous penetration for Sudanese defence industries. The impetus of the Transitional Government before overthrow was seeking correction of the army’s companies operating in civilian industries and getting them to work within the national economy.
The Shylock deal: meeting of Sisi and Burhan, and return of Ella from Egypt. While FFC are in their glorious heedlessness thinking RSF and Hemetti will align with the civil democratic change camp, the masters of the coup continue without hesitation to return Islamists to consolidate the pillars of their coup and serve the interests of foreign countries. Mohamed Tahir Ella returned to Sudan – the last PM during the era of Bashir, held positions of gov of Red Sea State, State of Algazira and several ministries. He enjoys the traditional influence that made NCP recruit him in the first place. NCP gathered crowds to receive him at Pt Sudan airport, and he addressed them with an impassioned political speech that looked like a plan of action to take over the East. All this happened despite criminal reports against him and arrest warrants requiring every and any policeman to arrest him. Ella’s confrontational political discourse with everything expressed by the Dec revolution were not far from Burhan meeting Sisi on his return from NY. Ella’s return was not far from the planning of Salah Gosh, his companion in the hospitality of Cairo, which refused to hand him over to judicial authorities in Sudan several times during the Transition period. Egypt looks at Sudan only from the point of view of its interests in fuelling the Ethiopian conflict. The turmoil prevailing in the east disrupted and limited Egypt’s capabilities supporting Tigrayan Liberation Front in its war with the Ethiopian government. Egypt is demanding the coup government protect TPLF’s presence on eastern borders. Egypt facilitated Ella’s return to Sudan and provided him guarantees from the coup government that he would be well received and not persecuted. It will consolidate his control over the east to provide a platform to support and arm the Tigray Front and further fuel the conflict in Ethiopia, regardless of the consequences for Sudan. But it seems the international community is turning a blind eye to the cost of not learning from failed experiences based on wrong perceptions about the coup, wrong analysis of the actors, ignoring political consequences of wrong decisions, or desire to finish by starting from the end without a gradual and orderly structured political process. The cost of the putschists to consolidate their coup and the Stockholm complex that hit the international community to blind it or ignore military manipulation of a solution due to absence of a political process, and the cost of the increasing return of NCP cadres to re-establish their regime will have dire consequences, not only for Sudan but for the entire region. As for Ella, we will leave it to Resistance Comm Pt Sudan, Kassala and Gedaref, and they will take care of him, as they took care of Bashir. Sudan Tribune
Civil society actors agreed in a meeting in Doha to bring together divided political forces, saying unity is key to restoring democratic transition. The meeting, facilitated by Center for Conflict & Humanitarian Studies, gathered civil activists, academics and journalists Oct 4-5. The participants discussed the national crisis and failure to reach a social contract, peace, justice, the aftermath and risks of the military coup, ways to develop a roadmap for democratic transition. Bakry Eljack, Sudanese visiting researcher at CHS told Sudan Tribune the purpose of the round-table was to discuss the stalemate and develop a roadmap to unify pro-democracy forces around a vision and concrete plans regarding democratic transitions. Eljack added that a unified vision and clear agenda for transition is a necessity for pro-democracy groups, whether they reach a negotiated settlement with the coup leader or take control of the state and assume power. Such a vision with its programs rules out competition among civilians for power and mitigates further fragmentation…At least they can say we have one goal, but we might have multiple means and ways to reach this goal. They do not appear to have the same goal because they are investing in expanding their differences as well as increasing animosity based on false perceptions and narratives about each other. CHS plans meetings in Doha for FFC, Resistance Comm, professional groups and signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement to discuss an exit from the protracted crisis…What we are trying to do is create a broad consensus that gives civilian forces the acceptance and legitimacy to be able to govern. Sudan Tribune
Sudan’s economic and political crisis has led to much unrest and many strikes and protests but it is also having another very problematic effect: increased crime and insecurity. Kidnappings, looting and theft are becoming increasingly common in Khartoum and some believe the authorities deliberately allow and even encourage the chaos to distract from their failed policies and to intimidate revolutionaries. International isolation, suspension of aid, failed policies, financial mismanagement, sanctions, ongoing political turbulence have caused the Pound to plummet and export market to collapse. Basic goods have become unaffordable to many and transport and health care difficult to access. Next to protests, strikes, closed markets, economic suffering and increased drug abuse, political turmoil is visible on streets in another way: increased crime. Armed groups with machetes and sticks raised terror in Bahri over 2 days, beating those who happen to pass by and robbing them. They have robbed shops. Eyewitnesses told Medameek News events began yesterday as armed groups stormed Ahmed Qassem Sq and opened fire and beat people before moving on robbing and looting. Today these groups were more numerous and violent. Witnesses reported similar unrest near the market in Khartoum and El Diyoum El Shargiya. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse civilians but did not pursue perpetrators. Police inaction is common in Khartoum and activists accused Security Forces of not carrying out their duties in the fight against crime. The attacks in Khartoum N took place a k from Bahri Police Station, 500m from intelligence svcs whose role seems to be…pursuing revolutionaries and monitoring their movements….The military junta is facing accusations it is exploiting events to maintain control after failing to curb political unrest or gain popular support. Medameek News: some experts believe chaos in the capital is a creation of coup authorities to spread chaos and intimidate the streets that reject the coup, to spread the sentiment that nothing new will come from continuing resistance except insecurity and instability. The chaos distracts from failed policies pursued by the coup authorities.
FFC-CC call for Sudan’s re-election to UN Human Rights Council to be rejected… Sudan’s unconstitutional regime continuously and systematically violated the human rights of its citizens since 25 Oct 2021. The elections for membership of UNHRC scheduled during UN Gen Assembly Oct 11 will decide which member states will sit on the council the next 3-year term. Sudan was first elected to HRC Oct 2019 after the glorious Dec Revolution and formation of the civilian-led government which worked hard to improve human rights. FFC point out the hypocrisy of electing Sudan’s military junta leadership to the HRC. The criteria for membership are set out in Resolution 60/251 Article 8: when electing members, Member States shall take into account the contribution of candidates to promotion and protection of human rights…Article 9: members shall uphold the highest standards in promotion and protection of human rights… Sudan’s regime continuously and systematically… committed serious human rights violations against peaceful protestors, routinely using live ammunition. 120 peaceful protesters have been killed and thousands injured. Insecurity, killings, human rights violations and hate speech increased in Darfur, S Kordofan, Blue Nile State and east Sudan without any effective response from de facto authorities. Human rights defenders and journalists have been harassed and women protestors raped…arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detentions and enforced disappearances. There is no agreement on a clear plan out of the chaotic situation and return to civilian democratic rule…the military junta has been facilitating return of political Islamists* from the terrorist regime of Al Bashir responsible for human rights violations including genocide in Darfur. El Burhan has been accused of having blood on his hands as someone involved in Darfur genocide, leader of the army responsible for mass killing of protesters Hemetti carried out under Al Bashir. The junta’s representatives in the Council refused to condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine…economic and social rights of citizens suffered severely as a result of the accelerating economic crisis since the coup, sharp decline in living standards and rapidly increasing food insecurity. Given the regime’s track record re-election would be a travesty of human rights values and betrayal of the aspirations of Sudanese people to achieve freedom, peace and justice. *Media is quoted as it appears, descriptions like ‘Islamist’ are not necessarily accurate and can be used as a slur.
Resistance Committees and Coordination Committees are activating the Revolutionary Charter for the Establishment of the People’s Authority. The Charter adopted a decentralised system of government in the transitional period. Dabanga
Lorry drivers threatened to close all bridges in the capital to protest 600% increase in transit fees. Tractor and digger owners will use their vehicles to help close the bridges. This is an escalation by lorry owners, as they protested the price hike by blocking Pt Sudan-Khartoum Rd for 2 days. Walid Awad, Pt Sudan Transport Chamber, told Radio Dabanga lorry drivers allowed small vehicles to pass: new transit fees greatly affected lorry driver’s revenue, especially since production needs increased, drivers have a bigger workload. Transport drivers say a reduction in prices of petrol and diesel will bring little relief…soaring maintenance costs will blunt any impact.
October 5
Min of Roads & Bridges insisted on increased transit fees on national roads, while National Chamber of Trucks was vehement in opposition. Member of Steering Committee Ismail Mohamed Othman said they were surprised and stressed they would not consider it…described the increase as illogical and something they were not consulted about…that land transport is suffering, 12,000 trucks of 22,000 have been decommissioned, in addition to companies having to stop work to avoid major losses. Moving a truck from Khartoum to Pt Sudan and back costs 900,000 pounds for gasoline only, a single tire exceeds 200,000 pounds. He explained truck drivers were directed to pay the old transit fees instead. Al Taghyeer
Lawyers and public observers voiced outrage, anger, sadness and resentment after the Criminal Court of Atbara in R Nile State acquitted 3 defendants of killing Mukhtar Abdullah in front of the security apparatus building April 11, 2019; 13 people died across Sudan from action by security forces and ‘shadow battalions’ (armed men in plain clothes), according to Sudanese doctors. The Court acquitted defendants due to insufficient evidence. The crowd denounced the ruling, noting a loss of confidence in the judiciary and the impossibility of achieving justice. The Atbara Court previously acquitted 4 of killing martyr Tariq Ahmed Ali, while the judiciary earlier acquitted those accused of killing Hanafi Abdelshakour, and prosecution refused to renew detention of those accused of killing Dr Babikir Abdelhamid Jan 2019. Emergency Lawyer Samir Idris told Radio Dabanga: these acquittals can be seen in the context of restoring remnants of the former regime to the judiciary and prosecution through decisions of the Supreme Court…it is part of a large and well-thought-out scheme aimed at sparing employees of the former regime from prosecution on charges of violations and corruption. Idris cautioned against collapse of the justice system accompanied by the political collapse so that the country becomes a ‘stateless state’ which provides the environment for even more violations. Emergency Lawyers labeled the acquittals an integrated plan for impunity and green light for security services to further abuse revolutionaries…circular 3/2021 which granted immunity to security services has not been canceled…the Public Prosecution Office has turned into a docile tool in the hands of the authority and its security services, with sufficient cover for the former regime with return of judges dismissed by the Committee to Dismantle Empowerment. The lawyers stressed determination to resist the imbalance in the legal structure and justice enforcement agencies through struggle in the various areas of justice in service of the revolution and revolutionaries.
A reduction in prices of petrol and diesel by Min of Energy & Oil that came into effect yesterday will bring little relief to consumers who face unprecedented high prices for basic food and commodities. Transport drivers say soaring maintenance costs will blunt any impact. Experts agree the overall effect on the beleaguered economy will be minimal as the fuel import market is monopolised by brokers and parasitism and the price of fuel is still above the world average. Petrol has been reduced to SDG 522/l from 700, while diesel dropped to SDG 672 from 700. This reduction contrasts sharp increases by the Min to 30% in Aug. A driver, Mohamed Mahmoud, told Radio Dabanga the decision to reduce prices will not have any effect on the public as prices for spares and maintenance continue to soar. Economic expert Prof Muhammad Sheikhoun said the discrepancy between fuel prices in Sudan and international fuel prices is still very large…the upward trend is due to taxes in addition to the foreign exchange rate and profits of importers. Economic Analyst Kamal Karrar told Radio Dabanga the price of fuel is subject to brokers and parasitism who monopolised the fuel market since the state and Min of Energy stopped importing directly. He attributes the high cost of fuel to large commissions for importers which lead to high costs of goods and passenger transportation …previous prices of fuel were arbitrary and superstitious…the reduction is slight and does not affect transport costs for the public or the economic situation.
1,700 former rebels have been integrated into the National army required by the Juba Peace Agreement, Anadolu News Agency reports. The army, rebel groups and UN envoy confirmed the figure. SPLM-N rebel leader Agar said more than 700 fighters in troubled Blue Nile were trained and integrated into the National army…there are many obstacles to security arrangements including lack of financial support. Perthes urged parties to speed up implementation of the peace deal: urgent need for security arrangements and swift deployment of Joint Security Keeping Forces to ensure protection of civilians, Commission for Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons, Transitional Justice Commission, Land & Hawakeer Commission, provisions on wealth and power sharing, nomads and reparations. Darfur rebels and the army exchanged accusations of delay… Minawi said the army delayed formation of Joint Civil Protection Forces which was to include 12,000 fighters from both sides.
The Supreme Comm implementing popular decisions in Al-Nuhud announced the end of its sit-in, opening of the oil field and return of assets it seized from the mineral resources company in Fouda, and gave the authority 10 days to implement its demands. The Security Comm of W Kordofan held a meeting with the Higher Comm demanding an end to the sit-in and to give the state “one month” so it can implement its demand. The Comm already secured measures to help solve development problems and environmental impact presented by the oil industry. The Supreme Comm insisted on escalation not relinquishing its demands…decided to give government authorities no more than 10 days or else it would re-escalate without concession. Balila field witnessed tensions after citizens from the area stormed the site, detained workers inside their housing and prevented them from attending shifts at the oil field. The protest movement led by youth previously submitted a memorandum to Min of Oil & Energy calling for development, services and employment opportunities for people of the region, and address deterioration of services. Al Taghyeer
October 4
Resistance Committees in Khartoum State announced 6 Marches of the Millions to mark the 1-year anniversary of the Oct 25 military coup d’état as part of protest escalation. There will be 3 centralised demonstrations and 3 non-centralised marches.
The Comm and revolutionary groups will organise other escalatory activities outside the Marches of the Millions – the term was already used during 2019 anti-junta protests after the revolution that toppled the dictatorial regime of Al Bashir. The escalation begins Thurs with a decentralised march and will end with central marches Oct 25 and 30. Oct 25 would be the date to end this coup, which was stillborn on that same day. Dabanga
Revolutionary bodies announced protest escalation as Atbara Criminal Court acquitted 4 officers accused of killing protester Tarig Ahmed Ali, and 3 officers of infamous Gen Intelligence Svcs of killing protester Mukhtar Abdallah. Resistance Committees played an incredibly important part in Sudan’s pro-democracy movement. The role they played in toppling Al Bashir’s regime ironically places responsibility on their shoulders ‘to protect’ the revolution, prominent Sudanese political scientist Atta El Battahani wrote for Chr. Michelsen Inst. Following the June 3 Massacre at the sit-in at army Command in 2019, Resistance Committees emerged as watch dogs making sure opposition organisations such as Sudanese Professional’s Assoc, FFC and political parties, would not compromise on the ideals of the Dec revolution in exchange for government powers. Resistance Comm are decentralised and hyper-localised in their ways of operating, and mainly made up of urban youth but crossing many geographical and social boundaries of class and ethnicity. Despite their decentralised and hyper- localised characters, Resistance Comm have been working on creating a unified vision for Sudan’s political future. University students spearheaded protests as early as the 90s. The sheer brutal use of force with which government forces responded to students and youth protests prompted opposition leaders to call for armed protection for anti-government demonstrations in what came to be known as ‘protected intifada’. But the ‘protected intifada’ failed according to the young protesters – they saw proof of its failure following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and secession of South Sudan in 2011, and government overspending on military and security…they started to organize local, non-violent, peaceful activities under slogan: Silmiyya, silmiyya diedd al-Haramiyya Peaceful, peaceful, against the thieves Regular agents accused in Atbara protester murder acquitted. Atbara Criminal Court acquitted Gen Intelligence Svc officers of killing engineering student Tariq Ahmed Ali….days after another acquittal of agents in killing Hanafi Abdel Shakour and during the Dec uprisings. Feb 2021, Public Prosecution completed its investigations related to the killing of Martyr Tariq Ahmed Ali Abdel Jalil. The case file was submitted to court, which held a number of hearings before deciding to acquit. The indictment relates to murder, criminal association and crimes against humanity. Al TaghyeerBabiker
Pro-democracy groups ask UN Mission to help integrate paramilitary force and former rebel factions into a unified army, or disarm and demobilise them, according to a draft seen by Reuters. The appeal focuses on paramilitary RSF and former rebel groups that established a presence in Khartoum after a peace deal in 2020. The letter asks UNITAMS to develop an urgent plan to initiate processes for reintegration, demobilisation and disarmament of RSF and the armed movements. The number of armies and militias threatens peace and security, and containing them was one of the core competencies of the UN Sec Council. Perthes agrees with military and civilian actors who see security reform and integration of armed forces into one unified army as a priority….Asst Secy of State for African Affairs Phee called on Sudan to expedite a civilian-led government to fully activate the Juba Peace Agreement 2 years after it was signed: ...the Juba Peace Agreement gave hope for peace in all of Sudan. We call for prompt formation of a civilian-led transitional government that can enact this historic agreement especially its security arrangements. Amb Godfrey denied El Burhan’s participation in UN Gen Assembly signifies a new page in relations with the West and US. Godfrey renewed his call to the military government to restore a civilian-led government and put Sudan back on its transitional path. Dabanga
Al-Burhan culminated an international tour of sorts that included the West for the first time since he took power. The trips were portrayed by authorities as a new chapter in relations with Western capitals. The general only managed to be received in a courtesy meeting with UN Secy-Gen Guterres, and did not meet any Western official. Neither trips to the UK or US signal acceptance of the coup or post-coup situation it created, Nada Wanni, independent researcher. Despite attempts to spin these trips as such, officials from both countries made clear this was not the case. In NY members of the Sudanese diaspora held demonstrations to express solidarity with the ongoing revolution and condemn the visit and demand greater pressure. It’s clear the military was trying to use these trips to demonstrate legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the West and international community, Cameron Hudson, Center for Strategic & Intl Studies…they failed in trying to make that argument. During his speech, in front of a visibly empty hall, Burhan called on the international community to resume debt relief. Burhan’s media adviser stated the general’s participation opened a new chapter in relations with the West and US in particular. Hudson: Burhan was not personally invited to NY but Sudan was invited to attend, Khartoum was allowed to choose one representative, like any other country. Amb Godfrey stated Burhan’s participation in the UNGA does not represent any change in relations with the US. Guterres, who expressed serious concern about the continuing political crisis and rapidly deteriorating security, economic and humanitarian situation, reminded Burhan of the urgent need to political agreement that restores a civilian-led transition to fulfill aspirations of the Sudanese people for sustainable peace, inclusive democracy and economic prosperity. Hudson: Burhan had no significant bilateral conversations with any officials, made no news, no announcements, no new deal…came away essentially empty-handed, not having been received really by anyone….Wanni: The narrative appears to be directed to send certain political messages. First, to the Sudanese people to persuade them of the futility of ongoing resistance and urge them to accept the current situation. Second, to pro-democracy forces trying to reach a political solution that ends the coup and restores a civilian democratic process — that their position is getting weaker in light of alleged ‘international community acceptance’ and they should make significant compromises. Kholood Khair: …the outcome of the meeting in Cairo seemed to fall short of Burhan’s expectations and personal needs, which could indicate a possible loss of confidence of Egyptian allies given his inability to consolidate authority. Al Monitor
October 3
Sudanese Communist Party is seeking to sign a joint political agreement with SPLM-N al-Hilu and SLM al-Nur…held talks in Juba and Kauda with SLM-AW and SPLM-N al-Hilu to form a new political alliance, as the Party see them as potential allies that can agree to achieve radical change in Sudan. These faltered, as SLM-AW need to form an inclusive alliance, while SPLM-N is engaged in a political process with military rulers in Khartoum and cannot commit themselves. SCP Spokesman Fadl told Sudan Tribune they are still striving to forge this alliance with the 2 groups as their position is in harmony with the line of Sudanese communists. The Party seeks to conduct deeper dialogue than the one that took place during past months with al-Hilu and al-Nur to sign a political agreement in the near future…They have been approached by various anti-coup political forces to discuss ways to work together to bring down military rule and restore civilian transitional government. Fadl nonetheless ruled out signing a political deal with FFC in the future…The Communist Party refuses to hold any dialogue with FFC, but its leaders are ready to meet separately with its components as political parties. The radical left party rejects a draft transitional constitution proposed by the Bar Assoc despite national and international support.
Darfur frustrated by failure of SAF and RSF to protect civilians in the troubled region, as agreed in the Juba peace agreement…the groups agreed to deploy 12,000 troops from both sides to protect civilians in Darfur. The first batch of the joint security force, about 2000 troops, was formed in July 2022. 3 months after formation, complaints emerged about lack of funds and weapons for emergency intervention. Gov Minnawi disclosed that government forces did not join: We have been waiting for the arrival of army and RSF forces to become part of the joint force stipulated in the agreement and carry out its tasks…civilians in the region are waiting for the force to protect them, alluding to the lack of security and violence. Minnawi urged UNITAMS and the international community to support the joint force and peace agreement to bring stability and development in the region: Security will only be effective in Darfur once forces come together in one place under one administration and meet the call of the homeland and the people. The Juba Agreement failed to bring stability as tribal claims over land ownership flared. Combatants of former rebel groups should be gradually integrated into the army and regular forces, but this step has not been implemented. 2021 the government and signatory groups agreed to increase the force to 20,000 in response to growing tribal violence. The lack of means led them to freeze this agreement. Sudan Tribune
Gov of Darfur, head of SLM Minawi criticized coup authorities and UNITAMS… demanded the army, RSF, Police and intelligence services fulfill their obligations towards formation of security forces and protection of civilians. The region suffers from civil conflicts and spread of armed militias. He criticized the delay in deployment of these forces since their completion of training. The gov expressed readiness of SLM to assist in deploying forces with up to 40-50 vehicles…called UNITAMS to play its role in the region and help implement the Juba Agreement… supporting the peace agreement is a step towards supporting the political transition in the country. The armed movements that signed the peace treaty accused the UN Mission of not being neutral. Al Taghyeer
Sudanese Journalists Assoc condemned harassment of Nassef Saleh El Din, editor of Monte Carro News. El Din received death threats from an official after he published articles about them. El Din posted a statement accusing Idris Mudallal, Dir of Media Dept of RSF, of making threats against him, his family and any people associated with Monte Carro. SJA condemned the blatant violation and blatant interference that stifles freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of the press. The association called on relevant authorities and organisations working in human rights and protection of journalists to take a principled and procedural position…held RSF responsible for any harm that might befall him. Dabanga
Protests in Darfur are demanding action from local authorities over financial aid, tribal leaders and agricultural crop failure as the region continues to suffer from acute food insecurity, flooding and mass displacement. Local Resistance Comm of El Kuma, N Darfur organised a sit-in in front of the local municipality demanding the exit of the Sudanese Red Crescent. Ibrahim Omar Redar, Coordinator, accused the Red Crescent of excluding 8 neighborhoods from financial support by WFP. The Comm threatened to block Western Salvation Rd and organize a procession to the state government secretariat if demands are not met. Protesters of El Sereif, N Darfur continued the sit-in at local hqs a 4th week as residents reject the governor’s decision to appoint a Beni Hussein tribal leader. The people accused authorities of violating an earlier agreement concerning appointment of native administration leaders. The agreement stipulates each tribe should hold a conference to choose its nazir and should not be appointed by state authorities. Sun, farmers in Ed El Fursan, S Darfur closed the road between Nyala and Ed El Fursan to protest Min of Agriculture failure to respond to repeated demands to combat pests…especially starlings, have significantly affected the agricultural season…farmers were affected by pests several times last month…spraying aircraft were supposed to arrive but the planes were sent to E Darfur instead. The farmers will continue to close the road until demands are met. Farmers in Mellit, Um Keddada, El Taweisha and El Laeit in N Darfur complained about the spread of bugs that feed on millet, threatening the entire agricultural season. Farmers are fighting the pest without any participation from the government. Dabanga
Central Bureau of Statistics released its monthly report which showed another drop in inflation from 125.41% to 117.42%. Why is that important? The military junta and allies have a continuous drop in inflation levels as a sign the post-coup economy is flourishing. What they said – Managing Dir of Sudanese Mineral Resources Co Ardol: Did you know the annual inflation rate in 2021 was 359.09% and after 10 months it became only 117%, along with a stabilizing exchange rate and availability of dollars, availability of fuel…bread, gas, electric supply without scheduled interruptions and disappearance of queues. Not so fast – Prof of Economics Esam Bob casts doubt over these figures: they aren’t grounded in authentic statistical surveys and given the stormy political climate may not be true. I have come to believe no one cares about the truth or importance of these metrics. They are talking about declining inflation, but any eyewitness will say otherwise. These days and globally there is increasing talk of inflation coupled with low growth rates, high unemployment, depressed wages and growing deficit in balance of payments. This phenomenon was prevalent in the 1970s. Sudan Tribune toured markets to get a sense of whether stagflation is a thing. Businessmen from various trade lines all agreed that meager sale activities point towards recession. Mustafa works in solar energy: In 2019, we were selling our smallest system for $700. Today it is worth $3,000. But we rather keep the devices in warehouses than lower prices because this would mean heavy losses and demise of our business. Another dealer in iron and steel at Al-Sajana Mkt Khartoum: The prices of construction skewers went through the roof towards the end of 2019 from 50,000 Sudanese pounds per ton to 670,000 before settling at 450,000. How much does the average price of bread cost in Sudan? Despite the bragging by Ardol about the availability of bread, this may be another example of the impact of stagflation where the unaffordable price discouraged large swaths of the population from buying. Farmers complained about the sharp increase in electricity prices – cost has risen from 1.6 pounds/kw to 17 pounds. Energy Min Mahmoud: It is difficult for the government in the current circumstances to provide support in the old format. Abu Zaid, owner of an agricultural project, says the cost of irrigation with electricity increased exponentially in addition to prices of turbines, which led to an increase in prices of agricultural products. He faces a severe slump in sales that leads to severe losses as a result of damage to his merchandise. Khalid al-Tigani: economy does not work in a vacuum, so its perversion means perversion of the political system, and its integrity is evidence of its health.
National Authority for Roads & Bridges implemented Min of Finance’s decision to increase interstate transit fees for public and private cars 600%. A commuter in a privately owned sedan traveling from Khartoum to Atbara cost 1450 pounds where it used to cost 200; those driving buses from Khartoum to Pt Sudan will have to fork 3,900 pounds instead of 300; Omdurman-Marwa transit fees amounted to 2,100 for sedans; crossing between Nyala/Zalingei rose to 1,120 for private vehicles, 3,640 for tourist buses; El Fasher to Nyala rose to 1,120 for private, 3,500 for tourist buses. Sudanese Chamber of Transport which caters to buses, lorries and trucks rejected the increased fees and demanded its employees pay the old prices…the increases were made without any discussion with the transport authority. Al Taghyeer
After a 2 week delay, 13 million students are headed to school. This school year comes amid unprecedented crises represented by a deteriorating economy following the coup, and collapse of 2,000 schools due to torrential rains and floods. In addition to a possible strike by teachers due to the weak salary structure not commensurate with the increase in prices and high inflation. 7 out of 10 children aged 10 years old cannot read or comprehend a simple sentence, according to UNICEF. WFP revealed poor funding would force it to shut down school meals Jan 2023…this affects educational opportunities for the youngest generation, as programs provide strong incentive for families to send their children to school. Sudanese Teachers Comm held a meeting to reflect on what needs to be done…submitting a memorandum to Council of Mins containing demands to improve living conditions of those in service. The memorandum is to be submitted to secretariats of governments in different states, copy to Min of Finance, Federal Ed, Federal Government and Mins of Ed in the states…demands to raise minimum wage to 69,940 pounds, 50-70% for teachers, 80% for special ed, teachers of areas of distress and technical education.
Fees for private schools doubled this year, exceeding 250%. Former Min of Ed al-Tom confirmed that political reality has cast a shadow of sorrow on education. Al-Tom accused the ruling elite of not paying attention to education, that it did not fulfill to what it promised in free education for the primary stages and provision of free school meal…weak budgets allocated for education compared to security and defense: The education budget for 2020-21 did not exceed 9% when army and Security Services accounted for 80%. In light of poor infrastructure, lack of seating, textbooks and teacher preparation, suspension of school meals and possible teachers’ strike, schools opened when UNICEF warned if urgent measures were not taken the learning crisis will turn into a generational disaster. Al Taghyeer
October 2, 2022
According to a report by Famine Early Warning System Network Sudan’s growing acute food insecurity, recent flooding and mass displacement have led to Sudan being classified as a country in crisis. Heavy rain and flash floods destroyed at least 24,800 homes and damaged 48,200 in 16 states. National Council for Civil Defence reported 146 people died as a result. Another crisis indicator, particularly in Blue Nile, Darfur and Kordofan: soaring food prices, displacement and intercommunal clashes significantly impacted households and diminished purchasing power. Sept’s staple food prices increased by 5-10% due to seasonally reduced market supplies, increased demand for local consumption and high transportation costs. Prices remain 250-300% above last year, 550-700% above 5-year average…deteriorating macroeconomic situation…political instability, persistent low foreign currency reserves, high inflation rates and depreciation of SDG. The government raised taxes on agricultural products, port fees, industry and trade a further constraint on household purchasing power. Dabanga
Perthes emphasised his ambitions for Sudan stating the youth of Sudan deserve to translate their hopes and aspirations for freedom, peace and justice for their future into reality…the political situation will continue to deteriorate unless a credible and fully functioning civilian-led government is restored…the first step towards realising young peoples’ aspirations. The Rep saw no place for future military coups in Sudan, and democracy and inclusion is the only way to bring long lasting stability. This comment was followed by him welcoming El Burhan’s commitments withdrawing from the political scene. Dabanga