Sudan protest: “This barricade cannot be removed, This barricade is being guarded by men behind it"

Sudan Watch Ed: I love these little boys standing behind their barricade!

“ altars da ma binshaal
Altaras warahu rujaal”
“This barricade cannot be removed,
This barricade is being guarded by men behind it”
Chant these little boys standing behind their barricade today in one the outskirts of the capital city khart#الردة_مستحيلة pic.twitter.com/EGnyOY6ngM

— Sudanese Translators for Change STC (@SudaneseTc) November 26, 2021

Hat tip Eric Reeves https://twitter.com/sudanreeves

Minawi is a vicious, foolish man whose threats are dangerous to the people of Sudan. He belongs in jail

Sudan Watch Ed: I totally agree with Eric on this. Minawi has caused so much suffering to millions of Sudanese people he belongs in jail for life.

#Minawi reveals himself all too clearly—and his history tells us too much: the only rebel leader to sign the disastrous Abuja agreement, bringing him into the al-Bashir regime as a "vice-president." He is a vicious, foolish man whose threats are dangerous to the people of #Sudan. https://t.co/uM6OxQOy6c

— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) November 24, 2021

At least 35 people killed in clashes in Sudan’s Darfur in Jebel Moon mountains close to the Chad border

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The following copy of a report originally written by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and published by Al Jazeera.com is from a reprint at MSN.com powered by Microsoft. I am copying the reprint here incase Al Jazeera deletes or moves any of its reports on Sudan. Note that MSN's version has a copyright symbol and a credit to Aljazeera.

Also, note that the version at Aljazeera.com (see link below) contains a 28 minute video by 'Aljazeera Human Rights Production' entitled 'Rights Denied' and is not included in MSN's reprint. Aljazeera's version of AFP's report contains three hyperlinks leading to three separate reports by Aljazeera that are not included MSN's reprint. I have underlined, using blue, to show where Aljazeera added three hyperlinks in its version of AFP's report.

Clearly, Aljazeera has embellished AFP's report and the embellishments are not included in MSN's reprint together with Aljazeera's subheading which I have added below in italics and used yellow to highlight it and the 'KEEP READING' and three reports added by Aljazeera to its version of AFP's report. 

The photo and caption has been added by Aljazeera but does not indicate where or when the photo was taken. It could be an old photo from The Associated Press (AP).  

Here is the copy of a report at and by Al Jazeera.com, reprinted by MSN.com powered by Microsoft

Publication date on both reports is Thursday 25 November 2021

Title: Dozens killed in clashes in Sudan’s restive Darfur

At least 35 people have been killed in days of fighting between herders in Sudan’s western Darfur region with more than a thousand homes set on fire, officials have said

© Provided by Al Jazeera  While the main conflict in Darfur has subsided, with a peace deal struck with key rebel groups last year, the arid region has remained awash with weapons and violence often erupts over land, access to agriculture or water [File: Mustafa Younes/AP]

The violence broke out on November 17 between armed Arab herders in the rugged Jebel Moon mountains close to the border with Chad, said Omar Abdelkarim, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commissioner in West Darfur state on Thursday.

“The clashes left more than 35 people dead on both sides,” he told the AFP news agency. “Around 16 villages have been completely burned down”.

West Darfur governor Khamis Abdallah said the violence was sparked by “a dispute over camel looting”, and that “military reinforcements have been sent to the area and the situation has stabilised”.

Some people have fled west seeking safety across the border to Chad, he added.

Darfur was ravaged by a civil war that erupted in 2003, that pitted ethnic minority rebels complaining of discrimination against the Arab-dominated government of Omar al-Bashir.

More than 300,000 people died and 2.5 million were displaced, according to the United Nations.

Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of genocide in Darfur, was deposed and jailed in April 2019 following mass protests against his 30-year rule.

While the main conflict in Darfur has subsided, with a peace deal struck with key rebel groups last year, the arid region has remained awash with weapons and violence often erupts over land, access to agriculture or water.

A United Nations peacekeeping mission ended in Darfur last year.

The latest clashes come against a backdrop of political turbulence, as Sudan reels from the aftermath of a military coup last month that drew wide international condemnation and sparked mass protests.

On October 25, top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan overthrew the country’s post-al-Bashir transitional government and detained the civilian leadership.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was freed from effective house arrest and reinstated, after signing a deal with al-Burhan that was viewed by critics as “whitewashing” the coup.

View reprint: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-sudan-e2-80-99s-restive-darfur/ar-AAR7RRV

View Alazjeera's version of AFP's report and a 28 minute video by 'Aljazeera Human Rights Production' entitled 'Rights Denied' here: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/25/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-sudans-restive-darfur - Officials say the dispute between Arab herdsmen was sparked by a 'dispute over camel looting'.

KEEP READING

West Darfur still needs humanitarian help

’The revolution was hijacked’: Inside the conflict in Darfur

South Darfur: 36 killed, dozens wounded in tribal clashes

Sudan PM Hamdok sacks police chiefs after post-military takeover violence

Here is a copy of a news report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) dated Saturday 27 November 2021.

Sudan PM sacks police chiefs after post-military takeover violence

Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok said Saturday he has replaced Sudan's police chiefs after more than 40 people were killed in a crackdown on protests following last month's military takeover.

Military chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power and detained Hamdok on October 25, but after international condemnation and mass protests he reinstated the premier in a November 21 deal.

Medics say at least 42 people were killed as security forces sought to crush weeks of anti-military takeover demonstrations, with protests continuing even after Hamdok's release from house arrest and return to his post last week.

On Saturday, Hamdok said he had sacked the director general of the police, Khaled Mahdi Ibrahim al-Emam, and his deputy, Ali Ibrahim.

In their place, he appointed Anan Hamed Mohamed Omar with Abdelrahman Nasreddine Abdallah as his deputy, the premier said in a statement.

Medics have accused security forces of targeting protesters in the "head, neck and torso" with live ammunition, as well as with rubber-coated bullets and tear gas canisters.

The police have denied reports they opened fire using live bullets.

In addition, hundreds of political activists, journalists, protesters and bystanders watching the rallies have been arrested in recent weeks, and remain in custody.

While several civilian leaders have been released since last Sunday's deal, key figures are also still in detention.

The deal raised hopes for some that Sudan will be able to return to its tenuous transition process.

But critics slammed the agreement as "whitewashing" the military takeover, with some protesters accusing Hamdok of "treason" by signing it.

Hamdok, who has headed a transitional government since the 2019 ouster of long-time autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir, said Wednesday he partnered with the military in order to "stop the bloodshed" and "not squander the gains of the last two years".

The deal he signed with Burhan lays down a "clear date" for Sudan's first free elections in three decades slated for July 2023, the premier said.

File Photo: Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok speaks during a session of the summit to support Sudan, May 17, 2021. AP

Related

43 killed in clashes in Sudan's restive Darfur: UN

Despite deal, Sudanese rally to demand military rulers leave

Sudan frees several civilian leaders held since the military takeover

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/443394.aspx

Sudan appoints new director of general intelligence Ahmed Mufaddal, formerly deputy director - sources

Report at and by Reuters.com

Dated Saturday 27 November 2021

Sudan appoints new director of general intelligence - sources

KHARTOUM, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Sudans’s sovereign council has appointed a new director of the general intelligence service, official sources told Reuters on Saturday.

He is Ahmed Mufaddal, formerly deputy director.

Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Moataz Abdelrahiem; Editing by Nick Macfie

View original: https://www.reuters.com/article/sudan-politics-intelligence-idAFS8N2R101W

Calling the UN and International Red Cross - Released Sudan official describes ordeal since coup arrest

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: I cannot understand why the UN is not ensuring that these prisoners are identified and visited by the International Red Cross or such like. Surely there are laws in place to protect prisoners.

According to the following report, a rights lawyer representing many of the detained estimated earlier this month that at least 100 Sudanese government members were rounded up in the early hours of the coup. 

Also, activists estimated hundreds of protesters and activists have also disappeared into undisclosed prisons. Saleh (pictured) himself is unsure of who else is being held, but remains worried for their safety.

Many were taken from their homes during the morning of Oct. 25 and have been since kept in undisclosed locations, with no ability to contact family or lawyers. Why isn't the UN helping with legalities? Read more in this report.

By ASHRAF IDRIS Associated Press (AP)

Published at www.abcnews.go.com

Dated 24 November 2021, 19:47

Released Sudan official describes ordeal since coup arrest

A Sudanese government official says he was kept in isolation for nearly a month after being arrested during a military coup that plunged the country into crisis

KHARTOUM, Sudan -- A Sudanese government official said Wednesday he was kept in isolation for nearly a month after being arrested during a military coup that plunged the country into crisis.

Faisal Saleh, an advisor to Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, told The Associated Press that security forces took him blindfolded from his home in the early hours of Oct. 25

“We were expecting that there was a military coup coming," said Saleh, who also served as minister of information from 2019 until earlier this year. ”We just didn't know how or when it would take place."

Saleh is one of dozens of government officials who have been locked up since the country's top general, Abdel-Fattah Burhan led a coup against the country's interim civilian government. It has upended plans for the country to transition to democracy, more than two years after a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Saleh was released late Monday [22 Nov] after 29 days of detention and immediately set about learning the events of the past month. He's still catching up and recovering from a chest infection that he contracted during his time in prison.

It remains unclear how many remain in detention, but in recent days activists' posts have indicated that several prominent opposition figures have been let go.

A rights lawyer representing many of the detained estimated earlier this month that at least 100 government members were rounded up in the early hours of the coup. The country's prime minister, Hamdok, was held under house arrest for weeks before being reinstated just days ago.

Activists estimated hundreds of protesters and activists have also disappeared into undisclosed prisons. Saleh himself is unsure of who else is being held, but remains worried for their safety.

Many were taken from their homes during the morning of Oct. 25 and have been since kept in undisclosed locations, with no ability to contact family or lawyers. The military leaders have also cut off mobile and internet communications across the country.

Saleh said after his arrest he was taken to a room locked from the outside, with a bed, dresser and toilet. He was given two meals a day and told he had access to a doctor if needed. He slowly concluded that he was being held in a military facility in Khartoum, the country's capital.

But his captors made one thing clear: He was only allowed contact with the guards who brought his food. He suspected colleagues of his were in the same building but had no way to know. Nor did he hear about the violence that followed the coup.

“I think being together with other people makes it easier,” said Saleh, who was also imprisoned under al-Bashir. “But this time I was alone, and I didn’t know what was happening outside the room.”

Since the takeover, protesters have flooded the streets in the biggest demonstrations since those that ended al-Bashir’s three-decade reign in 2019, and security forces have killed more than 40 demonstrators since the coup, according to doctors' groups.

Saleh is trying to acquaint himself with a new and frightening political landscape. He says he hopes soon to be able to sit down with his former boss. He is also calling for all detainees to be released, whether they are politicians or protesters.

“Only then we can look into the next steps,” he said.

The military reached a deal with Hamdok on Sunday [21 Nov] that would reinstate him as the head of a new technocratic Cabinet ahead of eventual elections. But the agreement has splintered Sudan’s pro-democracy movement, many of whom accuse Hamdok of allowing himself to serve as a fig leaf for continued military rule.

Saleh's account comes as the country slowly emerges from weeks of limited mobile and internet access.

On Wednesday, the internet advocacy group NetBlocks said that social media and messaging platforms were now fully functioning in the country for the first time since the coup.

View original: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/released-sudan-official-describes-ordeal-coup-arrest-81378472#

Sudan: Mudawi Ibrahim says Sovereign Council appointment of the Chief Justice is unconstitutional

Here is a copy of a report at and by Sudan Telegraph.com

Dated and published Friday 26 November 2021

Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim: The appointment of the Chief Justice is unconstitutional

Yesterday [Thur 25 Nov], the Transitional Sovereignty Council appointed Abdul Aziz Fath al-Rahman Abdeen Muhammad as chief justice, while postponing the decision on the appointment of the attorney general.

In its new composition, the council held a meeting chaired by Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the first in which a decision was taken.

Council member and spokeswoman Salma Abdul-Jabbar said in a press statement that the council appointed Abdul Aziz Fath al-Rahman as head of the judiciary, within the framework of complementing the state’s judicial and human rights structures.

Fateh al-Rahman was appointed as the head of the judiciary during the last period.

Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim, a member of the Whole Initiative Committee, rejected the appointment of the chief justice by the Sovereign Council and considered it unconstitutional, because the framework agreement clearly indicated that the Sovereign Council is discussed by the political forces and is formed with their consent. As long as this did not happen, the current council has no right to take any decision, as it is only a supervisor of the executive body, according to Al-Jarida newspaper.

View original: https://sudantelegraph.com/news/dr-mudawi-ibrahim-the-appointment-of-the-chief-justice-is-unconstitutional/

UN envoy: Sudan's new deal saved the country from civil war

Here is a full copy of a news report published at abcnews.go.com

Written by NOHA ELHENNAWY Associated Press (AP)

Dated and published at abcnews.com on Friday 26 November 2021, 20:53

UN envoy: Sudan's new deal saved the country from civil war

The U.N. envoy to Sudan says a deal struck to reinstate the country's civilian prime minister after a military coup is imperfect but has saved the country from falling into civil strife

The Associated Press

Thousands of protesters take to the streets to renew their demand for a civilian government in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. The rallies came just days after the military signed a power-sharing deal with the prime minister, after releasing him from house arrest and reinstating him as head of government. The deal came almost a month after the generals orchestrated a coup. Sudan’s key pro-democracy groups and political parties have dismissed the deal as falling short of their demands for a fully civilian rule. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)

CAIRO -- The deal struck in Sudan to reinstate the prime minister following a military coup is imperfect but has saved the country from sliding into civil strife, the U.N. envoy to Sudan said on Friday.

Special Envoy Volker Perthes was speaking of the agreement between Sudan's military leaders and Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, who was deposed and put under house arrest following the coup last month that stirred an international outcry.

The military takeover threatened to thwart the process of democratic transition that the country had embarked on since the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

The deal, signed on Sunday, was seen as the biggest concession made by the country's top military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, since the coup. However, the country's pro-democracy groups have dismissed it as illegitimate and accused Hamdok of allowing himself to serve as a fig leaf for continued military rule.

“The agreement of course is not perfect,” Perthes told The Associated Press. “But it is better than not having an agreement and continuing on a path where the military in the end will be the sole ruler."

Both signatories felt compelled to make “bitter concessions” in order to spare the country the risk of more violence, chaos and international isolation, he added.

“It would not have been possible to exclude a scenario which would have brought Sudan to something close to what we have seen in Yemen, Libya or Syria,” Perthes said. He spoke to the AP via videoconference from Khartoum.

Sudan has been struggling with its transition to a democratic government since the military overthrow of al-Bashir in 2019, following a mass uprising against three decades of his rule.

The deal that Hamdok signed with the military envisions an independent Cabinet of technocrats led by the prime minister until new elections are held. The government will still remain under military oversight, although Hamdok claims he will have the power to appoint ministers.

The deal also stipulates that all political detainees arrested following the Oct. 25 coup be released. So far, several ministers and politicians have been freed. The number of those still in detention remains unknown.

“We have a situation now where we at least have an important step towards the restoration of the constitutional order,” said Perthes.

Since the takeover, protesters have repeatedly taken to the streets in some of the largest demonstrations in recent years. Sudanese security forces have cracked down on the rallies and have killed more than 40 protesters so far, according to activist groups.

Further measures need to taken to prove the viability of the deal, said Perthes, including the release of all detainees, the cessation of the use of violence against protesters and Hamdok's full freedom to choose his Cabinet members.

On Friday hundreds rallied in Khartoum and other Sudanese provinces to demand a fully civilian government and protest the deal for the second straight day. It came after thousands protested on Thursday.

One of the marches was led Siddiq Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, a leader of Sudan's prominent Umma Party, which has split with other pro-democratic groups over the deal to reinstate Hamdok. He told journalists that protesters must remain steadfast in their calls for the generals to surrender power . Al-Mahdi was among those who were arrested during the coup and was let go in recent days.

He refused the idea of further negotiations.

“As things currently stand, there is no opportunity for things to move forward,” he said.

View original: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/envoy-sudans-deal-saved-country-civil-war-81404904

Eleven Sudan Ministers representing FFC resigned Mon 23 Nov disavowing Burhan-Hamdok agreement

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The news out of Sudan is fast moving along with horrible new developments including hellish war in Ethiopia. More later. For now I want to file this report here for easy access to the names of the 11 ministers representing FFC who resigned on Monday 23 November 2021, the day after Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok signed a political agreement with the military coup leader Gen. Burhan in order to get all political detainees released and help stop the bloodshed and a civil war.

• Here is a full copy of a report at and by Radio Dabanga.org
• Dated Tuesday, 23 November 2021 - KHARTOUM
• 11 Sudan Ministers resign as ‘Hamdok agreement legitimises military coup regime’
• 
• Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maryam El Sadig, has announced the mass resignation of 11 Cabinet Ministers, distancing themselves from Sunday's political agreement between PM Hamdok, with junta leader Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan (File photo: SUNA)
• Eleven Ministers representing the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), who participated in the transitional government before the military junta seized power in a coup d’état on October 25, announced that they have submitted their resignations in writing to Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, disavowing the agreement signed in Khartoum on Sunday with junta leader Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, stating that the agreement “legitimises and perpetuates the military coup regime”.
• On Monday, the Central Council of the FFC – a major driver of the revolution that overthrew the 30-year Al Bashir dictatorship in 2019, and convenor of an ongoing campaign of civil disobedience and mass demonstrations since the coup – issued a statement distancing itself from the agreement with what it described as “the brute junta,” stressing that “there is no negotiation, no partnership, and no legitimacy for the putschists”.
• Those who have submitted their resignations are the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maryam El Sadig, Minister of Justice Nasreldin Abdelbari, Minister of Agriculture El Taher Harbi, Minister of Irrigation Yasir Abbas, Minister of Investment El Hadi Ibrahim, Minister of Energy Jadein El Obeid, Minister of Higher Education Intisar Segheroun, Minister of Labour Taysir El Nourani, Minister of Transport Mirghani Mousa, Minister of Health Omar El Najeeb, Minister of Youth and Sports Yousef El Dei, and Minister of Religious Affairs Nasreldin Mofreh.
• Foreign Minister Maryam El Sadig reported that the names of five ministers were not included in the list of resignations, explaining that the Minister of Information Hamza Baloul and Minister of Communications Hashem Hasabelrasoul, were unable to attend the ministers’ reflective meeting. Also absent were Minister of Cabinet Affairs Khaled Omar and Minister of Industry Ibrahim El Sheikh, due to their continued detention, and indicated the reservations of Trade Minister Ali Jido about submitting his resignation.
• In a statement, the FFC Ministers disavowed the political agreement between El Burhan and Hamdok, and made it clear that it “legitimises and perpetuates the military coup regime”.
• The ministers condemned all acts of violence that accompanied the peaceful demonstrations, calling for an immediate investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
• View original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/11-sudan-ministers-resign-as-hamdok-agreement-legitimises-military-coup-regime

Sudan's PM Hamdok orders security for "Martyrs' Day" protests and political detainees' release

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The news on Sudan, South Sudan and hellish war in Ethiopia is fast moving. I have scoured through several hundred news reports and tweets to find and select the ones that help document the terrible crises unfolding. Regarding the "Martyrs' Day" protests in various areas of Sudan yesterday a report by Radio Dabanga.org based in the Netherlands says "the police and security forces used excessive violence to disperse thousands of demonstrators in various cities. The forces used tear gas and sound bombs, which resulted in injuries among the demonstrators. Several protestors were shot". Read more here: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/police-uses-excessive-violence-to-disperse-nov-25-marches-of-the-millions

November 25 Marches of the Millions - Khartoum North (Bahri) (social media)/Radio Dabanga.org

Here is a copy of a report at and by www.republicworld.com

Written By Aparna Shandilya (With inputs from agencies)

Last Updated: Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:19 IST

Sudan's PM Abdalla Hamdok Orders Security For 'Martyrs' Day' Protests & Detainees' Release

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok ordered security for Thursday's protests and the immediate start of the procedure for releasing detainees, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. 

Hamdok issued the order during a meeting with Sudanese police leaders, during which they reviewed a detailed plan for securing the demonstrations and emphasised peaceful expression as a legitimate right under the principles of the Sudanese Revolution, which deposed former President Omar al Bashir in 2019, ANI reported.

According to the announcement, the procedure for releasing detainees applies throughout the country. Protests for a civilian state are anticipated in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and other places on Thursday [25 Nov]. 

Hamdok has initiated an investigation into infractions committed against demonstrators since the military power grab on 25 October. According to a statement from his office, the PM held a meeting with a group from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the largest civilian coalition opposing military authority, on Tuesday evening [23 Nov]. On Sunday [21 Nov], the FFC had stated that it does not recognise any political accord with military officials.

Sudan's Political Crisis

Sudan has been in a political crisis since General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan proclaimed a state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereign Council and government on 25 October. On 21 November, however, after worldwide condemnation and large protests, Al-Burhan and then-removed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok negotiated a political agreement that included Hamdok's reappointment as Prime Minister. Following the coup, al-Burhan abolished major institutions and fired the leaders of state media, public corporations, and banks, as well as a number of provincial officials. Defections were also announced by ambassadors who were dismissed of their responsibilities.

12 out of the 17 ministers from Sudan's caucus asking for a totally civilian administration resigned on Monday [22 Nov], opposing Hamdok's strategy of dealing with the military. Despite the accord that resulted in the release of a few politicians, dozens of others remain imprisoned. Protest organisers have accused Hamdok of "treason" and promised to keep the pressure on the military-civilian authority overseeing Sudan's transition. Activists have resorted to social media to call for "Martyrs' Day" protests on Thursday [25 Nov] to honour the 41 demonstrators slain in the post-coup persecution.

Image: AP [Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok]

READ | Sudan: Opposition rejects accord between Abdalla Hamdok and Army, calls it 'treasonous'

READ | AU chairperson welcomes political deal in Sudan; calls for regular and free elections

READ | Signing of deal to reinstate deposed Sudan PM

READ | Sudan Doctors' committee report reveals 41 people killed by Army since October coup

READ | EXPLAINER: What does PM's reinstatement mean for Sudan?

View original: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/africa/sudans-pm-abdalla-hamdok-orders-security-for-martyrs-day-protests-and-detainees-release.html

TEXT: Summary point by point analysis of Sudan's Burhan-Hamdok agreement signed 22 Nov 2021

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Thanks to Sudan researcher Dr Eric Reeves [ @sudanreeves https://twitter.com/sudanreeves ] in the US for finding and re-tweeting the following summary of the political agreement signed in Khartoum by Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok and military coup leader Gen. Burhan, televised live on Sunday, 22 November 2021.

Summary point by point analysis of the Burhan-Hamdok agreement and how it entrenches the #SudanCoup in case anyone has any illusions about it pic.twitter.com/8gmBj79Zza

— Ahmed T. el-Gaili أحمد الجيلي (@elgaili_a) November 26, 2021

Hundreds of political detainees still imprisoned in Sudan - New mass marches called for November 25

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Incredibly brave Sudanese civilians will be taking to the streets to participate in a new mass march in the country's capital Khartoum on Thursday 25 November 2021. It will be the first test of the junta's sincerity and its agreement with newly reinstated Prime Minister Hamdok. It stands to reason that the junta will be keen to avoid being linked to any violations against peaceful protestors. 

Various peaceful protests in the past in Khartoum were infiltrated by criminal elements and gangs in disguise - even to the extent of wearing stolen military or police uniforms - organised by people with something to gain from ruining peace deals by arranging for infiltrators to violate protestors or act as protestors inciting violence in order to cause conflict and mistrust between signatories of peace deals. 

What's different this time is the sophisticated satellite and communications technology that is used by powerful nations around the world. Millions of people work hard to help Sudan and its people. The world will be watching with ways to identify spoilers, imposters and perpetrators of crimes. 

Please god keep everyone and PM Hamdok safe and strong. PM Hamdok is a good, decent, honourable man who wants the best for Sudan and its people. He is well connected with many supporters and peacemakers in high places around the world. It is in the world's interest that Sudan becomes stable. 

Here is a full copy of a must-read report at and by Radio Dabanga.org

Dated Wednesday 24 November 2021 - KHARTOUM / EL GEDAREF / DARFUR

Hundreds still detained in Sudan – new mass marches called for tomorrow

• 
• IMAGE: Poster calling for renewed Marches of the Millions tomorrow [Nov 25, 2021]

• While the military junta in Sudan has released some detainees, several are still imprisoned, despite the undertaking in the political agreement signed in Khartoum on Sunday by Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan and Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, that stipulates the release of all political detainees. The resistance forces have called on the public to take to the streets again tomorrow in an unrelenting campaign of civil disobedience to the coup, and the political agreement.
• On Tuesday morning, Military Intelligence held Moataz Abdallah, leading member of the Salvation Initiative, from his shop in El Koada Market in El Gedaref.
• In Sennar, the authorities detained on Tuesday Ghazi Abdallah, Zaher Hasan and Mohamed Jibril, members of the Resistance Committees of Abu Hajjar, and took them to an unknown location.
• In East Darfur, the authorities detained four members of the resistance committees in Yasin locality on Monday.
• In El Gedaref, on Monday evening, the authorities released five detainees held during the November 21 Marches of the Millions, including members of resistance committees, a teacher and a member of the Salvation Initiative. One of them, Waliedin Abdelgadir, a member of the Resistance Committees, was severely beaten, which led to his serious injury, activists pointed out.
• The court of El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, acquitted 19 members of the resistance committees of the charges brought against them under the State of Emergency laws. Activist Mohamed Ahmed told Radio Dabanga that the court acquitted the members of the resistance committees who had been detained earlier when they were holding public speeches at markets to announce the November 17 Marches of the Millions.
• He explained that the authorities detained about four activists in the department in a malicious report. He noted the continuation of the resistance committees in their nightly and propaganda parades and their preparations for the November 25 Marches of the Millions.
• Darfur Bar Association
• The Darfur Bar Association (DBA) reported that there are more than 250 detainees in police stations, detention centres and prisons in Khartoum, and many other detainees in the states.
• During a meeting of its delegation with the head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes, on Tuesday at his workplace, the DBA called for the international community to follow up on the conditions of detainees and to demand the immediate release of all detainees.
• The lawyers explained that the failure to hold the perpetrators accountable for the killing of peaceful demonstrators encouraged the widespread phenomenon of systematic killing and impunity.
• The DBA warned that the current coup scene may be repeated after the end of the second transitional period. “The partnership balance is currently imbalanced in favour of the military component, which is devoted to disrupting the democratic transition.” The Association called for the continuation of international oversight and measures on the status quo to secure the democratic transition in Sudan and to protect civilians.
• Lawyers demo
• Lawyers organised a demonstration on Tuesday in front of the Supreme Court in Khartoum to protest against the killing of demonstrators and the urgent demand for retribution and the rejection of military coups. The participants in the demonstration chanted slogans calling for the immediate release of the detainees. Others denounced the military coup. It demands the lifting of the State of Emergency.
• Zain telecommunications company employees carried out a protest vigil in response to the call of the Information and Communications Technology Syndicate, rejecting the military coup and denouncing the blocking of social networking sites.
• In Sennar, lawyers organised a protest in front of the Sennar court on Tuesday, rejecting the coup. In Kassala, medical and health cadres organised a protest sit-in, rejecting the coup and denouncing the coup.
• November 25 marches
• The Khartoum Resistance Committees announced that the agreement between El Burhan and Hamdok does not concern them in anything and affirmed their adherence to their firm position that there is no negotiation, no partnership, no bargaining.
• In a statement, the Khartoum Resistance Committees called on the masses of the Sudanese people to come out on November 25 “in honour of the martyrs” and for “the overthrow of the military and civilian coup d'état”. The Committees will publish the tracks of the Marches of the Millions through its field committees in the neighbourhoods.
• The Khartoum Resistance Committees called on the masses of Sudanese abroad to demonstrate in front of embassies and international bodies, in refusal to legitimise the coup and affirming the Sudanese's rejection of any international support provided to the coup plotters.
• The Central Council of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) considers the political agreement between El Burhan and Hamdok as an extension of the coup measures announced by El Burhan on October 25
• In a press statement after the Central Council’s meeting on Monday, the FFC reiterated their rejection of the agreement as a response to the goals and pacts of the December revolution.
• The Sudanese Professionals Association said that the El Burhan-Hamdok agreement means accepting the guardianship of the Military Council over the political process. The move is considered a serious setback, and “could lead to a new coup”.
• View original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/hundreds-still-detained-in-sudan-new-mass-marches-called-for-tomorrow

Sudan's Hamdok says investigation launched into violations against protesters

Here is a full copy of a report by Reuters

Reporting by Lilian Wagdy and Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Chris Reese and Aurora Ellis

Published at au.finance.yahoo.com

Tuesday, 23 November 2021, 10:36 pm

Sudan's Hamdok says investigation launched into violations against protesters

CAIRO (Reuters) - An investigation has been launched into violations committed against protesters since the military power grab on Oct. 25, Sudan's newly reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said, according to a statement from his office.

Hamdok's comments came during a meeting on Tuesday evening with a group from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the main civilian coalition opposing military rule. FFC had previously said on Sunday that it does not recognize any political agreement with the military leadership.

The group stressed during the meeting the importance of laying out a roadmap to implementing the political agreement, reversing all political appointments that took place after the military takeover and reinstating all those who were fired during that period, according to the statement.

Last week, protesters and a Reuters witness said they saw security forces chase protesters into neighbourhoods and homes to carry out arrests. At least 15 people were shot dead during the anti-coup protests, according to medics.

Hamdok and the group called for political prisoners to be released as soon as possible and for the right to peacefully protest to be respected.

Under the agreement signed with military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Hamdok, first appointed after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir in a 2019 uprising, will lead a civilian government of technocrats for a transitional period.

The deal faces opposition from pro-democracy groups that have demanded full civilian rule since Bashir's ouster and have been angered by the deaths of dozens of protesters since the Oct. 25 coup.

FILE PHOTO: Sudan's then-Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, speaks during a Reuters interview in Khartoum

View original: https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/sudans-hamdok-says-investigation-launched-223629020.html

Sudan: PM Hamdok meets members of FFC

• Here is a full copy of a report at and by SUNA-news.net
• Dated Wednesday 24 November 2021

• Dr Hamdouk Meets Members of FFC Central Leadership Council

• Khartoum Nov. 24 2021 (SUNA) - Prime Minister Dr Abdalla Hamdouk met on Tuesday [Nov 23] evening eight members of the Central Leadership Council of the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC).
• The meeting discussed the political crisis in the country and the political agreement between the Prime Minister and the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council.
• The FFC delegation announced its agreement to the political agreement and expressed support to the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister and the FFC leaders stressed necessity of expediting release of all detainees in the capital and regions, protection of peaceful processions, guaranteeing freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration and organization across the country, in addition to importance of reaching  consensus over political charter  between the all active political forces in the Sudanese society to secure success of the remaining civilian democratic transitional period.
• The delegation affirmed importance of putting a roadmap for implementation of the political agreement and stop and review decisions of appointment made during the past period and reinstatement of all who have been dismissed from their jobs.
• The attendees from members of the FFC Central Leadership Council expressed appreciation and support for the Prime Minister and for his patience with the events of the past period as keenness from the Prime Minister on restoring the path of the civil democratic transition.
• The meeting discussed role of the all political forces in explaining and implementing the political agreement.
• For his part, the Prime Minister thanked the members of the FFC Central Leadership Council for the communication and support made by a number of the council's leaders in helping reach a political agreement.
• Dr. Hamdok presented a briefing to the delegation about the priorities of the coming period in the importance of the success of the political agreement to preserve the gains of the past period in the economy, peace and public freedoms; with  importance of completing the process by holding elections and completion of  rest of the democratic transformation processes. ab/ab
• View original: https://www.suna-news.net/read?id=726778

VIDEO CNN EXCLUSIVE: Newly-freed Sudan PM Hamdok made deal to avoid bloodshed and a civil war

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: In this excellent exclusive video interview with CNN, the newly-freed Sudan Prime Minister Hamdok explains why he compromised in a deal with Sudan's military. 

The video interview can be viewed in the original (see link below) of the following report. The interviewer asked good questions and received good answers from Mr Hamdok. 

It’s heartwarming to see that he looks strong, fit and well, proving that some news reports saying he looked 'frail' and 'haggard' are not true at all. Naturally, he must have been under a great deal of strain and exhausted from working non-stop ever since his shocking arrest with his wife at their home on Oct 25.

Ever since Mr Hamdok has been at home, there has been a stream of high level international visitors meeting with him in person throughout the time he was under house arrest with guards outside his home. 

Fortunately, he has a wonderful wife. They were arrested together and taken to the home of the military coup leader, Gen. Burhan, after which they were taken home and received high level contacts. More later. 

CNN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW REPORT

• By Becky Anderson, Eoin McSweeney, Zeena Saifi and Noon Salih, CNN
• Yassir Abdullah and Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report
• Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT) Tuesday November 23, 2021
• Newly-freed Sudanese PM tells CNN why he took military deal
• (CNN) Sudan's newly reinstated prime minister told CNN on Tuesday [Nov 23] that he compromised in a deal with the country's military in order to "avoid bloodshed" and a civil war.
• Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other ministers were detained during a military coup last month that saw the country's power-sharing government dissolved; more than 40 people have since been killed in protests.
• But the country's military chief, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, reinstated Hamdok on Sunday as part of a deal between the military and civilian leadership in the country,
• In an interview with CNN on Tuesday [Nov 23], Hamdok said he "regretted the bloodshed" that had followed the October 25 coup; he said the agreement had been signed in order to "avoid further killing."
• "This a not a personal interest for me," he said. "There is a motto that says you will die for country. I took the right decision."
• 
  
• Under the deal agreed by Hamdok and Al-Burhan, Hamdok again becomes leader of the transitional government, which was first established after strongman President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019.
• 
  
• The Council of Ministers, which was dissolved on October 25, will be restored and the civilian and military leadership will share power. The constitution will be amended to outline the partnership between civilians and the military in the transitional government.
• 
  
• But the agreement also includes as yet unspecified restructuring, according to Mudawi Ibrahim, a prominent official in the National Forces Initiative (NFI) which helped mediate the talks, and it has been met with resistance in Sudan.
• 
  
• Police fired tear gas at a large group of protesters near the presidential palace in Khartoum on Sunday, according to eyewitnesses on the ground.
• 
  
• The deal was rejected by Sudan's Forces of Freedom and Change coalition (FCC), which insisted there was "no negotiation, no partnership, nor legitimacy for the coup plotters."
• 
  
• On Monday, Ibrahim told CNN that the agreement was "very humiliating for the Prime Minister," adding that it had been accepted "for the sake of the country."
• 
  
• "There are so many people dying on the streets ... so the Prime Minister had to take this step and accept the humiliation," he said.
• But Hamdok, who had been held under house arrest until Sunday, refuted the idea he had been humiliated and insisted he had made the right choice.
• 
  
• He called the agreement with the military imperfect and deficient, but said the decision to sign it was taken in order to avoid a catastrophe.
• 
  
• "There is a perfect agreement and there is a workable agreement. If you wait for a perfect agreement, you will be waiting too long and it will be too late," he said.
• 
  
• He said he was confident in the military and pledged to work with them to "establish a fair roadmap" for the future of Sudan.
• 
  
• The deal, signed on live television, calls for the release of all political prisoners arrested by security forces following the coup.
• Only nine prisoners out of 31 have been released so far, Hamdok said; he called for the immediate release of those still in detention.
• 
  
• "This is the number one agenda item," he added. "I will not rest until all of them are released."
• 
  
• Yassir Abdullah and Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report.
• View original and the video interview here: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/23/africa/sudan-abdalla-hamdok-interview-ctw-intl/index.html