Day: October 26, 2021

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Bol Chaw Manyang, the hospital’s managing director, said the ongoing renovation will run for a month, and that access to healthcare services will be boosted when the works are done.

“UNMISS is one of the partners which has been supporting the hospital. They constructed a new OPD ward and donated an ambulance. Right now, they are renovating the surgical ward, operation theatre, and then they are paving the road from the gate to the OPD, and renovation is done on X-ray building,” he said.

Dr. Bol pointed out that the renovated facilities will help doctors provide the much-needed health services to the locals efficiently and effectively.

One Bor resident, Adut Deng, welcomed the new development, “I always seek diagnosis there though sometimes they lack drugs. With the renovation, I think doctors will be able to provide good services and it will also attract the residents,” she said.

Source: Radio Tamazuj

Sudan’s top general says the deposed prime minister is being held for his own safety at the general’s own house, not in a prison.

The military took power in a coup on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference in Khartoum on Tuesday, Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan said that Abdalla Hamdok was safe and kept away for his own safety.

The announcement comes a day after the military detained Hamdok and some civilian political leaders.

On Monday, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, dissolved the Hamdok government and the Sovereign Council, a joint military and civilian body created soon after al-Bashir’s ouster to run the country. He now heads a military council that he said would rule Sudan until elections in July 2023.

“Yes, we arrested ministers and politicians, but not all of them,” al-Burhan said, pointing out that Hamdok would “return home when the crisis is over”.

The top general further said the military has stepped in after talks with Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and the protest movement to resolve a dispute over the country’s course reached a deadlock.

The top general defended the army’s seizure of power, saying he had ousted the transitional government to avoid civil war.

“What we have done is not a military coup, but rather a correction to the course of the revolution…the whole country was deadlocked due to political rivalries,” Gen. Burhan said. “The experience during the past two years has proven that the participation of political forces in the transitional period is flawed and stirs up strife.”

The takeover came after weeks of mounting tensions between military and civilian leaders over the course and the pace of Sudan’s transition to democracy.

Western governments and the United Nations condemned the takeover and called for the release of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other senior officials, who were arrested Monday.

US President Joe Biden’s administration announced the suspension of $700 million in emergency assistance to Sudan, a nation in Africa linked by language and culture to the Arab world.

Source: Radio Tamazuj

Large protests entered their second day after Sudan witnessed a coup at dawn yesterday when the Sudanese military detained Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and other civilian members of the government, announced a State of Emergency, disbanded the Sovereignty Council, and effectively seized power. According to the latest estimates, at least seven protestors were killed as security forces cracked down on the protests.

The Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, who is also Commander in Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) declared a State of Emergency in the country after his military seized power in a dawn coup in Khartoum yesterday. Internet and mobile phone networks were cut off and Prime Minister Hamdok was placed under arrest in an unknown location, as were several other civilian members of the TSC.

Immediately after the coup, which took place just days after the Marches of the Millions, protestors flocked the streets to condemn the coup and demand the continuation of the democratic transition. At least seven protesters were killed yesterday when security forces cracked down on the protests, while over 140 were left injured. Images shared on social media showed heavily armed military and security forces on patrols in Khartoum, restricting movement and firing teargas at demonstrators.

Demonstrations went on through the night and have entered their second day this morning. Protestors chant slogans such as ‘returning to the past is not an option’ and ‘the people are stronger’ and they have blocked streets and burned car tyres, especially in Khartoum and Omdurman.

Thousands of protestors stormed the perimeter of the SAF General Command yesterday before the military forces fired bullets and tear gas at the protesters. A large number of demonstrators also gathered in front of Parliament in Omdurman and protesters continued to cross the bridges from Bahri and Omdurman to Khartoum on foot to participate in the rally in front of the General Command in Khartoum.

Eyewitnesses told Radio Dabanga that a large number of trucks carrying military forces chased the demonstrators and tried to remove the barricades. Video footage showed military assaults on citizens in various neighbourhoods.

‘Now there is an urgent need for help in hospitals close to the army command’ – Socialist Doctors’ Association

The Socialist Doctors’ Association (SDA) has called on doctors and nurses to support first aid departments to treat protestors, even in the case of complete strikes and civil disobedience actions. “Now there is an urgent need for help in hospitals close to the army command” their statement read. The Royal Care hospital close to the army command is in urgent need of blood, the SDA warned.

The statement, which was published yesterday, also said “Revolution until the Victory”.

Protests are also taking place in other parts of the country, such as El Gezira, Red Sea state, and River Nile state where people have blocked roads and chanted slogans against El Burhan.

Fear of a massacre

“We heard 300 have been arrested but we do not have a complete list of names”, an activist told the Independent from Khartoum. “We are worried that another massacre will happen.” “It is clear this is happening because the military, which runs a lot of the economy, does not want to hand over the control of the country to civilians”, she said.

During the protests in front of the army command against military power after the deposal of dictator Omar Al Bashir, hundreds of protestors were killed or went missing in what is commonly known as the June 3 Massacre.

‘We are worried that another massacre will happen’ – activist in Khartoum

Calls for protest

The Joint Chamber of the Marches of the Millions for Civilian rule and Democratic Transition published its ‘Revolutionary Escalation Schedule’ with protest plans for the next days. Yesterday, they called on Trade Unions and Facilitating Committees to hold speeches and vigils across Sudan. For today and tomorrow, the chamber called on the Resistance Committees to organise speeches in public spaces calling for the handover of power to civilians and the formation of a Revolutionary Parliament.

For October 28, the chamber called on all Sudanese to hold protest vigils on highways, in front of government buildings, and in front of embassies abroad. On October 29, they planned nightly marches and demonstrations to call for mass demonstrations on October 30 in the entire country and abroad to demand a full handover of power to civilians and the completion of the promised government structures.

The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) have also called for large scale civil disobedience. The FFC demanded the release of detained civilian politicians, the resignation of all members of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), and the handing over of power to the civilian government.

The SPA called on the people of Sudan to break the State of Emergency rules with large crowds and evening activities, and that El Burhan must ace “the wrath of a people liberated from fear by the December revolution”.

Civilian and military tensions pre-coup

The coup came as a surprise to many although tensions between the military and civilian components had risen to an all-time high in Sudan in the past weeks, especially after an aborted coup attempt last month. PM Hamdok warned that Sudan was facing the “worst and most dangerous crisis” since the fall of the previous regime.

According to the Juba Peace Agreement and the Constitutional Document, the military was meant to pass the leadership of the TSC to a civilian member of state in the coming months as part of the country’s democratic transition after the regime of dictator Omar Al Bashir was overthrown. This dictatorship is held responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the genocide in Darfur.

In recent weeks, Sudan has witnessed renewed tensions over the transition period and the division of power in the country and the BBC wrote at the time that “deep divisions between military and civilian leaders are threatening to derail the transition to democracy”.

Sudanese military and civilian leaders exchanged accusations after the failed coup in September. The military accused the civilian politicians of squabbling and quarrelling over positions, while civilian members of the government criticised the military leaders for “claiming a monopoly of guardianship over the country and the sole right to lead it through the transitional period”.

Sudan had witnessed thousands-strong protests calling for a continuation of military rule and the dismantling of the civilian government component last week as they held it responsible for the economic problems in the country.

During the Marches of the Millions on Thursday, however, hundreds of thousands of people went out on the street to demand a continuation of the democratic transition towards civilian rule and accused the military component of the government of jeopardising the democratic transition.

Source: Radio Dabanga

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has handed over a new building to the main prison in Mundri West of Western Equatoria State over the weekend.

The construction was facilitated by the Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA) and funded by the UNMISS through Quick Impact Project three months ago.

Speaking during the handover ceremony UNMISS state representative in Mundri base, Mr. Tahiru Ibrahim, said the construction was prompted by a visit to the prison in which they found inmates kept under trees in deplorable conditions.

He urged the prison authorities to use the newly constructed building to keep inmates safe and called for people to have peace among the people of Western Equatoria State.

“This is not supposed to be a torture place but it is supposed to be a correctional facility that will allow us to rehabilitate and reintegrate those who offend the law back to society so that they become useful and functional members of society,” Ibrahim said. ” I would like to read and dedicate our commitment as UNMISS to support the people of the Republic of South Sudan in ensuring that peace and stability return to South Sudan soon rather than later to allow the population to enjoy the dividends of peace.”

Maj. Gen. James Dut Galual the Director of Prison Service in Western Equatoria State appreciated UNMISS for constructing the prison.

He said, “My people if someone does something wrong he or she should be detained there. Before it was not a prison, but now if someone is imprison here the family will know that their person is well kept, though there are no beds and bedsheets, we will use what we have locally here until we get them later.”

Meanwhile, the state minister of local government Elia Richard Box urged the prisons authorities in Mundri to maintain the building so that it serves the community.

Source: Radio Tamazuj

The statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Sudan, released this evening by EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Nabila Massrali, “strongly condemns the military coup in Sudan and the unlawful detention of the Prime Minister, several Ministers, leaders of the Forces of the Freedom and Change, and other civil society representatives”. The EU statement asserts that “they must be released immediately”.

The EU also strongly condemns the statement of Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan declaring a nationwide State of Emergency, the suspension of key articles of the Constitutional Document and the dissolution of governing bodies. “This attempt to undermine Sudan’s transition towards democracy is unacceptable. If the situation is not reversed immediately, there will be serious consequences for EU’s engagement, including its financial support.”

The statement by the High Representative points out that “following decades of authoritarian rule and repressive dictatorship, the legitimate right of the people of Sudan to a better future respecting rule of law, human rights, and democracy, including electing a civilian government, must be respected.”

It also “recalls the right of and respect for peaceful protests” and urges security forces to show restraint. “Further violence and bloodshed must be avoided at all costs and perpetrators of human rights violation shall be held accountable.” Access to communication networks must be restored without delay, the EU says.

“The EU reiterates its strong commitment to Sudan’s transition, calling on all stakeholders and regional partners to support the country’s immediate return to the democratic path,” the statement concludes.

In March, the EU agreed with the World Bank on the second phase of the EU contribution to the Samarat family support programme, one of the important components of the transitional government’s reform programme, which aims to ease the economic impacts of these reforms on the Sudanese and the most vulnerable families.this programme by extending an additional €70 million. The first phase which amounted to €93 million, was announced on September 27 last year.

The contributions of other member states of the European Union brings the total contribution of the European Group to the programme to €310 million.

There have been many reactions condemning the power grab by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) under the command of Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, who took power through a military coup at dawn yesterday. Sudan’s Ministry of Information said that the coup constitutes a crime and called for the immediate release of the kidnapped Prime Minister whilst the USA has decided to suspend $700m in aid to Sudan.

At time of posting, the United Nations Security Council were meeting in New York to discuss the developments in Sudan.

Source: Radio Dabanga

Since the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) under the command of Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan took power through a military coup yesterday at dawn, reactions condemning the power grab have started to flow. Sudan’s Ministry of Information said that the coup constitutes a crime and called for the immediate release of the kidnapped Prime Minister whilst the USA decided to suspend $700m in aid to Sudan yesterday night.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said that “the United States condemns the actions taken overnight by Sudanese military forces” during a department briefing yesterday. According to the spokesperson, “the arrest of civilian government officials and other political leaders, including Prime Minister Hamdok, undermines the country’s transition to democratic, civilian rule”.

“The civilian-led transitional government should be immediately restored. It represents the will of the Sudanese people, as evidenced by the significant peaceful demonstrations of support on October 21st” Price said, referring to the Marches of the Millions.

‘El Burhan’s dismissal of government officials and dissolution of government institutions both violate Sudan’s Constitutional Declaration and abandon the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people’ – Ned Price

Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) Chairman and SAF Commander in Chief El Burhan’s “dismissal of government officials and dissolution of government institutions both violate Sudan’s Constitutional Declaration and abandon the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people”, Price said.

“In light of these developments, the United States is pausing assistance from the $700 million in emergency assistance appropriations of Economic Support Funds for Sudan. Those funds were intended to support the country’s democratic transition as we evaluate the next step for Sudan programming” Price explained.

The government spokesperson further stated that military officials “should immediately release and ensure the safety of all detained political actors, fully restore the civilian-led transitional government, and refrain from any violence against protesters, including the use of live ammunition”, as at least seven protesters were killed and over 140 were wounded in after violent military interventions during yesterday’s anti-coup demonstrations.

Coup is a crime

Sudan’s Ministry of Information published a statement on social media yesterday to say that “the legitimate government in Sudan is headed by Abdallah Hamdok, who was kidnapped together with a number of his ministers by joint military forces”. The statement explained that PM Hamdok “has been kidnapped in an unknown location since dawn” yesterday but that he is “still the legitimate transitional authority in the country.”

The ministry held the military component “fully responsible for the safety of members of the sovereign and executive government,” and demanded “the immediate release of the prime minister and all detained officials.”

It also called on the Public Prosecutor to open an immediate investigation “into the violations reported by citizens and the attacks that occurred to a number of male and female students in their university residences.”

‘All unilateral measures and decisions taken by the military component lack any constitutional basis, violate the law, and are considered a crime’ – Sudanese Ministry of Information

The ministry added that “all unilateral measures and decisions taken by the military component lack any constitutional basis, violate the law, and are considered a crime”. The statement further called for “the necessity of adhering to the means of peaceful resistance”.

The ministry also said that the Government of Sudan welcomes “all stances issued by international and regional organisations, institutions, and groupings” that rejected the military coup, “especially the one by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres”.

Many world leaders have condemned the military coup, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French President Emmanuel Macron, government members of the UK, Qatar, Ethiopia, and Russia, and spokespersons of the EU, UN and African Union, of which Sudan is a member.

Universities against the coup

Several university committees and unions have issued statements to condemn the coup and support civil disobedience and strikes. The Committee of Staff Members of Sudanese Universities issued a statement yesterday to invite university professors to join an “open comprehensive strike without exception until the return of civilian rule”. “We can claim our rights”, the statement concluded.

The University of Khartoum Teaching Staff Union also issued a statement condemning the military coup “against the will of our great people who have filled the streets in refusal to any form of military rule”.

The union wrote that it “condemns this coup, declares civil disobedience to all faculty members of the university, and calls upon our people to declare comprehensive civil disobedience in all professional and service institutions, except for emergency medical conditions, and invites all Sudanese people to resist the coup in all peaceful ways”.

Source: Radio Dabanga