Sudan: Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) – A call for mass civil disobedience (25.10.2021)

With Al-Burhan announcing today the outright coup against power, and his arrests of the prime minister and his staff, and civilian members of the Sovereignty Council, and the cancellation of a number of articles of the constitutional document, Al-Burhan brought the country back to the stage of the Transitional Military Council and before the agreement with civilians, and the formation of the transitional government.

With this, the proof confirms his confusion and his reading of the ancient history book, and that he leads the army of the homeland and the people against his will, and he falls into a fatal mistake that will lead him and his remnants to the dustbin of history, not regretting them.

We, in the Forces of Freedom and Change, reject the coup altogether and in detail, and we call on the steadfast masses of the people to go out to the streets, in order to preserve their revolution and to continue the peaceful initiative that has been its title since its launch on December 18, 2018. We call on all Sudanese around the world to go to the parliaments and ministries of foreign affairs in the countries in which they reside, to demonstrate and pressure not to recognize and reject it.

We also call on the Ethiopian President, the President of the Government of South Sudan, the African Union, the League of Arab States and the international community to declare their explicit rejection of this coup d’état and not to recognize it.

With this, we declare a state of comprehensive civil disobedience in all state facilities, and throughout the country until the following demands are fully achieved

1- The release of all detainees from the Council of Ministers and the Sovereignty Council, who are no longer authorized to negotiate with the Military Council, after the matter and decision returned to the people who filled the streets to recover their revolution.

2- All members of the Transitional Military Council step down and hand over power to the civilian government. The people fought and sacrificed martyrs for it

3- The people are the source of authority and only they have the right to delegate it to whomever they want. It is he who will determine who deserves this authorization.

Central Leadership Council for Freedom and Change

October 25, 2020 AD

Sudan: Sudanese Professional Association – “Our brave people” (25.10.2021)

As expected, the statement of the proof came filled with illusion and lies, and evidence of the tyrant’s separation from reality, and that he did not understand anything from the lessons of the glorious December, his reckless decisions will increase the ferocity of the resistance and the unity of the street after all the illusions of partnership have disappeared and the fig leaf has fallen.

Let us make Tatars and general disobedience a response to the nonsense of the proof and its cronies, and to break the state of emergency today with more crowds and evening activities is the first practical response that the decisions of the proof are not for implementation, but rather for the dustbin of history.

The proof has written its end with his own hand as he writes the words of this statement, and now he has to face the wrath of a people liberated from fear by the December revolution, the authority that the proof resolves is the authority of blood partnership, while the authority of the masses will uproot the proof and its assembly as a eaten storm.

25th October 20201

Sudan: The TMC is having their military coup in Khartoum today

This was most likely planned at night by the military commanders within the Sovereign Council. The army commanders have grown tired of the civilian participation in the transitional government and wanted them gone. The Forces of the Freedom and Change Declaration (FFC) have pushed and pushed, and now the army is taking their power.

We shouldn’t be shocked by this, as the President Abdel-Fatah al-Burhan Abdel-Rahman and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemiti who could easily be behind it all. Though there been some speculations that the Rapid Support Force (RSF) haven’t supported this and there are possible ramification of the leadership there as well. If that is so… than Hemiti might not even be involved this time, but the other army commanders with loyalty towards Al-Burhan are. That wouldn’t be shocking either. I would still take those speculations with a grain of salt, as this would amass more power to Hemiti and his RSF/Janjaweed of Darfur.

There are coming reports that the civilian ministers are fearing for their arrests as the Prime Minister Hamdok is kept hostage at unknown location. While rebel leaders Al-Tabet Hajar and El-Hadi Idriss who was signatory to the Juba Declaration has also been detained today.

The Ministry of Justice Nasredeen Abdulbari have declared the unfolding events as a military coup and that is evident by the approach and the means of which the state actors are using.

President Al-Burhan have used all of this to declare “State of Emergency” as the citizens are going out on the streets to protest the regime move. The FFC and Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) have called for civil disobedience and revolt against the move.

The men of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) is back at it again and think they can get away with it. He has dissolved the Sovereign Council and the Empowerment Removal Committee. The cabinet is also dissolved as well, meaning the civilian participating in the Sovereign Council is now ousted out of office.

The phones and internet are disconnected as well. The airport is Khartoum is ceased as well. So, there is proof of the plan and how they wanted to take all control of the affairs. Where he will be in power and have his puppets on a sting ahead of a general election in 2023. As the President has informed of appointing his own technocratic government.

Al-Burhan thinks he has the sovereign rights to control it all. There is no difference between this man and the Al-Bashir. It is his henchmen who thinks his obliged to rule supreme as well. This is happening as the FFC and others wants answers and accountability for the martyrs of the recent revolution in 2018 and 2019. When scores of extra judicial killings happened, and nobody have been charged for it. Just like today, when 12 people have lost their lives in Khartoum as well.

This is a military coup and Al-Burhan is behind it. As he has announced it to everyone and initiated it. The FFC was to naïve and went to early into agreement with the TMC in the last round and now they have paid the price for that. Thinking these old men and their gunslingers would change for the better. Which today is proven, that they never did. Peace.

Sudan: The attack on SUNA should be warning of how fragile things are…

The Sudanese street should remain prepared for any attempt to hijack the revolution from those who are trying to turn back time” – Mohammed Nagy Al-Assam (23.10.2021).

Khartoum, Oct. 23 (SUNA) – The General Manager of Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Mohamed Abdul-Hamid, has announced cancellation of the press conference of the Central Council of the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change, scheduled on Saturday afternoon, after the attacks that affected the agency’s reception by an unknown force. Abdul-Hamid said that the group that was mobilized in front of SUNA was transported by cars, and then an additional number of about 150 people arrived” (SUNA – ‘Press Conference of Freedom and Change at SUNA Cancelled’ 23.10.2021).

A group allied with the Palace sitin attacked the buildings of the Sudan News agency SUNA, ahead of a press conference organised by the Forces for Freedom and Change where Dr Al-Asam of the SPA and the PM’s advisor Yasir Arman were due to speak” (Mohanad Humam, 23.10.2021).

Today, the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change (FFC) was scheduled to hold a press conference at the headquarters of the Sudan News Agency (SUNA). However, the offices was under attack and the group was led by people who are pro-junta or military government. It was a 100 people who was taken there to protest and ambush the place. In such a manner, that the press conference wouldn’t be held.

However, later in the day… the FFC was able to do it. Still, the precedent of sending pro-junta people on the ground of the SUNA is a warning. It is a sign of what’s ahead and what level of oppression means the army will use. This is using pressure and gatherings to ambush a peaceful press conference. That says it all about the will and ways of the army commanders within the Sovereign Council. They are not budging and using all their means at their disposal. Just to silence and try to stop the civilians to have a voice.

Later: “Mohammed Nagy Al-Assam speaks at a press conference by the Forces of Freedom and Change pro-democracy political coalition held after an attack by more than one hundred pro-junta street militants tried to stop it by invading state news offices” (BlackBoy, 23.10.2021).

This just shows the willingness and that the army commanders are willing to do this. They are not even trying to show a friendly face or facade. These people are just using scare tactics and all means to block civilians. The Sovereign Council is already in a crisis and hoovering around. This sort of play only shows the dire need for reform and changes. As the army commanders are hungry for total control. Peace.

Sudan: Al-Burhan and Hemeti cannot stop the revolution

Sudanese Professionals Association: Attacks on peaceful protests is a blatant move from the current government, with all of its components [civil & military]” (African Narratives, 21.10.2021).

Today, the streets of Khartoum and elsewhere the revolutionary spirit was alive. The protests was happening all across the republic. Sudanese civilians went to the streets and went marching for democracy. They went to the streets of the civilian government and end the time of a military one.

The state tried to use live-bullet, tear-gas and other equipment to contain it. However, the streets was packed with people. This is a continuation of the revolution of 2019. They don’t want the army commanders of he Sovereign Council to hijack the revolution. This being the President Al-Burhan and his vice Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemeti. Who both have been involved and scheming to get rid of the civilian cabinet and the technocrats in the Sovereign Council. Alas, the public sentiment is countering that.

It was demonstrations and protests was happening in all the 18 states. Just in Greater Khartoum area, the State Ministry could confirm that 35 people was injured by the police. The army commanders of the Sovereign Council cannot takeover. The public is showing dissent. They are not accepting it.

There been reports of injured in other towns and cities in Sudan too. However, at this current time we don’t know how it has gone outside of Khartoum. The only dropped numbers was from Greater Khartoum area. Therefore, whatever happened in Omdurman, Post Sudan or in the towns of Darfur. We have seen the authorities using live-bullets or tear-gas against the civilians demonstrating. We have seen pictures leaked online and shown the disgraceful act of the state. Who delivers violence towards civilians doing their duty as a citizen. The citizens are showing their rights and fighting for justice. They are fighting for democracy and a civilian government.

A cause that will take away power from the military commanders, but they are there to support the boundaries and secure the state. They are not there to rule supreme, as they prefer to do. The army is supposed to safeguard from foreign enemies and secure the territory. They are not there to be rulers. That’s what the public is fighting for and it’s a just one at that. Peace.

Security Council Press Statement on United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (15.10.2021)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Martin Kimani (Kenya):

The members of the Security Council heard a briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations on the sharp deterioration of the situation regarding the presence of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Gok Machar, South Sudan.

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern over recent developments in Gok Machar, including threats to the safety and security of peacekeepers which resulted in the death of a peacekeeper from Ethiopia on 14 September 2021, undermining the ability of UNISFA to support the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM). The members of the Security Council noted that these recent threats followed the forced relocation, completed between 26 and 31 August 2021, of UNISFA troops and equipment from the JBVMM team site 11 in Safaha/Kiir Adem and team site 12 in As Sumayah/War Abar to the JBVMM Sector 1 Headquarters in Gok Machar due to the threats to the safety and security of peacekeepers.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for UNISFA and expressed their continued concern that the full implementation of UNISFA’s mandate is being obstructed.

The members of the Security Council demanded the Government of South Sudan to facilitate the unimpeded implementation of UNISFA’s mandate, as described in resolution 2575 (2021), and provide full support to UNISFA’s personnel by removing any obstacles that hinder UNISFA’s work to protect civilians, including by ensuring the mission’s freedom of movement and by facilitating UNISFA’s provision of food, medicine and other supplies to its personnel.

The members of the Security Council also called on the Government of South Sudan to honour its obligations in accordance with resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2575 (2021) and under the Status of Forces Agreement with UNISFA.

The members of the Security Council underscored the important role of UNISFA and the JBVMM in support of achieving peace, security and stability in Abyei and the broader region, and urged the Government of South Sudan to intensify its mediation efforts with members of the local community in Gok Machar to reduce tensions and to provide for the redeployment of UNISFA personnel to team sites 11 and 12. The members further called on Sudan and South Sudan to convene a meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) to address the existing challenges and facilitate the work of the JBVMM.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the continued cooperation between the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan, which is critical for the peace, security and stability in Abyei and the broader region. Recalling resolution 2575 (2021), they reiterated their support for the African Union, the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel and the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa in mediating with the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan.

Sudan: Are we soon seeing a revised TMC? Since Hamdok was asked to dissolve his cabinet

October 15, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok has rejected a request by the leader of the military component to dissolve the FFC-majority cabinet and to appoint a new government they support. The Head of the Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan flanked with his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo aka ’Hemetti” met with Hamdok on Thursday to discuss the ongoing political crisis in the country. Multiple sources confirmed to the Sudan Tribune that the head of the Sovereign Council and his deputy requested Hamdok to dissolve his cabinet and to replace it with another government involving the political groups that plan for a protest on Saturday” (Sudan Tribune – ‘Sudan’s Hamdok rejects Burhan’s request to dissolve government’ 15.10.2021).

Be aware, the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the henchmen of President Omar Al-Bashir is still willing to ruin the whole revolution. The TMC and it’s army commanders wants takeover everything in bloodless coup d’etat. That wouldn’t be shocking, as the few technocrats and civilians in the Sovereign Council is already under pressure.

The Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) gave way to early after the revolution and this is why they are paying a huge price now. The Sudanese people are not trusting the military commanders within the Sovereign Council. That is understandable, as the ones from the TMC haven’t worked hard or tried to regain trust of a civilian rule. The TMC cannot even work close or have the ability to resolve things with the FFC members within the Council. That says everything at this point.

We are now seeing that the President Al-Burhan and Hemiti is scheming to topple and overthrow the current transitional government. This will not solve the political crisis, but clearly ensure the TMC even more power than they already have. As they are the majority of the Sovereign Council and the civilians was a clear minority. Alas, the Generals wants a bigger cut and more power to silence the critics and the running riots, which could spark a second revolution as well.

That is what Al-Burhan and Hemiti fears. They fear the people will come with another popular uprising. As their popularity is close to zero and the people doesn’t trust them either. Why should they? Not like they have delivered or shown to be on course to any sort of election to civilian rule? They want to be an imposed junta on the people.

Now, that they tried to yesterday to dissolve the Sovereign Council. That we can take as an assault on the transition and the means to an end, which is to have all power in their hands. Al-Burhan and Hemiti would gain even more. That is the reality here and that shouldn’t be brushed under the rug. Don’t expect these men to give other opportunities. That would only be a smokescreen and for publicity sake. Peace.

Sudan: The Sovereign Council is under massive pressure by the reignited revolution

The foiled coup d’etat and the army taking control of the Sovereign Council is now getting a public reaction. This have been happening in Eastern Sudan. Where the oil-pipeline have been blocked from Port Sudan. Therefore, the government have already felt the pressure.

The on in power, the generals and the Transitional Military Council (TMC), which had a majority already in the Sovereign Council. Used the coup to cease more power and push the civilians out. These are appointed and technocrats, but still they are more viable. Still, the Generals have the order and the command of it. That is what the public is reacting too. Especially, when this wasn’t the cause for the November Revolution and the end of the reign of Al-Bashir.

 

There been reported that there was around 20,000 people in the streets of Khartoum yesterday. The train returned with people and they gathered together. Just like they did in the recent revolution.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t only happening in Khartoum but…

States where protests were held calling for democratic transition in Sudan:

-Khartoum state

-White Nile state

-El-Gezira state

-Kassala state

-Northern/Shimaliya state

-River Nile/Nahr an-Neel state

-Blue Nile state

-Sennar state

-North Kordofan state

– South Kordofan state

– West Kordofan state

-North Darfur state.

There was movements of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the orders of Vice-President Hemiti. While the people was saying in the streets of Khartoum was even saying: “The army is the Sudan’s army, not Al-Burhan’s”. That says a lot and these sort of reports says it all.

The Transitional Government is clearly not popular. They are feeling more of the same and that’s not strange. When plenty of the Generals in the Sovereign Council was the henchmen in the previous government. So, you couldn’t expect these men to change and suddenly respect the values of the Revolution.

This is why it’s refreshing and showing courage that the general public is returning to the streets. As the Sovereign Council shouldn’t become another military entity. The citizens are demanding a civilian government and not a military junta. This wasn’t the deal and the agreement made when they created the Transitional Government, which has a majority of the TMC. Instead of having more civilians from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC). Therefore, that deal gave to much way to the army.

Now, the foiled coup showed their hand and what they are willing to do. In return, the citizens shows their disdain and will to retort back. Because, they don’t want to ruled by men of arms, but of civilians elected by them. This still their will. The citizens wants democracy and not be ordered by army generals. Peace.

Sudan: Is this the final days of the Sovereign Council? [and a new TMC takeover?]

To join our ranks for:

Completing the revolution and liquidating the control of Al-Bashir’s security committee, not to protect or continue the damaged transitional authority. Ending the partnership with the Military Council and canceling the constitutional document to form a purely civilian government in accordance with the goals of the December Revolution. A new civil authority of competencies committed to the line and goals of the December revolution and not an extension of the buried partnership authority. Free revolutionaries, we will continue the journey, assembly flags, September 26, 2021 AD” (Sudanese Professionals Association, 26.09.2021).

Sources in Sudan told me that the army has removed security from protecting the dismantling committee. Some claim that the security forces are making a point that they’re the protectors of the revolution. Others fear a more cynical ploy. Lots still unclear” (Matnashed, 26.09.2021).

Today, we are getting news of tensions between the civilians and the military wing of the Sovereign Council. This is all happening after the foiled coup mere days ago on the 21st September 2021. As there was several of generals and high ranking officials involved in it.

So, now the military leaders and generals within the Sovereign Council, the remaining Transitional Military Council (TMC) leaders are acting as sole custodians of the state. Which was partly the fear when they had the majority and the control of the Sovereign Council. As the civilian revolutionary groups under the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) which one of them was the Sudanese Professionals Association. They are not retaliating and reacting to the news.

Because of all of this. There is now clear speculations that the TMC is planning to get their own “appointed” civilian leaders within the Sovereign Council. So, that they can control them and have total power. Instead of civilians who guards the revolution and it’s ideas. That would be a “bloodless coup” in favour of the TMC. Where they are securing their interests and power within the state. As well, as stifling the transition and prolonging the transition period.

We know the TMC has already acted, as they have suspended all meetings with civilian counterparts, plus taking away their security details. As they are accepting violence and vandalism happening to their homes.

Clearly this is planned and scheduled, as the Al-Burhan and Hemeti blamed civilians right after the foiled coup attempt as well. Even when the ones arrested was part of the military and not civilian leaders. At least not the ones that published to the general public or in International media. That’s why this is a political ploy to take total control and dismiss civilian transition from military rule.

In Port Sudan tonight protesters was saying: “Leave, leave Burhan, we don’t need you Burhan”.

That says it all and the TMC is not there because of the people, but because they arms and guns.

One of the founders, Muhammad Al-Faki Suleiman of FFC has said this: “This bitter contract that we swallowed and called the partnership, we did not accept it except because after two years we will go to the polls, eager for the stability of this country. We will not allow anyone to manipulate the fate of this country, and we will not allow anyone to alter this equation as he wants”.

It is interesting times ahead and it will not be easy. Peace.

Sudan: A foiled coup attempt in Khartoum

“There was a coup attempt to take over power and it has been contained.” (Sudan Armed Forces).

The Sovereign Council’s biggest test to date have been this morning. As several of army commanders had a mutiny and went into coup d’état mode. There been reports of 40 generals or high-ranking commanders arrested because of their activity this morning.

As the soldiers and tanks are now on the streets. It has already been questions and doubt about the current rulers. As the bread prices are running high and the lack of civilian transition. The Sovereign Council has sort of betrayed the revolution and they did so through military protocol.

The ringleader of the coup is said to be General Abdel-Baqi Bakrawi. He and his associates will face investigation and punishment now. The foiled coup will be a stain on his legacy. However, people say these men, the former allies of former President Omar Al-Bashir is behind it. Therefore, they grow tired of the Al-Burhan and Hamdok transitional government.

We know there was pressure and that this transitional government was fragile. Even with all the military might and capacities within the ranks of the Sovereign Council. As the generals and leaders of old was there. It was not like it was most civilians there or appointed. Neither, was there many from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC). That’s why the public support for the Sovereign Council might not be as strong as it is perceived either.

We also know that Ethiopia have had a violent approach to the border conflict closely tied to the Tigray region. Therefore, some is even speculating that the Addis Ababa rulers have supported and tied into the foiled coup. However, that is mere speculation at this point. However, there have been seen and taken arms going to rebels from Ethiopia crossing into Sudan. This has been happening in recent months and therefore the word of mouth spreads fast.

Time will tell what is happening and what will go down. Some is afraid and thinks this is the first of many. As there is a will and someone might even succeed. We cannot know that today, but this is what happens when you let the military in control of a government. Instead of elections, you get coups and new commanders who wants to rise to power.

The Sovereign Council needs to prove its worth and value. They cannot skate away on old promises and lack of results. Peace.