Sudan: Fresh protests escalates as the TMC promotes itself, while revolutionary officers get dismissed!

In Khartoum today, the people again went to the streets to demonstrate. Because, the Sovereign Council has decided to retire the army officials who was in support of the revolution last year. The Transitional Military Council (TMC), the armed wing of the transitional government have decided to purge the army and also elevate itself. This causes outrage, as this is yet another soft takeover and not a promising step towards a civilian government, which was the whole idea behind the revolution in the first place.

Today, the authorities have used live bullets, violence and massive amount tear-gas to rid of the new surge of revolutionaries in the streets. Also, injuries are being made to the civilians and again random arrests of the ones protesting. Surely, this is back ot the old days.

The news that sparked this:

“In a statement released on Tuesday, the army spokesman Amer Mohamed al-Hassan said the retirees’ list has been done with high professionalism” His statement was published after the circulation in the social media of three separate lists seen by Sudan Tribune with “top secret” including 15 sub lieutenants, 29 lieutenant commanders and 35 colonels. Among the 15 sub-lieutenants appears the name of Mohamed Siddiq Ibrahim Ahmed, who was the first military officer to join the protesters outside the army headquarter during the first week of April before al-Bashir’s ouster” (Sudan Tribune – ‘Sudanese army retires junior-rank officers’ 18.02.2020).

While that has happen. The Transitional Military Council (TMC) of the Sovereign Council has promoted themselves. On the 19^th February 2020, this was reported:

Former head of General Intelligence Agency (GIS) Abubaker Damblad has been promoted to Lieutenant General.

Member of the Sovereignty Council, Yassir Al-Atta has been promoted to Lieutenant General.

Member of the Sovereignty Council, Shams El-Deen Al-Kabashi has been promoted to Lieutenant General.

Head of the General Intelligence Agency (GIS) Jamal Abdelmajeed has been promoted to Lieutenant General.

Head of the Sovereignty Council, Abdulfatah Al-Burhan has been promoted to Marshal.

This is surely again a sign of troubling time ahead. As the TMC wing of the Sovereign Council have been working to consolidate power. They wouldn’t have done that this way, if they didn’t believe they could sustain it now. The agreement of the trial period of three years would give the TMC time to change and also get more power by softly making decisions. Which they have now done by getting rid of the ones who supported the revolution. While promoting the ones whose loyal to the new leadership and who will follow Al-Burhan. That is the message of the acts made.

This is why people are going into the streets, as the revolution wasn’t made for the army and their ranks, but for the public and their will for a civilian government. Seems like the TMC forgot that piece of information or neglected it. Because, power is enticing and rewarding. Peace.

Sudan: Prime Minister Abdalla Hamadok letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (27.01.2020)

African Union: The 906th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the situation in Sudan (05.02.2020)

Violence in Sudan’s Darfur forces thousands to flee (28.01.2020)

Clashes in El Geneina, in Sudan’s West Darfur State, have forced more than 11,000 people to flee as refugees into neighbouring Chad since last month.

GENEVA, Switzerland, January 28, 2020 – This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Clashes in El Geneina, in Sudan’s West Darfur State, have forced more than 11,000 people to flee as refugees into neighbouring Chad since last month. Four thousand of them have fled during last week alone and it is estimated that the clashes have displaced some 46,000 inside the country.

Most of them were already internally displaced people and when attacks happened in West Darfur in late December 2019, including on displacement camps, people fled and found temporary refuge in schools, mosques and other buildings in El Geneina.

With El Geneina only 20 kilometers from the border, thousands of refugees crossed into Chad, a number UNHCR anticipates could reach 30,000 in the coming weeks as tensions persist. UNHCR teams on the ground are hearing accounts of people fleeing after their villages, houses and properties were attacked, many burnt to the ground.

In Chad, the refugees are currently scattered in several villages along a line that spans nearly 100 kilometers near the border, around the town of Adré, in the province of Ouaddaï which already hosts 128,000 Sudanese refugees. The conditions are dire. Most are staying in the open or under makeshift shelters, with little protection from the elements. Food and water are urgently needed, while health conditions are a concern.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, its Government counterpart and humanitarian partners are on the ground and coordinating the response to this emergency, registering refugees and providing lifesaving aid including food, water, relief items. Refugees needing special care, including unaccompanied children, are being identified and assisted.

However, the rate of refugee arrivals risks outpacing our capacity. More resources and support will be required to bolster the response.

Together with the Chadian government, UNHCR is in the process of identifying a new site further from the border, where the refugees can be relocated and receive the security and assistance they desperately need.

Meanwhile in West Darfur, UNHCR and other humanitarian actors are also rushing relief items such as blankets, sleeping mats and jerry cans to assist displaced men, women and children at over three dozen gathering points. In the past week, trucks with additional relief items arrived from UNHCR’s warehouses in other Darfur states, with more aid on the way.

UNHCR continues to seek international community’s support for the transitional government of Sudan in addressing the root causes of the conflict in Darfur. Restoring security will be key for peacebuilding. This will also allow much needed development assistance to support sustainable solutions, including the return of Sudanese displaced inside the country and living as refugees, once conditions are conducive.

UNAMID and Government of Sudan agree to reactivate Darfur joint security mechanism (27.01.2020)

UNAMID looks forward to the immediate reinstatement of this joint security mechanism and expresses its willingness to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation.

ZALINGEI, Sudan, January 27, 2020 – In the aftermath of the recent looting incidents of UN assets in West, South and more recently, North Darfur, UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator, Jeremiah Mamabolo met with Government of Sudan officials, and agreed to immediately reactivate a joint security mechanism that will allow for speedy security related consultations and decisions.

This development follows meetings JSR Mamabolo held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum with the Sudan Minister of Defence (MOD) and with the Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on 16 January and 24 January 2020, respectively. The mechanism comprises of UNAMID, UN Country Team, Sudan Ministry of Defence and other relevant Sudanese authorities.

“This is an important step towards ensuring safety and security of local communities, UN staff and assets when incidents like the recent looting in Kabkabiya occur. A central body like the joint security mechanism will enhance security related cooperation between UNAMID and the host government, a key element in achieving immediate and impactful response to these challenging situations,” JSR Mamabolo noted.

“For instance, in the recent Kabkabiya looting incident, MoFA and related security elements, once alerted by the Mission of the developing situation, immediately deployed in the area averting further destruction of property and possible loss of lives. UNAMID Pakistan Battalion, based in Kabkabiya also reacted speedily to the call for support and secured the concerned UN agency premises. This collaborative approach is to be commended and replicated in the future, when such incidents occur,” UNAMID JSR added.

UNAMID looks forward to the immediate reinstatement of this joint security mechanism and expresses its willingness to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation.

UN strongly condemns the harassment of humanitarian staff and looting of humanitarian premises in North Darfur (23.01.2020)

Zalingei/Khartoum, 23 January 2020- “This emerging trend of harassment of UN and NGO staff and subsequent looting and vandalization of UN and NGO premises and assets is not only very disturbing but totally uncalled for. UN and NGO staff are in Darfur to provide critical humanitarian and peacekeeping support in the region and deserve the full support and appreciation from the communities they serve,” UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator, Jeremiah Mamabolo stated in response to reports received about the wanton destruction of property in Kabkabiya, North Darfur.

On 22 January, a large crowd of men, women and children harassed staff from the International Organization of Migration (IOM) who were on mission to distribute non-food items to victims of flooding that occurred in Kabkabiya, North Darfur last October. The distribution commenced on 20 January at the premises of an implementing partner and was supposed to conclude on 22 January. However, towards the end of the distribution program, some looters attacked the IOM staff alleging that they were not included in the distribution matrix. It was later reported that the premises of five other local NGOs were also looted.

Later in the day, government security forces intervened whilst UNAMID’s Pakistan Contingent based in the area, also secured the World Food Programme (WFP) premises and four local staff remaining in the offices.

“We appeal to both federal and state government authorities to thoroughly investigate above incidents and bring all persons responsible for these unwarranted actions to book,” JSR Mamabolo added.

The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Gwi-Yeop Son, condemned the attacks on humanitarian offices, assets and looting of humanitarian supplies in Kabkabiya, North Darfur.

“I condemn these acts and call upon the Government authorities to launch a swift investigation and bring those responsible to account,” Ms. Son said. “Attacks against humanitarian actors and operations endanger lives, violate the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, under international humanitarian law, and jeopardize the provision of life-saving aid to people in need.”

Over the past year there were several other incidents of looting of humanitarian supplies in Darfur.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and will take taking appropriate measures to continue to facilitate humanitarian access in Darfur, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

2020 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) launched (23.01.2020)

Families cannot afford a nutritious meal – let alone other essential needs such as medical care, water, and education.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, January 23, 2020 – The 2020 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) partners plan to support 6.1 million of the most vulnerable people in Sudan, which will require US$1.4 billion. Due to the current fragile economy, more people are unable to meet their basic needs, as high inflation continues to erode households’ purchasing power. An average local food basket takes up at least 75 per cent of household income. Families cannot afford a nutritious meal – let alone other essential needs such as medical care, water, and education. With fewer resources, people adopt negative coping mechanisms, exposing them to more protection risks—particularly gender-based violence and increasing school dropout and child labour. The economic crisis has overwhelmed already-weak public services, further deepening humanitarian need in the central and eastern parts of Sudan, where humanitarian partners have a limited presence. The 2020 HRP will scale up assistance in these areas. However, humanitarian response alone is not enough to reduce needs, vulnerability and risks; longer-term action is also urgently needed. The UN and partners are committed to work closely with the Government and the people of Sudan to create a strong foundation for Sudan that realizes the hope and aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Donors show strong international support for Sudan in 2020 On 17 January, at a High-Level Roundtable in London co-hosted by the UK, Sweden, OCHA and with participation of the Sudanese Government, 19 international donors affirmed the importance of scaling up humanitarian assistance to Sudan in 2020 and providing resources early in the year. The participants emphasized the importance of providing funding effectively, including through multi-year and flexible support modalities. Sudan also received assurances from the UN and NGOs to step up response to address the country’s urgent humanitarian needs.

For a link to the full 2020 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) document click here

Sudan: The Mutiny proves the Skeletons of Al-Bashir haunts the Republic

“The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end.” – Leon Trotsky

President Omar Al-Bashir might be behind bars and be charged for several offences. In the Sovereign Council, the Transitional Military Council (TMC) still have vital places in the technocratic government with militarised leadership in it. Its not like wholly elected entity of civilian government. There are still bits and pieces of the henchmen, which the National Congress Party (NCP) and the armed organizations it had.

The TMC and Sovereign Council have reorganized the National Intelligence and Security Security (NISS) to the General Intelligence Service (GIS). It was in this organization the mutiny came from this week. This was from an organization, which was loyal to the President and his mandate. That is why the Sovereign Council have also put a warrant on Salah Gosh. Now, the Lt Gen Abubakir Dambalab has resigned and there is a new chief in town.

However, this proves that even if you get rid of the head. Their systems and their trained personnel are still there. The GIS or former NISS, who has not only a reputation for torture, monitoring citizens and handle the public with vicious intent. The GIS might start doing the same for the Sovereign Council too. They were trained to do so.

The mutiny or the failed revolt shows something is wrong and vacuum not filled by the Sovereign Council. The technocrats and the military men in power knows this. They have not reformed in such a manner, where the skeletons and the ones whose possibly causing trouble might return. Even if the head of the old regime is gone. Many of his players are still around.

The Sovereign Council knows this, but they are careful. Doing so by small measures like in South Kordofan, but there are troubles in Darfur still. There are acts are shown. The mutiny is a signal, that the ones fallen by the revolution wants to return.

Though, the Sovereign Council is what the revolution fought for. It is a half-way trick. Hopefully ending up in a civilian government, but that is still a dream. As the Sovereign Council are taking all measures slowly.

That is why things like these erupt and unless, they act upon the former heads and the ones loyal to Al-Bashir. There will happen more like this. The system was rigged for him. Al-Bashir had the whole system pumping for him. Some of the ones in Sovereign Council lived for that too. Until the revolution happened they wouldn’t have accepted the fall of Al-Bashir.

Therefore, this is not yet the end. This is a sign of maybe more to come. Unless, the Sovereign Council acts upon their mandate and dully find their ways. It will not be easy, but they are some of the former henchmen of Al-Bashir.

Nevertheless, we still have to hope for change. But, I don’t expect the guns of the former to be totally silenced. Unless, they are squashed or arrested. Than, again the Council has to work against themselves too. That is if they believe to truly reform. If not they are just stalling for time, hoping the public forget the causes for the revolution in the first place. Peace.

UNHCR seeks international solidarity for refugees and hosts in Sudan (14.01.2020)

Sudan has a long history of hosting refugees and asylum seekers but also struggles with its own internal displacement.

GENEVA, Switzerland, January 14, 2020 –This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for increased support for Sudan with the launch of a new funding appeal that seeks US$477 million to help over 900,000 refugees in the country together with nearly a quarter million of their Sudanese hosts in the coming year.

The Sudan Refugee Response Plan, launched in Khartoum this morning, foresees humanitarian activities by UNHCR with over 30 other partners.

Sudan has a long history of hosting refugees and asylum seekers but also struggles with its own internal displacement, while facing a severe economic crisis. Our call comes at a time when the country is going through a historical political transition, and requires international solidarity to achieve peace and stability.

The largest group of refugees hosted in Sudan are South Sudanese with some 840,000 seeking shelter in the country since 2013. Resources are also needed for other refugees from nine countries who have sought safety from violence and persecution.

In the meantime, Sudan also continues to receive new refugees. In Darfur, an ongoing influx of CAR refugees into remote parts of South and Central Darfur States has seen the number of refugees swell from just over 5,000 to nearly 17,000 in three months since September 2019.

Refugees in Sudan live in over 130 locations across the country’s 18 States. About 70 per cent live outside of camps in villages, towns and settlements. The majority of refugees and asylum-seekers in Sudan face high levels of poverty, limited access to livelihood opportunities, and are hosted in some of the poorest regions of the country, where host communities are also struggling.

While refugees often benefit from generous support provided by host communities, the ongoing economic crisis in Sudan has exacerbated the situation as local resources remain scarce.

UNHCR is also part of inter-agency humanitarian efforts to assist some 1.9 million internally displaced people inside Sudan, leading on protection and working on displaced peoples’ rights, emergency shelter and relief distributions. Since last year, the transitional government has facilitated the delivery of aid to areas which were out of reach to humanitarians previously including in parts of South Kordofan and Blue Nile and Darfur’s Jebel Marra.

Years of conflict and unrest have also displaced more than 600,000 Sudanese as refugees in neighbouring countries – including over 300,000 refugees from Darfur in in eastern Chad. Since a Tripartite Agreement between the Government of Sudan, Chad and UNHCR signed in May 2017, nearly 4,000 Sudanese refugees have chosen to return home. More are expected to return this year.

In 2019, UNHCR operation in Sudan remained one of the most under resourced with only 32 per cent funds being available out of the needed US$269 million.

Joint Statement by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Mohamed Elshabik, and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Gwi-Yeop Son, on the Inter-communal Violence in West Darfur (08.01.2020)

The Humanitarian Aid Commission and humanitarian partners estimate that approximately 40,000 people have been displaced and are congregating in 32 different locations.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, January 8, 2020 – A joint Government and UN delegation just returned from a two day visit to El Geneina, West Darfur, 5-6 January, having assessed the situation to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly women, children and the people with disabilities.

The delegation included the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, together with the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and the Representatives of WFP and UNICEF, met with affected people, West Darfur State Governor (Wali), the West Darfur HAC Commissioner, the Deputy Sultan, and Arab leaders.

The delegation welcomed the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council for brokering the Masalit and the Arab tribes’ commitment to non-aggression to bring peace and stability. “The Government of Sudan is committed to peace and will leave no stone unturned to provide best possible relief, and make sure the suffering of the newly displaced communities are alleviated,” said Mr. Elshabik.

“We have to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, with the first priority on protection services, to the most vulnerable population, particularly children, women and persons with disabilities. The Government, the UN and partners are conducting a joint needs assessment in the affected locations and the Government is leading the provision of humanitarian assistance with the top-up support from the international humanitarian community,” said Ms. Son.

The Humanitarian Aid Commission and humanitarian partners estimate that approximately 40,000 people have been displaced and are congregating in 32 different locations in and around El Geneina town. These include some 32,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three IDP camps near El Geneina town. In addition, thousands of people have crossed the border into Chad, seeking refuge in villages near the border.

The humanitarian agencies and partners together with the Government are currently assisting people with food, water, and emergency household supplies. Health, nutrition and protection services are also being provided.