JEM/Gibril – Page 2

Sudanese Professional Association: The Situation Regarding the Dialogue with the Transitional Military Council (22.04.2019)

On yesterday, the 21st of April, the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change (DFC) announced that they are stopping all forms of communication with the Transitional Military Council (TMC). This happened after the TMC called for a meeting to question the intention of the DFC forces to announce the names of its candidates for the civilian sovereign council and the transitional cabinet. The TMC conveyed that it received over a hundred proposals on how to formulate the the interim government and it will study all of them to proceed forward. The TMC clearly expressed that it does not recognize the DFC forces as the representative of the protestors in the sitdown strike (sit-in) and that it considers other forces – forces that include allies of the deposed regime – as legitimate partners in the transitional period. We in the SPA categorically reject this manipulation of the dialogue process and consider it a wicked play from the political committee assigned by the TMC to run the dialogue. This committee is comprised of members who are figures from the previous regime, and its head (Omer Zain Elabdin) was the head of the National Congress Party (NCP) within the army. Zain Elabdin is trying his best to bring back the deposed regime from the window after Sudanese people rejected it in the widest popular referendum. The committee also includes Jalal Eldin Elshiekh the deputy director of the infamous National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) and Eltayeb Babiker, the force behind the infamous public order framework.

Another trick attempted by the TMC political committee is the false framing of the DFC forces as being not ready and fragmented. However, the DFC forces have discussed the three tiers of government and submitted a full proposal of transition to the security council and discussed the proposed names. Many of the political forces in the DFC coalition announced that it will not participate in the interim government and will be committed to nominating a list of professional qualified names for the cabinet.

The main issue of conflict with the TMC is the nature of the sovereign council. While the TMC insists on a fully military council, the DFC forces propose a civilian council with military representation to act as the sovereign head of state in the country.

This statement is to convey the current situation of the current political process in Sudan. The dialougue process is being manipulated by the political committee of the TMC in an attempt to circumvent this revolution and preventing it from achieving its full objectives, but we assure the Sudanese people and the world that as we were victorious in our battle, we shall be glorious in our times of peace.

The foreign relations committee

The Sudanese Professionals Association

UNAMID condemns violent confrontations in Kalma Idp Camp in South Darfur (22.04.2019)

These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker.

ZALINGEI, Sudan, April 22, 2019 – The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) strongly condemns recent violent confrontations between two rival youth groups in Kalma Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Darfur state, which occurred on 13 April 2019. These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

In response to these violent confrontations, UNAMID immediately deployed its Police who created a buffer between the two rival groups thereby diffusing this situation and preventing further harm to civilians. UNAMID Police also provided First Aid assistance to the injured and increased its patrols in the area. The Mission will soon dispatch an Integrated Team to the area to further engage with traditional leaders in the IDP Camp and local authorities to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future.

The Mission reminds all protagonists involved that IDP camps are considered humanitarian space which should be free of weapons, where displaced people must not be subjected to threats, harassment, attacks or harm. Such actions could constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Any internally displaced person found carrying a weapon and using it, is no longer viewed as a civilian but is seen as a combatant and as such loses humanitarian protection provided to civilians.

The Mission calls upon all IDPs to respect humanitarian principles and not to engage in violent acts. “While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the Government of Sudan, UNAMID shall continue to collaborate with the relevant IDP leaders and Government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels. The Mission urges tribal and local community leaders to encourage their community members to solve their differences in a peaceful and cooperative manner,” said Jeremiah Mamabolo, UNAMID Joint Special Representative.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and is taking appropriate measures, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Sudan: The Joint Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change have suspended the negotiations with the Transitional Military Council!

As the sit-in demonstrations continues, as the riots and the protest around the Sudanese Republic continues. Even as the International Community is embracing the remains of the National Congress Party and leadership around former President Omar Al-Bashir. The Joint Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change isn’t having that. This is the Sudanese Professional Authority (SPA) and allies, who are all working to dismantling the Al-Bashir dictatorship, bit by bit. Not just the head, but rock the whole system.

This is the next step, as a part of a revolution. Where plenty in the proximity of Al-Bashir is behind bars, awaiting trials, while others are lingering and trying to salvage their positions in the new Republic.

Certainly, for a little while the SPA and allies have negotiated with the new governing body, the Transitional Military Council. Today, they went in a Press Conference clearing the air and saying they have suspended the talks. Surely, the progress have been to abysmal or not noteworthy to trust the keepers of the state. Since, they might or most likely works to keep status quo and not really deliver the civilian government the demonstrators are working for. As the TMC are taking slow mediocre baby-steps towards something and just doing what is needed. To show that they have some intent of change.

The SPA and allies are certain of what they want in this game, as they distrust the TMC and with reason. As this is military men who wants power and continue with the former military rule over the Republic. Not having elected officials representing the public and following orders from representatives of the public.

Surely, the progress is now stopping. The buck is also stopping with the TMC. The SPA and allies are showing quick resolve, when they are suspending talks with the TMC. As they are not seeing the vision or they willing to give way, other than just mere icing on the cake. The hard piece is to destroy to rebuild. That is what the SPA and allies wants, to ensure another type of governance and government.

Instead, they are at the boiling point seeing not enough. That is why the SPA and allies are initiating a civilian government on their own without the TMC. This will be established now and at the end have an election after 4 years. This will consist of 3 parts.

1^st National Supreme Council of State (a three person, rotating President)

2^nd National Council of Ministers (at least 16 members), this will consist of technocrats and nominated from the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change.

3^rd Interim National Parliament representing the current constituencies of Sudan. Lists and nominations by the regions, which have to be approved by the Supreme Council of State.

Surely, these names and individuals who was supposed to fill in the roles of three branches is not yet known. Still, the SPA and allies are carefully planning their next steps. As the TMC will postpone or ensure all changes takes time or maybe not happen at all. Since, they are all of the guard of Al-Bashir and seen his moves. Therefore, they might hope this demonstrations and these sit-in will eventually stop.

However, the works since Mid-December 2018 is still continuing. The SPA and allies seems ready, they are resilient and working towards their goal. The people in Post Al-Bashir should worry about their past and what hurt they have put on the people. Because, they are not having it. That is why they are persisting to work like this. Not accepting a half-way deal, but want the public to get what is justifiably theirs, not the military leaders or one dictator, but their own. Peace.

Communiqué on the visit of the Chairperson of the Commission to Sudan (21.04.2019)

Addis Abeba, 21 April 2019: As a follow-up to the communiqué on the situation in the Sudan adopted by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on 15 April 2019, the Chairperson of the Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, concluded, today, a 48 hours working visit to Khartoum.

During his visit, the Chairperson held extensive consultations with the Transitional Military Council, political parties and personalities, and civil society organizations, as well with members of the international community in Khartoum, including the African diplomatic corps, the United Nations, the European Union and bilateral partners.

The Chairperson took the opportunity of his visit to reiterate the African Union solidarity with the people of Sudan and support to their yearning for democracy, good governance and well-being. He stressed the need for all Sudanese stakeholders, in this particular juncture, to continue to show a high sense of responsibility and to place the interests of Sudan above any other consideration.

The Chairperson urged all concerned stakeholders to agree on earnest on a civilian-led and consensual transition that would pave the way for the holding of free, fair and transparent elections and mark a turning point in the democratic transformation of their country. He also stressed the need for sustained efforts to advance peace in Sudan, promote reconciliation among all its components, and ensure stability, as key to creating conditions conducive to the fulfillment of the aspirations of all the Sudanese people. He assured his interlocutors of the African Union commitment to supporting them in that endeavor in whatever way possible, building on its longstanding and multifaceted involvement in Sudan.

All the political, military and civil society stakeholders welcomed the the Chairperson’s visit, and looked forward to the continued accompaniment of the African Union. The Chairperson was impressed by the determination of the Sudanese stakeholders to successfully tackle the challenges at hand and reach a consensus on the way forward, so as to seize the unique opportunity availed by the changes that took place in the past days to open a new and hopeful chapter in their country’s troubled history.

The Chairperson will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation in Sudan and to avail support as may be required to the Sudanese stakeholders. He looks forward to a successful outcome of their ongoing consultations, as he prepares his report to the Peace and Security Council on the evolution of the situation in Sudan, to be submitted by the end of this month, as per the Council’s communiqué of 15 April 2019.

Ebba Kalondo
Spokesperson to the Chairperson
African Union Commission
Addis Abeba

Sudan: Joint Statement by the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change on the Formulation of Transitional Civil Government (18.04.2019)

The Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change have arrived at a final conceptual framework for the structural functions of the Transitional Civil Authority. The process was a product of an integrated vision developed in accordance with the Freedom and Change Declaration as endorsed by the popular masses and their active revolutionary forces.

A delegation from the Freedom and Change Declaration Forces has since informed the leadership of the Armed Forces of a summary of this envisaged framework as well as the intended steps to be taken in the following days to commence the handover to a transitional civil authority.

The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces’ governance vision was summarized at three levels of the Transitional Civil Authority, in accordance with the Interim Constitution, already drafted by the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, below is an overview of the prescribed structure:

First, a Presidential Council entrusted with carrying out the sovereign functions of the State.

Second, a small council of ministers composed of national competent cadres with the relevant professional experience, integrity and fast-steadiness. Those are tasked with the day to day executive roles as well as the implementation of an emergency governance program for the transitional period.

Third, a transitional civil statutory council to carry out the transitional legislative tasks, in which women represent no less than 40%. The council’s will assimilate within its structure the youth and women coalitions from the revolutionary forces. Due consideration of the ethnic, religious and cultural diverse makeup of Sudanese society will be taken into account to ensure fair representation.

These institutions are tasked with the implementation of the Freedom and Change Declaration as endorsed by the people.

The constituent figures of the transitional civilian authority structures will be announced in the next few days, following the completion of an extensive consultation process, which will ensure a fair and balanced representation of all the Sudanese revolutionary forces. The process will prioritize means of linking a civil transfer of power to the issue of ending conflict and the building of a comprehensive and sustainable peace through dialogue with the armed movements who are already represented within the Freedom and Change Declaration Forces. We call on those who have not signed the Declaration to join its ranks now in unification with the essence of the revolution in order to achieve a peaceful and comprehensive civil transition that addresses the issues of the country without fragmentation and in line with an ordered prioritization of issues.

Our country is at a pivotal juncture, one that requires a unified stance to combat the counterforces working effortlessly to abort the revolution through the spread of rumours and suspicious questioning of the components of the Declaration, despite it having emanated from the demands of the popular revolution and its evolvement with its changing requirements, yet to achieve its end goal.

Our people’s ongoing strikes and protests represent the guarantor for carrying out the revolution’s aims. We intend to hold on to them and organise within its ranks until the Transitional Civil Authority takes over the reins of governance in country. We trust that victory for our people is imminent and we reiterate that no force will preclude us from realising its goals.

Freedom, Peace and Justice…. Revolution is a people’s prerogative

Signatories to the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change
18 April 2019

The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) condemns violent confrontations in Kalma internally displaced person (IDP) camp in South Darfur (19.04.2019)

These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

ZALINGEI, Sudan, April 19, 2019 – The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) strongly condemns recent violent confrontations between two rival youth groups in Kalma Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Darfur state, which occurred on 13 April 2019. These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

Any internally displaced person found carrying a weapon and using it, is no longer viewed as a civilian but is seen as a combatant and as such loses humanitarian protection provided to civilians.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and is taking appropriate measures, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Political Changes in Sudan Could Affect Mandate of African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, Joint Special Representative Tells Security Council (18.04.2019)

Darfur has seen significant improvements in security, with some displaced people returning home but 1.6 million remaining displaced.

NEW YORK, United States of America, April 18, 2019 – Members Echo Sudan’s Representative in Describing Recent Events as Internal Matter Not Warranting External Discussion, Interference

The planned withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) by 30 June 2020 is on track, but the political situation in Sudan has changed drastically and could affect implementation of the mission’s mandate going forward, the Joint Special Representative of the African Union and the Secretary-General for the country’s western Darfur region told the Security Council today.

Speaking via videoconference from Khartoum, where the Military Transitional Council seized power on 11 April, he said the Operation is establishing contacts and working relationships with the new authorities. The international community can also start a dialogue with the new rulers to help create a conducive environment for UNAMID’s departure and for an international follow-up engagement in Darfur, he added.

“The current situation, much as it may not be desirable, provides a chance for the Sudanese to seize the opportunity to resolve all their conflicts, including the one in Darfur,” he continued. “The Council should urge the people of Sudan to have a holistic and all-inclusive approach that is representative of all Sudanese.” Noting that the changes at the federal level have had an obvious impact on Darfur, he cited acts of violence by internally displaced persons and other protesters targeting premises associated with the previous regime. In the midst of those developments, UNAMID has remained vigilant, maintaining a particularly robust posture in Jebel Marra, where clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW) faction have continued.

Briefing on the humanitarian situation, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator said the direct impact of recent political events on humanitarian operations has been limited so far and regular operations have continued, including a major campaign to vaccinate children against polio and measles. However, due to the economic crisis, the prices of food and medicines are rising, with the price of sorghum 70 per cent higher than it was a year ago and imports of medicine in 2018 down by one third from 2017, she said. An estimated 5.8 million people, including 1.9 million in Darfur, are presently food-insecure, she noted, predicting that, with the lean season due to start in May, that number will increase.

On the other hand, Darfur has seen significant improvements in security, with some displaced people returning home but 1.6 million remaining displacedDarfur has seen significant improvements in security, with some displaced people returning home but 1.6 million remaining displaced, she said. Humanitarian partners are appealing for $1.1 billion to help 4.4 million of the most vulnerable people, including 2.4 million in Darfur. Noting the presence of nearly 150,000 refugees from South Sudan, she stressed that the situation in Sudan has implications for the broader region. Meanwhile, humanitarian access has improved significantly in recent years, she said, adding: “At this critical time, it is essential to ensure that the people of Darfur and the rest of Sudan receive the support they need.”

Germany’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Council President for April declared: “We cannot simply delink the political developments in Khartoum from our joint work on UNAMID.” Speaking in his national capacity, he underlined the need for a collaborative relationship among the national decision-making authorities, the international community and the United Nations. “If we want to develop a way forward for the planning post-UNAMID, it is essential that we have an in-depth conversation with Sudan,” he emphasized, while pointing out the absence of a counterpart on the Sudanese side with whom to engage in dialogue.

The United Kingdom’s representative reiterated the African Union’s call for a swift return to civilian rule in Sudan, urging the Military Transitional Council to heed the voices of the people, protect protestors and uphold human rights. The representative of the United States said the upcoming strategic review of UNAMID should take into account the impact of recent events on Darfur, including the Government’s ability to protect and provide for the region’s people. If the Government cannot do that, he added, the United States is in favour of the Council considering all options.

South Africa’s representative said the people of Sudan must seize the opportunity to address their differences in an inclusive manner because Darfur’s development is linked to that of the country and the wider region. A credible and transparent transition process will help to unify the nation, he said, urging the Council to rally behind the people’s ambitions and to be guided by regional approaches through the African Union, notably the bloc’s communiqué of 15 April.

Kuwait’s representative was among speakers who emphasized that events unfolding in Sudan constitute a domestic matter in which outside entities must not interfere. China’s delegate stressed the importance of respecting the decisions made by the people of Sudan and of adhering to the principle of non-interference, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The Russian Federation’s representative underlined the absence of grounds for linking the events of 11 April with UNAMID’s future.

Sudan’s representative emphasized the domestic nature of events in his country since December, saying that, in keeping with the United Nations Charter, there is no justification for the Council to discuss it. The exceptional situation calls for the greatest caution in order that all stakeholders can complete a smooth transition and democratic change, he added. He went on to reiterate his country’s commitment to respect all its agreements, including those with the United Nations regarding UNAMID’s deployment and humanitarian access.

Also speaking were representatives of the Dominican Republic, France, Peru, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Poland, Indonesia and Equatorial Guinea.