South Sudan: National Initiative for Supporting the Ultimate Solution of Abyei Status – Launching Press Statement (07.11.2022)

African Union (AU): Communiqué of the 1108th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 29 September 2022, on the Considering the Political and Security Situation in the Abyei Region (29.09.2022)

Sudan-Ethiopia Tensions: Abiy’s unbelievable message…

“The two peoples of Sudan and Ethiopia are brothers. Undoubtedly, there are many problems between Sudan and Ethiopia. We must intensify and cooperate in confronting and solving these dilemmas. There are many who want us to slip into each other’s fight. But these parties – whether they are governments or others – will not reap any benefit from fuelling strife between our two peoples, for us, our choice is peace between our two peoples, and our two brotherly countries. Our choice is for mutual trust to prevail between us. There should not be confrontations between us, because of external pressures” (…) “We have to control our selves; And to be restrained. This is for the sake of our common interests and the principles of good neighborliness. There should be no enmities between us, We have all respect for the brotherly Sudanese people. We believe that Sudan and Ethiopia are capable of solving all the problems and difficulties they face in the spirit of lasting brotherhood and good neighborliness” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali message to Sudan (29.06.2022).

This trick could have worked after he signed the secret agreement and pact with Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki. Now in 2022 the wiggle room or believing in the words of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has worn thin. These sorts of quotes and statements seems like a smokescreen and not the real deal. Not anymore because of the “red terror” and acts of the past year.

That PM Abiy acts of talks and dialogue between neighbours could have seen as sincere. However, after the skirmishes last year. At that time he didn’t really commit and give it any real time. He just gave the Sudanese PM a few hours before he went on to another project. The PM didn’t seem interested to talk or negotiate. It seemed like it bothered and he was disinterested in the Sudanese dignitary and hold proper talks with him.

That’s why we know he don’t want any interference from IGAD or the AU. We know Abiy want a solo-mission and only goodwill. Even if his army started it and they did execute 7 Sudanese soldiers after kidnapping them. This is why the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) retaliated and went on to attack certain parts of the El-Fashaqa region. Where the to nations has staked their claim over the territories. As the Amhara settles was evicted and banished from a settlement as well.

So, when Abiy speaks of brotherhood it seems insincere now. The same is the talks of dialogue. I should wish it was true. The PM has however been very reluctant and not engaged in these things. It doesn’t help that he says “external pressures” and that they are are “capable of solving all problems”. When his army and his allies is confronting, use violence and targeting land on Sudanese territory.

Yes, it would have been nice to see Demeke Mekonnen, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemeti and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a neutral space and with a trustworthy third party negotiators. Nevertheless, we know that is not on the cards and neither anyone who is inviting it. That’s why we shouldn’t expect an Ethiopian or a Sudanese delegation to a conference or meeting to hash out their differences.

That the AU calls for “restraint” is a natural response, as the tensions has escalated. This is all natural how the things has transpired. Abiy isn’t an honest actor and I cannot believe his words now. The Office of the Prime Minister and himself needs to do more.

This time around he needs to talk for hours and possibly days. Since, the latest executions and escalations is just furthering the actions of skirmishes of last year. Therefore, this time it’s a time for a sit-down and address the border point. Also, stop the movement of troops across it. That’s how the battles and deaths are appearing. Both parties needs to talk. This has been an escalation after the Tripartite alliance went into the Tigray Region in November 2020. Where they have gone into Sudan too.

That’s why the PM Abiy has to do more than dropping a flattering statement with words he doesn’t believing in. This isn’t enough. Peace.

Sudan-Ethiopia Tensions: Sudan army retake Fashaqa Al-Kubra in El Fashaga region

“Sudan’s military retakes complete control of Fashaqa Al-Kubra, after driving Ethiopia’s army from Brekht settlement during two-day fighting. Sudanese warplanes have taken part in the offensive. Dozens of ENDF military vehicles have been destroyed – local media” (Somali Guardian, 28.06.2022).

This two day battle in the heavily contested Al-Fashqa (El-Fashaga) region comes after the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) executed 7 Sudanese soldiers. Both nations has fought over the territory for some time.

In the Brekht or Bereket settlement Amhara settlers has been now forcefully evicted by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). That is 50km inside the Sudanese territory. So, things are changing and the Sudanese authorities are retaliating towards the Ethiopian neighbours.

These latest news aren’t only worrying. However, we knew the executions of the 7 Sudanese soldiers after kidnapping them would create tensions. Now we are seeing the Sudanese react with violence and defending their territories.

We could worry about the refugees and the ones who has fled from Ethiopia into Sudan after the start of the “Law Enforcement Operation” in Tigray region. Since the start of the warfare in the region. There been skirmishes of the tripartite alliance within the Al-Fashqa region inside Sudan. The SAF has posted and strengthened their border post because of it.

Now, they have taken it further and is proving a point. Well, that’s not shocking when the Ethiopian army is straight up executing their soldiers after kidnapping them. It is like asking for it. We just have to hope the SAF doesn’t clash even further or push onto Ethiopian soil.

There is a need for talks, but we know how condescending Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali was towards former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. So, time will tell if he acts differently towards the President and the Deputy of the Sovereign Council. However, I wouldn’t count on it. Abiy isn’t that kind and would only drop a “brotherly” statement if he feels his losing or lacking results for his cause.

Time will tell how this goes… but this is not looking good and the parties needs to resolve the differences. Before it escalates into a full-blown war. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Statement (27.06.2022)

Sudan-Ethiopia Tensions: SAF confirms that the ENDF executed 7 soldiers (POW)

This is a worrying escalation of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) when they are executing Prisoners of War (POW) or soldiers of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). That is happening after the skirmishes happening in the Al-Fashqa region and in the Malakawa area. It has happened as an escalation in the internal conflict of Northern Ethiopia. As the ENDF and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” has entered Sudanese territory. Because, the Ethiopian government wants to further it’s territory into it.

Now the ENDF has taken it further and shown their acts. They have executed and killed foreign soldiers in their domain. That says a lot about how the regime in Addis Ababa operates. This should not only be a warning, but possibly block all sort of dialogue or relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa.

Khartoum now see what sort of neighbours they have at the moments. The Prime Minister Abiy speaks of brotherhood, but he has no issues of killing. That has been evident ever since he started his reign in Oromia and Ogaden region with mass-arrests and extra judicial-killings. Therefore, the continuation of that was furthered in the “Operation Law Enforcement” in the Tigray region. Which with the movement of troops ended up in a contest region within Sudan. The SAF has stopped the entering and the skirmishes. Still, it has been active since the start of the war in Tigray.

Just read the statement published by the Times of Sudan today!

“Sudan | Armed Forces: The Ethiopian army executed 7 soldiers and a captive citizen

The armed forces issued a statement today about the Ethiopian army’s execution of seven Sudanese soldiers and a citizen who were captives of it.

Statement text:

In the name of Allah the Most Merciful Most Gracious

Sunday 26 June 2022

Statement

God Almighty says: (Among the believers are men who are true to their covenant with God. Some of them have fulfilled their vows, and among them are those who wait, and they have not changed in the least).

In an act that contravenes all laws and customs of war and international humanitarian law, the Ethiopian army executed seven Sudanese soldiers and a citizen who were their captives, and then presented them to their fellow citizens with all contempt.

The Sudanese Armed Forces, as they extend their deepest condolences to the families of the honorable martyrs, affirm categorically to the honorable Sudanese people that this treacherous situation will not pass without a response, and it will respond to this cowardly behavior in what suits it because Sudanese blood is precious, (And those who have wronged are going to know to what [kind of] return they will be returned).

Heaven and eternity for our righteous martyrs, God is great and glory is to Sudan.

The Office of the Official Spokesperson for the Armed Forces.” (Times of Sudan, 27.06.2022).

This is worrying and the Prosperity Party cannot talk about peace. When they in “peace-time” with Sudan is killing their soldiers and executes them. That just a signal of how the Ethiopian authorities acts towards supposed enemies and how it operates. This is more than a warning shot, but should put the region on red-alert. Especially, the border forces in the Al-Fashqua region of Sudan.

Since, the ENDF is able to do this now. We have seen and heard months ago about the skirmishes in Sudan. Now, they are doing this. It is not looking good… and should send cold chills down your spine. Peace.

South Sudan: Abyei Special Administrative Area – Press Release (18.03.2022)

Ethiopia-Sudan Tensions: New skirmishes at the border on Saturday

“Sudan’s military sent fresh military reinforcements to the border with Ethiopia, a day after Ethiopian troops launched cross-border attack, killing more than 20 Sudanese soldiers. Sudan’s army says it will confront Ethiopia’s attempt to thwart the “harvest season” at Fashaqa” (Somali Guardian, 28.11.2021).

Yet, again there is reports of Ethiopian army or affiliates crossing the border from the Western Tigray region at the Al-Fashaga region inside Sudan. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) where attacked yesterday and it’s happening yet again. This isn’t the first time, but there been skirmishes like this in the previous year in the same area.

“Sudanese military repels a new cross-border attack by Ethiopian troops backed by Amhara militia near Malakawa area, 17km deep into Sudan border – Sudanese media reports.

Fighting lasted for several hrs. At least one Sudanese soldier reportedly killed, others wounded”

That’s why its hard to believe that the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) says this today to the press.

The Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Army, Berhanu Gula, “Ethiopia does not want war with Sudan,” and we’ll solve border encroachments on Ethiopian territory through law and dialogue. What is happening now is an attempt by Sudan to invent a war between the two countries.” (28.11.2021).

There been further reports of an additional 33 wounded in the clash as well. Therefore, this has been bloody and devastating. What do know from reports of late, is that the Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) have had battalions in the Western Tigray. Where they have also committed massacres in Humera area in November 2021. Therefore, these are soldiers and militia members who are willing to kill…

These has both in the past year crossed into this region and attacked on Sudanese soil. So, this isn’t the first nor the last time they will do this. As the tensions and the border dispute continues. This is far from over… and that shows the first clashes and skirmishes in the region by the parties happened in late December 2020 and we are in late November 2021. Therefore, this has been a prolonged conflict by the parties. While they have been unwilling to settle it. We know the Ethiopian government haven’t been willing and only had small-talks with the Sudanese government officials. 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.