Sudan: Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) – Press Statement (16.10.2022)

On the evening of Sunday, October 16, 2022, a meeting that lasted for three hours was held for the Central Council of the Forces of Freedom and Change, which discussed the developments of the political current and came out with a unified vision representing all the forces of freedom and change it will be presented in detail to the Sudanese people and their friends in the regional and international environment through a press conference tomorrow, Monday, and the Forces of Freedom and Change affirm their declared position as follows:

Continuing the valiant resistance work in which all the masses of our people are involved in the face of the October 25 coup and engaging with all the forces of the revolution in preparing for the millions of October 21 and 25, which will come to confirm its adherence

Our people aim for democratic civil rule and to complete the march of the glorious December revolution

The Alliance of Forces for Freedom and Change stressed that its mechanisms for defeating the coup are the peaceful mass resistance action with all its tools parades, strikes, and disobedience, regional and international solidarity, and the political solution that leads to achieving the goals of the revolution, and that comes as a result of the accumulation of political and public action through its various tools.

The Central Council approved the Freedom and Change paper on the foundations and principles of a political solution, which it will present to the people of Sudan as part of the transparency approach adopted by the coalition and in order to develop a detailed position with all the forces of the revolution and the transition, and with the participation of real stakeholders.

The Council discussed what Mr. Wajdi Saleh, member of the Executive Office and the Central Council of the Forces of Freedom and Change, and Lieutenant-Colonel (M) Abdullah Suleiman, are subjected to. Of systematic targeting and violation of their legal, constitutional and human rights because of their positions and their work in the committee to dismantle the regime of June 30, 1989 and recover public funds, and the Central Council stressed that the nature of the detention is purely political and it is encapsulated by legal procedures on the basis of the Criminal Code of 1991 Criminal, and the Central Council called the masses of the people Al-Sudani to participate in the procession next Tuesday organized by Sudan’s lawyers and emergency lawyers against the violations against all political detainees from the forces of the revolution.

Finally, the Central Council valued the great sacrifices of the Sudanese people in resisting the coup and the forces of apostasy and order He declared that our people will be victorious and that the dawn of salvation is near.

The Central Council – Forces of Freedom and Change

October 16, 2022

Sudan: Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) -Press Statement about (political process) – (12.10.2022)

The Executive Office of the Forces for Freedom and Change held a meeting on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 AD, in which it discussed the political developments in the country and listened to a report from the Communication and Foreign Relations Committee on the political process and its developments.

In this context, the Executive Office for Freedom and Change would like to clarify to the masses of the Sudanese people, local and international public opinion, the press and the media, as follows:

First: Following the success of the Steering Committee of the Sudanese Bar Association in gathering a wide range of political actors around the draft transitional constitution, which gained internal and external momentum, and the Forces of Freedom and Change were one of the actors in its development, positioning the project as an acceptable basis for ending the coup and establishing a real civil authority that implements the tasks and issues of the democratic transition.

Second: The coalition received, through informal contacts with the military component, evidence of accepting the draft transitional constitution as a basis for a political solution, with some limited comments on it. Accordingly, he formed a committee to receive these observations and pass them on to the coalition bodies to decide and study them.

Third: The Committee conveyed the notes to the meeting of the Executive Office, which decided to draft a paper that constitutes its position on the issues of ending the coup and establishing full democratic civil authority. Subject to consultation with the forces of the revolution and the forces that agree on the draft transitional constitution, to form an agreed basis among the broadest base of stakeholders in the civil democratic transformation.

Fourth: The Forces of Freedom and Change confirm that the news circulated about the existence of any agreement that has been reached is incorrect, and that it will not proceed with any political solution without a broad consensus that includes the forces of revolution and democratic transition.

Fifth: The Forces of Freedom and Change reaffirm their firm position that the acceptable political solution of the alliance is the one that leads to the complete closure of the coup, the establishment of a complete civil authority, and the disassociation of the military institution from political action and leading to a single professional and national army in accordance with comprehensive reforms with specific timings and procedures. It addresses issues of justice in a fair and comprehensive manner, dismantles the structure of the June 30, 1989 system, and leads to free and fair elections at the end of the transitional period that will enable the Sudanese people to express their free will and choose their representatives in a fair and transparent manner.

Finally: Freedom and Change urges the forces that resist the coup and adhere to the democratic transition and restore it to consolidate their ranks to complete the process of achieving the legitimate aspirations of our people for freedom, peace and justice in a democratic civil state.

We believe in our people’s ability to eventually win and realize their legitimate dreams and aspirations.

Executive Office – Forces of Freedom and Change

October 12, 2022 AD

Sudan: OCHA – Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on relocation of IDPs in White Nile State (12.10.2022)

Sudan: Hamdok won’t change the spots of the leopard…

Al-Jarida newspaper reported that there are expectations to form a government of national competencies next week, headed by Dr. Abdallah Hamdok and Al-Tijani Al-Sisi as his deputy” (Abdallah Hussain, 07.10.2022).

If there is one thing we have learned over the years is that a leopard never changes it’s spots. The Transitional Sovereign Council is still in power with the same military commanders in power. Only changes are a few militia leaders who has also become associated with it. The Transitional Period and Agreements in coordination between the civilians and military was squashed on the 25th October 2021. So, the last time Hamdok was in-office and was the second coup d’etat of the Transitional Military Council, which took over after Al-Bashir.

We know that Al-Burhan and Hemeti has looked for legitimacy. They have sought out to be trusted and get recognition. Nevertheless, their violent, oppressive and obstruction of progress. Haven’t really helped their cause. A return nearly a year after the last coup d’etat will not help the current Sovereign Council either.

It isn’t like the Resistance Committees with their RCPP and CEPA will join along Hamdok now. Neither does it look like Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) is that interested either. There is little to no reasons for the civilians and the outcast parties to be involved. The army commanders and their role is subjectively to keep power and have a technocratic puppet to be the face of the government.

If Hamdok is foolish enough to return and accept a new agreement. That means he has not understood or accepted his real fate. He will not be respected, his role is wasted and his only a mere useless puppet for the army. This will not benefit the transition or the situation as is. The only thing it will does is to give leeway to the oppressors and the ones who will not acknowledge the will of the people and the end if junta government in Khartoum.

That Hamdok joins now will validate the 2019 and the 2021 coups. He is initially accepting it and partaking in it. Since he accept their leverage and takes up a role. The former Prime Minister isn’t a technocrat from the civilian organizations anymore. His coming as a civilian and a familiar face. The warlords are already part of the council and it’s not like Hamdok is getting lots of possible power. They wouldn’t have done a second coup and ousted him. To later give way to him. That doesn’t make sense. Especially not a year later…

We cannot expect the Resistance Committees, the Sudanese Professional Association or Forces for Freedom and Change being part of it now. The Transitional Sovereign Council is a military outfit now masked as a government. They have former rebels and warlords in its midsts. However, they haven’t incorporated civilians or the organizations of the Sudanese revolution.

This is where Hamdok is not reading the room. Maybe he wants the prestige and the office this time around. Nevertheless, his not coming with a mission or as a voice of reason. No, his just a pawn for Al-Burhan and Hemeti. This is not even funny, but instead very tragic.

If Hamdok thinks a leopard changes it’s spots, his a giant fool and toyed around with. There has been no changes or meaningful differences from the moment he was ousted. It isn’t like the Sovereign Council has offered or delivered anything of value either. That’s why Hamdok is a fool trusting the leopard and not expecting to violated yet again. Peace.

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: Forces of Freedom and Change – Sudan’s Re-Election to the Human Rights Council must be rejected (06.10.2022)

The next elections for membership of the Human Rights Council are scheduled to take place in the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 11 October to decide which member states will sit on the Council for the next 3 year (2023-2025) membership term.

Sudan is standing for re-election despite a military junta taking over power in a coup on 25 October 2021.

Sudan was first elected to the Human Rights Council in October 2019 after the glorious December Revolution and the formation of the civilian-led government led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. However, Sudan was suspended from the African Union after its current unconstitutional regime abrogated the Constitutional Document of August 2019 and toppled the civilian-led government on 25 October 2021, thereby halting the democratic transition and reversing the progress that had been achieved. Despite suspending Sudan and condemning the military coup, the African Union has failed to withdraw its endorsement for Sudan’s re-election and Sudan is still included on the African Group’s “closed slate” of candidates for the African region, which means that there are the same number of candidates as there are seats. Hence Sudan will not face any competition from other African candidates for re-election.

The criteria for Council membership are set out in UNGA Resolution 60/251, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 3 April 2006. Article 8 of this Resolution states that “when electing members of the Council, Member States shall take into account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and protection of human rights and their voluntary pledges and commitments made thereto”. Article 9 of this Resolution states that “members elected to the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and fully cooperate with the Council”.

Far from promoting and protecting human rights, Sudan’s current unconstitutional regime has continuously and systematically violated the human rights of its citizens since 25 October 2021. For example, it has committed serious human rights violations against peaceful protestors, routinely using live ammunition. Around 120 peaceful protesters have been killed and thousands more injured. Insecurity, killings, human rights violations and hate speech have increased in Darfur, the Two Areas and eastern Sudan without any effective response from the de facto authorities. Human rights defenders and journalists have been harassed and women protestors have been raped. There have also been arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detentions and enforced disappearances as well as extended internet shutdowns.

There is still no agreement on a clear plan for Sudan to transit out of the current chaotic situation and return to civilian democratic rule, with a government that commands broad popular support. On the contrary, the military junta has been facilitating the return of political Islamists from the terrorist regime of Omer al Bashir. The junta’s representatives in the Council have refused to condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, the economic and social rights of Sudanese citizens have suffered severely as a result of the accelerating economic crisis since the coup, resulting in a sharp decline in living standards and rapidly increasing food insecurity.

We would therefore call on all UN member states to refrain from voting for Sudan by leaving the ballot blank and only voting for candidates who meet the criteria outlined in the Human Rights Council’s founding resolution 60/521. If Sudan fails to get a simple majority of votes (97) in the secret ballot election, its candidacy will be rejected, Given the regime’s track record of grave human rights violations, Sudan’s re-election for another three years, in current circumstances, would undermine the integrity and credibility of the Human Rights Council, would be a travesty of human rights values and would be a betrayal of the aspirations of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace and justice.

External Relations and Communications Committee – Forces of Freedom and Change

6 October 2022

Sudan: The Republic of Sudan’s position on the Abyei Area Final Status (26.09.2022)

South Sudan: UNISFA Condemns renewed attacks in Abyei (26.09.2022)

Somalia: Famine looms in Somalia, but many ‘hunger hotspots’ are in deep trouble (21.09.2022)

The number of people facing life-threatening levels of hunger worldwide without immediate humanitarian aid, is expected to rise steeply in coming weeks, the UN said on Wednesday, in a new alert about looming famine in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 21, 2022 – In Somalia, “hundreds of thousands are already facing starvation today with staggering levels of malnutrition expected among children under five,” warned the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).“Large-scale deaths from hunger” are increasingly likely in the east African nation, the UN agencies continued, noting that unless “adequate” help arrives, analysts expect that by December, “as many as four children or two adults per 10,000 people, will die every day”.

Complex roots

In addition to the emergency already unfolding in Somalia, the UN agencies flagged 18 more deeply concerning “hunger hotspots”, whose problems have been created by conflict, drought, economic uncertainty, the COVID pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Humanitarians are particularly worried for Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, where a record 970,000 people “are expected to face catastrophic hunger and are starving or projected to starve or at risk of deterioration to catastrophic conditions, if no action is taken”, the UN agencies said.

This is 10 times more than six years ago, when only two countries had populations as badly food insecure, FAO and WFP noted, in a new report.

Urgent humanitarian action is needed and at scale in all of these at-risk countries “to save lives and livelihoods” and prevent famine, the UN agencies insisted.

Harsh winter harvest

According to FAO and WFP, acute food insecurity around the world will worsen from October to January.

In addition to Somalia, they highlighted that the problem was also dire in the wider Horn of Africa, where the longest drought in over 40 years is forecast to continue, pushing people “to the brink of starvation”.

Successive failed rains have destroyed people’s crops and killed their livestock “on which their survival depends”, said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, who warned that “people in the poorest countries” were most at risk from acute food security that was “rising fast and spreading across the world”.

FAO’s QU calls for massive aid scale-up

Vulnerable communities “have yet to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are suffering from the ripple effects of ongoing conflicts, in terms of prices, food and fertilizer supplies, as well as the climate emergency,” the FAO chief continued.

He insisted that “without a massively scaled-up humanitarian response” to sustain agriculture, “the situation will likely worsen in many countries in the coming months”.

Echoing that message, WFP Executive Director David Beasley appealed for immediate action to prevent people dying.

We urgently need to get help to those in grave danger of starvation in Somalia and the world’s other hunger hotspots,” he said.

Perfect storm of problems

This is the third time in 10 years that Somalia has been threatened with a devastating famine,” Mr. Beasley continued.

The famine in 2011 was caused by two consecutive failed rainy seasons as well as conflict. Today we’re staring at a perfect storm: a likely fifth consecutive failed rainy season that will see drought lasting well into 2023.”

In addition to soaring food prices, those most at risk from acute food insecurity also have “severely limited opportunities” to earn a living because of the pandemic, the WFP chief explained, as relief teams brace for famine in the Somali districts of Baidoa and Burhakaba in Bay region, come October.

Below the “highest alert” countries – identified as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen – the joint FAO-WFP report notes that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, the Sahel, the Sudan and Syria are “of very high concern”, in addition to newcomers the Central African Republic and Pakistan.

Guatemala, Honduras and Malawi have also been added to the list of hunger hotspot countries, joining Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Barriers to aid

Humanitarian assistance is crucial to save lives and prevent starvation, death and the total collapse of livelihoods, FAO and WFP insist, while highlighting chronic access problems caused by “insecurity, administrative and bureaucratic impediments, movement restrictions and physical barriers” in 11 of the 19 hotspot countries.

This includes “all six of the countries where populations are facing or are projected to face starvation…or are at risk of deterioration towards catastrophic conditions”, they said.

Sudan: Sudanese Congress Party – Statement (17.09.2022)

Our party remained true to its democratic traditions even in the darkest hours of the tyranny years. His choice was clear that the gateway to partisan health was to open the doors and windows of renewal and openness so that he would not be affected by the diseases of calcification and closure.

During the past decades of life Sudanese Conference, the presented a unique experience in Sudanese political life when he made his way without relying on a cross-border sect or ideological creed or external support, but rather he continued to dig deep into the soil of this country to plant roots that tyranny projects did not succeed in uprooting.

We are now looking forward to the sixth conference of our party after it rose from the bases.. In the past months, the party held grassroots conferences in 121 localities, 17 states, and 13 professional factional conferences, in addition to its branches abroad that exceeded twenty and held a conference in which it elected its collective leadership, these days, the rest of the conferences are completed, leading to the General Conference in January, which will elect the party’s leadership and review its programs and structures.

In our party, we are waging the battle of institutional building and development on one front, fighting against totalitarianism, and opening the path to democratic transformation on another front, both of which feed each other, so the conference slogan is “Institutional Driving Change”.

The issue of building and developing institutions as a prerequisite for the consolidation of democracy has never been lost from our eyes, and we are happy to see the expansion of this culture in the civil milieu of unions and grass-roots civil bodies and others. The guarantee of civil democratic transformation is building solid democratic civil institutions Its roles are integrated and extended to expand this medium and increase its scope.

I am proud that I am part of this system that was built with the minds and effort of thousands of daughters and sons of this country, to put an imprint in the path of its construction and development that cannot be lost by the eye.