Authorities shut down Sudanese Writers Union

The Sudanese Ministry of Culture revoked the license of the Sudanese Writers Union, in a step described as part of the authorities' confrontation with cultural centres in the country.

Osman Shenger, Secretary-General of the Union (SWU), described the decision of the ministry to suspend their activities as “an extension of a series of security attacks on the cultural centers attempting to ban and silence [critical] voices”.

He pointed out in a press statement that the security apparatus recently closed a number of centres, including El Khatim Adlan Centre, the Sudanese Studies Centre, and Ali El Zein cultural Centre. The Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Centre was closed last week.

Shenger told Sudan Tribune yesterday that the executive committee will meet to discuss the ministry's decision, and decide on whether to appeal it, or ignore it altogether and continue with their usual activities.