♦ Sudan: This week’s news in brief ♦
A compact digest of this week’s most-read highlights, from the heart of Sudan.
A compact digest of this week's most-read highlights, from the heart of Sudan. Subscribe to receive this digest weekly in your inbox.
The Sudanese authorities arrested Sudan’s former Vice-President Hasabo Mohamed Abdelrahman, who also served as the political secretary of the National Congress Party (NCP).
On the same day, walis (governors) of River Nile state, North Darfur, and North Kordofan announced that the relevant authorities will take all necessary legal measures against active groups associated with the dissolved NCP.
‘Ethiopian aggression an unacceptable and regretful escalation’
February 15 – 2021 KHARTOUM The Sudanese government has strongly condemned “the aggression committed by Ethiopia on Sudanese territory” and the “direct violation of its sovereignty and the safety of the Sudanese lands”. A statement by the Foreign Ministry Khartoum said: “The aggression on Sudanese territory is an unacceptable and regretful escalation”.
Relations between Sudan and Ethiopia are tense as attacks by Ethiopian militiamen in eastern Sudan remain commonplace and negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam continue to face difficulties.
In January, the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority set up a no-fly zone over El Fashaga border area in El Gedaref, after an Ethiopian military warplane entered Sudanese airspace. In Khartoum, political leaders called for the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador because of his “provocative statements”.
Sudan signs MoU with ICC on Ali Kushayb trial
February 16 – 2021 KHARTOUM / THE HAGUE The Sudanese government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Criminal Court, in relation to the trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abdelrahman (also known as Ali Kushayb).
Fear of cholera outbreak in West Darfur
February 15 – 2021 KHARTOUM / EL GENEINA At a press conference in Khartoum, Ismail El Taj, a leading member of the Sudanese Professionals Association, warned of cholera and measles outbreaks in El Geneina’s shelters for newly displaced people.
UN Security Council requests review of situation in Darfur
February 14 – 2021 NEW YORK The group of 15 experts has requested the government to “submit requests for the committee’s consideration, and where appropriate, prior approval for the movement of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region.”
Seven states declare State of Emergency
February 14 – 2021 SENNAR / DARFUR / KORDOFAN Sennar state, South, West, North, and East Darfur, and North and West Kordofan declared a State of Emergency on Thursday following a number of demonstrations that took place in several parts of Sudan.
Transitional Partners Council reviews 'political vision'
February 12 – 2021 KHARTOUM The Transitional Partners Council has called for expediting the process of appointing new Walis (governors) to the country’s 18 states and forming the Legislative Council following a meeting at the Republican Palace.
New Sudanese govt sworn in
February 11 – 2021 KHARTOUM The members of the new transitional government, announced last week, took the constitutional oath at the Republican Palace in front of President of the Sovereignty Council Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan and Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.
Lawyers: ‘Govt fails to collect weapons in Darfur’
February 10 – 2021 KHARTOUM Saleh Mahmoud, head of the Darfur Bar Association, spoke of the proliferation of weapons among armed groups, tribes and individuals in Darfur. He emphasized the threat these weapons pose for public security and safety.
Peaceful bread protest in Port Sudan
February 10 – 2021 PORT SUDAN / NORTH KORDOFAN / KASSALA Thousands of high school students in Port Sudan, Red Sea state, took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration denouncing poor living conditions and shortages of bread.
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