♦ Sudan: This week’s news in brief ♦

A compact digest of the past week's most-read highlights, from the heart of Sudan. Subscribe to receive this digest weekly in your inbox.

'Economic conditions to worsen in Sudan'

January 28 – 2022 KHARTOUM Dr Hasan Bashir, Professor of Economics at El Nilein University in Khartoum, told Radio Dabanga that he expects the economic conditions in the country to deteriorate if the current political impasse is not overcome and political stability is not achieved in Sudan. The economist  also said that the government’s 2022 budget will not withstand the practical reality that Sudan finds itself in today and that he expects a significant rise in inflation and foreign exchange rates.

In an interview with Radio Dabanga, Bashir explained that the 2022 budget does not constitute a normal ‘general national budget’ because the customary procedures were not followed, and the budget was prepared in the absence of the Council of Ministers. The economist further explained that the budgeted revenue estimates are unrealistic, in part because the budget relies on local resources and on raising tax revenue to a much higher level. Tax revenues declined significantly at the end of last year and are not likely to increase any time soon.

Demo deaths prompt outrage in Sudan and abroad

January 26 – 2022 WAD MADANI / ATBARA Renewed protest marches took place in various locations in Sudan on Tuesday after three protesters were killed and 30-40 injured when security forces opened fire during the March of Millions on Monday. The international also condemned the continued violence against demonstrators.

Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira, witnessed complete paralysis due to civil disobedience. The resistance committees closed all the city’s roads after the funeral of Gasim Mohamed, who died of a gunshot wound on January 24. Thousands of people attended the funeral and called for retribution and held Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, Commander of the Sudan Armed Forces and leader of the October 25 military coup, responsible for killing the demonstrators.

Norwegian Special Envoy: ‘Grave concern over situation in Sudan'
February 1 – 2022 KHARTOUM Norway’s Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Dr Endre Stiansen, has expressed grave concern regarding the situation in Sudan and discussed how to meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Stiansen visited Sudan and Darfur from 21 to 24 January and held a range of meetings.

‘Massive detention campaign’ by Sudan junta
February 1 – 2022 KHARTOUM The Sudanese coup authorities have continued with a detention campaign against activists, members of resistance committees, lawyers, and human rights defenders. Activists monitored more than 65 detentions in Khartoum in the past few days, most of them without any legal procedures.

Demonstrator shot dead as mass marches persist across Sudan
January 31 – 2022 KHARTOUM Mass demonstrations erupted in Khartoum and about 20 other cities and towns across Sudan in response to the call of the resistance committees for the January 30 March of Millions, rejecting the coup and demanding full civilian rule. One protester was killed in Khartoum.

Committee investigating ‘January 17 massacre’ in Sudan calls for more witnesses
January 31 – 2022 KHARTOUM The fact-finding committee in Sudan that will investigate the violence used against protesters during the March of Millions on January 17 says that it has sent weapons issued to troops on that day for forensic examination and calls upon witnesses to step forward with evidence.

South Kordofan insecurity continues
January 28 – 2022 ABU JUBEIHA / DALAMI / KOLOGI The Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO) published information on more recent killings in South Kordofan's Nuba Mountains region, whilst Nuba residents fear that the area will become a ‘second Darfur’. No actions have been taken by police.

UN urged to intervene on behalf of abducted women's rights activist
January 28 – 2022 LONDON / KHARTOUM UK justice organisation REDRESS has appealed to United Nations experts to urgently intervene on behalf of abducted Sudanese women’s rights activist Amira Osman, whose whereabouts remain unknown since she was allegedly taken by Sudanese security forces during a raid on her home last Saturday.

Sudan farmers warn of winter crop failure
January 27 – 2022 EL GEZIRA The alliance of farmers in El Gezira and El Managil forewarned authorities of the winter harvest failure, owing to the unjustified increase in agricultural fees, neglect of cleaning canals, lack of production inputs, and the potential failure to fertilise the crops in time.

Herdsmen rape three Darfur girls of 6 to 9
January 27 – 2022 BINDISI / TAWILA Three girls aged between 6 and 9 were raped by four armed herdsmen a kilometre north of Bindisi in Central Darfur on Tuesday. The incident has been reported to the police. Other robberies and incidents took place in the area.

Sudan grassroots forces prioritise social justice in political proposal
January 26 – 2022 WAD MADANI / KHARTOUM On January 15, the resistance committees in Wad Madani, capital of El Gezira, published a joint position paper about their demands of a democratic Sudan. Journalist and political analyst Hussein Saad read the document and presented and explained its contents to Radio Dabanga.

US official: ‘Excessive violence against demos will not pass without consequences’
January 26 – 2022 KHARTOUM US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee expressed her strong dissatisfaction with the continued use of excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators by the Sudanese military.