SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources – April 6 deadline for signing of political agreement in Sudan to be missed due to military differences

5/4/2023: Multiple sources – April 6 deadline for signing of political agreement in Sudan to be missed due to military differences

• Sudan Tribune

• Reuters, by Khalid Abdelaziz

The signing of a final political agreement for a civilian-led transition to elections scheduled for 6 April 2023 was delayed for the second time due to disputes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Alongside disagreements over the timeline for which the RSF would be integrated into SAF, Reuters reported that the interim leadership of the military is also an issue. The RSF suggested that the incoming civilian head of state under the deal be included in a joint council of army and RSF generals.

However, Sudan Tribune’s military and civilian sources confirmed that SAF rejects this proposal “because it would mean maintaining the RSF relatively separate from the army” and believes that its commander-in-chief in chief should head the military council.  

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: AP - Sudanese go hungry as prices spiral upward in wake of coup

5/4/2022: AP - Sudanese go hungry as prices spiral upward in wake of coup, by Samy Magdy

AP report on dramatic price increases for bread, fuel, electricity, medicine, health care and public transportation in Sudan, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs saying over $1.9 billion is needed in 2022 to protect 14.3 million people in Sudan.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation said 5.6 million people are affected by agricultural dryness alongside the 9.8 million people who are food insecure due to the economic crisis, with violence in Darfur and Kordofan damaging farms and leaving many jobless.

Economic researcher Sabna Imam said Sudan was expecting $700 million in the 2022 budget in foreign loans and aid to ease the burden of austerity measures, including the currency flotation and slashing of subsidies for bread and fuel, but the military-led government increased taxes and other fees by 145%, which “adds to people’s sufferings” after the suspension of aid following the coup.

SUDAN BROADCAST ALERT: CNN - Inside the crackdown on protests in Sudan

5/4/19: CNN – Inside the crackdown on protests in Sudan, by Nima Elbagir

 Nima Elbagir calls into question whether the US should continue to further its bilateral relations with Sudan, after going uncovering the atrocities committed by the Bashir regime on protestors. Elbagir’s report reveals that the Sudanese government’s security apparatus (NISS) is using live ammunition and tear gas on protestors, and features testimonies of torture and sexual abuse from various prisoners held in NISS ghost-houses. Elbagir also touches on the US government’s condition that its bilateral Sudanese relations hinge on Sudan improving its human rights record.