SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga - Sudan peace talks with SPLM-N El Hilu suspended

22/8/2020: Radio Dabanga - Sudan peace talks with SPLM-N El Hilu suspended

 Radio Dabanga report that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North faction under the leadership of Abdelaziz El Hilu (SPLM-N El Hilu) suspended its participation in the Juba peace negotiations with the Sudanese government.

 SPLM-N El Hilu said it is protesting the government delegation’s chairmanship by Himedti, the Deputy President of the Sovereign Council, and Commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

 The group alleged that the recent involvement of RSF forces in violence in South Kordofan, along with “heinous violations” committed against unarmed civilians in various parts of Sudan, have led them to withdraw. Himedti “lacks neutrality and is not qualified to lead the negotiation delegation”, the SPLM-N El Hilu said in an official complaint on August 18.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Economist - Compromise in Khartoum: A power sharing deal in Sudan paves the way for civilian rule

22/8/19: Economist - Compromise in Khartoum: A power sharing deal in Sudan paves the way for civilian rule

 The Economist examine worries about Sudan’s democratic transition – citing the military’s continued power and Sudan’s divided opposition.

 The Economist state that the military will control the defence and interior ministries, “which have large budgets and were responsible for past abuses.”

 In addition, the generals - who allegedly bought off opponents - worry that reform will lead to accountability.

 The Economist cite Himedti’s leadership of the Rapid Support Forces that “led [the June 3 massacre]” to argue that his appointment to the sovereign council is “particularly worrying.”

 On Sudanese rebels’ rejection of the power-sharing agreement, the International Crisis Group said: “given the junta’s desire to divide and rule, the civilian opposition cannot afford to be seen as excluding the rebels from the transition.”

 The Economist note that some opposition factions rejected the agreement due to the failure to hold the military accountable for past violence.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: New York Times – A Season Of Hope, by Jamal Mahjoub

22/8/19: New York Times – A Season Of Hope, by Jamal Mahjoub

 Sudanese author Jamal Mahjoub calls for Sudanese to understand what it means to have an opportunity to restore and rebuild the country, amid the power-sharing agreement that is “only the first step on a precarious route.”

 Arguing that Sudan’s future lies with the young – Mahjoub calls for Sudan’s old guard to step aside and allow Sudan to achieve its full potential.

 Mahjoub concludes that failure to reform the system of governance and economy would crush the hopes of Sudanese youth, warning that this outcome would put Sudan “on the road of no return, heading toward possible disintegration, economic and political instability, regional conflict and the untold suffering of millions.”