SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Reuters - Sudan's army launches legal action against 'insulting' activists

18/7/2020: Reuters - Sudan's army launches legal action against 'insulting' activists

 Reuters report that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has started legal action against activists and journalists who have “insulted” the military.

 In a statement, SAF said legal action would be taken against activists, journalists and others both inside and outside Sudan. SAF added that it “took this step after systematic insults and accusations crossed the bounds of patience. They are part of a plan targeting [Sudan’s] army and security system.”

 Reuters note that Sudanese activists accused SAF of blocking investigations into the June 3 2019 Khartoum Massacre, with “witnesses saying that a powerful paramilitary force played a leading role in the raid.”

 SAF denies that it is obstructing the investigation, saying wrongdoers will be punished. It said its action was not an attempt to “restrict freedoms” and was in accordance with recently passed laws.  

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources – Thousands converge Sudan ‘Freedom Square’ for martyrs rally

18/7/19: Multiple sources – Thousands converge Sudan ‘Freedom Square’ for martyrs rally

 

Sudanese demonstrators on Thursday rolled out a banner honouring fallen protesters over a square where ousted president Omar Al Bashir held a large rally in his final months in power, a symbolic move that left some in tears.

 Protesters said they were renaming the square from the Green Square, to Freedom Square.

The demonstration caps “Justice first week”, a series of rallies organised by the Sudanese Professionals Asoocaition to demand retribution for those killed at protests.

“Blood for blood! We won’t accept blood money!” protesters chanted.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Bloomberg – Devils On Horseback Leader Holds Fate of Sudan In His Hands

18/7/19: Bloomberg – Devils On Horseback Leader Holds Fate of Sudan In His Hands, by Mohammed Alamin and Okech Francis

 Bloomberg’s feature piece suggests that Himedti’s alleged role in the June 3 massacre complicates his presidency ambitions, as he is likely to face resistance from within the military council and the elites who have traditionally led Sudan.

 Salah Aldoma, a professor of international relations at Omdurman Islamic University, said: “Himedti is looking for some guarantees so he can make a safe exit,” as “his use was only as a military assistant to oust Bashir.” Activist Asiel Alamin also raised the possibility of Himedti’s removal by the rest of Sudan’s military council.

 However, International Crisis Group analyst Alan Boswell said “any action against him at the moment risks civil war.” Author Harry Verhoeven, said any move to check Himedti’s power risks splitting the council, and “it’s a dangerous proposition…very few actors… have a realistic vision of political order beyond the next couple of weeks.”