SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga - Appointment of new governors triggers protests in Sudan

24/7/2020: Radio Dabanga - Appointment of new governors triggers protests in Sudan

Summary 1

Radio Dabanga report that “the long-awaited” appointment of civilian governors in Sudan has witnessed protests against some selected state rulers, particularly in Kassala, al-Obeid (North Kordofan) and El Daein (East Darfur).

 In the latter two localities, protests were against the appointment of governors not nominated by the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC).

 Meanwhile, feminist groups in Khartoum protested the underrepresentation of women.

 The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) also denounced women’s underrepresentation, as well as the “distribution of governors posts based on (partisan) quotas [which] reward individuals and political parties,” warning that the government risks losing legitimacy this way.

Summary 2

Radio Dabanga reports that the appointment of civilian governors in Sudan has triggered protests across the country, particularly in Kassala, where locals demonstrated against the new governor.

 Sayed Tirik, native administration leader of the Hadendawa tribe in eastern Sudan, severely condemned the appointment of the new governor. He warned they will increase the protests “until Khartoum reverses its decision”.

In a press conference in Omdurman, a National Umma Party leader Siddig El Sadig, accused the government of violating agreed principles by appointing governors with a military background for fragile states such as Kassala, as well as El Gedaref and East and West Darfur. He warned that this may lead to armed conflicts in both regions.