SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune - Sudanese army forms three panels to prepare security sector reforms

18/3/2023: Sudan Tribune - Sudanese army forms three panels to prepare security sector reforms

Sudan Tribune report that the Sudanese army formed three committees to prepare for a workshop on security and military reform and security arrangements. The integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is one of the issues tackled by the committees.

Yassir Al-Atta, a Sudanese army general, said “armies care about the people and not the personal interests and aspirations of their leaders,” Al-Atta stressed alluding to RSF commander Himedti.

Two weeks earlier, Al-Atta openly criticised the business and commercial activities of the RSF leader Himedti who controls gold mines and several companies in several fields.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Radio Dabanga - Economist: ‘Support small businesses while combatting coronavirus’

18/3/2020: Radio Dabanga - Economist: ‘Support small businesses while combatting coronavirus’

 Radio Dabanga reports that the head of the economics department of the International University of Sudan, Dr Majda Mustafa, has called on the transitional government to mitigate the effects of coronavirus measures on small and medium businesses.

 Dr Mustafa called for the government to increase spending that stimulates buying, selling and production, so that the poor and middle classes will continue to be able to purchase their daily basic needs.

 Dr Mustafa also called for the government to direct banks to provide soft finance to small- and medium-sized businesses that need liquidity, and postpone any instalments due.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: European Council on Foreign Relations – Off track: Why Sudan’s transition is in danger

18/3/2020: European Council on Foreign Relations – Off track: Why Sudan’s transition is in danger, by Jean-Baptiste Gallopin

 To restore Sudan’s democratic prospects, Jean-Baptiste Gallopin calls on Prime Minister Hamdok and the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) to begin vigorous institutional reforms that bring together the cabinet, the FFC, civil society and armed groups, and address the grievances of Sudan’s regions.

 Gallopin attributes the stalled progress on the institutional agenda of Sudan’s transition to the FFC’s internal divides, and the Sovereign Council - that “largely abides by the wishes of generals inherited from the Bashir era” - exploiting Sudan’s peace process to side-line the civilian-led cabinet.

 Gallopin warns that military rule may be reasserted if Hamdok “continues to largely confine himself to the role of an economic administrator,” and if the FFC fail to organise beyond their “narrow” social base in Sudan’s central Arab regions, and appoint governors and parliamentarians who “genuinely reflect Sudan’s diversity.”