SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: BBC - Sudan on the brink amid scramble for democracy

20/10/2021: BBC  - Sudan on the brink amid scramble for democracy, by Magdi Abdelhadi

With the formation of a breakaway faction of the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) reflecting growing divisions between transitional partners, BBC Africa analyst Magdi Abdelhadi notes that the recent demonstrations were not solely pro-army, but also featured those accusing the original FFC excluding other groups from the transition.

Abdelhadi argues that a fundamental flaw of Sudan’s political class since independence in 1956 is: “the tendency to fragment and splinter…failure to compromise and build consensus paved the way for the military to step in, to mount coups under the pretext of rescuing the country from the chaos inflicted upon it by politicians”.

Regional expert Alex de Waal said that it is unrealistic to believe that Sudan would achieve national unity soon, suggesting that the best hope currently would be for Sudanese to agree to disagree through dialogue rather than violence.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Axios – Sudan military wants to take power without coup, civilian leader says

20/10/2021: Axios – Sudan military wants to take power without coup, civilian leader says, by Wasil Ali

Wasil Ali interviewed civilian Sovereign Council member Mohamed al-Faki, who alleged that the head of the ruling Sovereign Council and the army, Abdelfattah al-Burhan aims to “create a new civilian government that he can control,” rather than stage a coup. 

Al-Faki suggests that al-Burhan plans to install allies inside the civilian government under the guise of expanding political representation, and al-Burhan believes now is the time to strike because of the fatigue and apathy of the Sudanese people over the tough economic situation and political infighting.

Al-Faki also accused al-Burhan and the military of forestalling reforms of state institutions — including the civil service, judiciary and security sector — which he said were essential for dismantling the "old state" and transitioning to democracy.

The military has had several meetings about the candidates to serve as chief justice, a post vacant since May, but it has not made any decision, al-Faki revealed.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune - Govt, SRF to sign political agreement on peace in Sudan

20/10/19: Sudan Tribune - Govt, SRF to sign political agreement on peace in Sudan

 Sudan Tribune reports that Sudan’s transitional government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front have reached a political agreement paving the way for the launch of talks for peace in Darfur region, Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile

 According to the draft political agreement seen by Sudan Tribune, the parties will sign also an agreement renewing the cessation of hostilities for humanitarian purposes. Under the would-be agreement, the parties also agree to negotiate all issues related to the Sudanese crisis, including areas of armed conflict, national issues and a review of the construction of the Kajabar dam dispute.

 The government is holding separate talks with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North faction led by Abdelaziz Al Hilu.