SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: African Arguments – ”This Is Not a Coup”: Three Takeaways from Sudan’s Historic Protests

31/10/2021: African Arguments – ”This Is Not a Coup”: Three Takeaways from Sudan’s Historic Protests, by an anonymous author

An anonymous author identifies three takeaways from the 30 October Marches of the Millions against the military coup.

Firstly, that army chief Abdulfattah al-Burhan’s political proposal is not viable without repression, which is attributed of his lack of political constituency or ideology, and that civilians have not sided with the military, meaning that it will become clear to al-Burhan’s foreign partners that “another military leader is [preferable]”.

Secondly, the coup was not well-planned. The military did not announce specific deadlines or present a transitional leader, and “there is little evidence that al-Burhan is attempting to build a coalition to govern”. These miscalculations that suggest al-Burhan’s “days are numbered as a military leader”.

Finally, the coup reunited the civilian movement, with the author noting that, before the coup, deposed civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s popularity was “barren” among the Sudanese Professionals Association and Resistance Committees.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: CNN - Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok says he'll never step down 'willingly' in the wake of coup

31/10/2021: CNN - Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok says he'll never step down 'willingly' in the wake of coup, by Yasir Abdullah, Kara Fox and Mohammed Tawfeeq

CNN’s sources reveal the stance of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who remains under house arrest following the military coup.

Hamdok is now calling for an overhaul of the political process, leading to a re-structuring of the sovereign council, for him to have full authority and independence in forming a cabinet of politically independent technocrats of his own choosing and to broaden political participation for greater representation, the source said.

"Without this acknowledgment and without the commitment to return to how things were, Hamdok will not negotiate. He refuses to stand down willingly as Prime Minister," the source said.

The source also said that the military's stance is making negotiation difficult.

"What is obstructing talks currently is that the military leadership is unified in their current course of action and in their belief that this is not a coup but a 'correction of the revolution',” the source said.

SUDAN POLITICAL ALERT: UN Security Council Extends Mandate of African Union-United Nations Operation in Darfur for One Year

31/10/19: UN Security Council Extends Mandate of African Union-United Nations Operation in Darfur for One Year

 The UN Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously agreed to extended the mandate of the United Nations- African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) for one year, until 31 October 2020.

 The UNSC said that priorities of the extended mandate will include support for Sudan’s peace process.

 The UNSC called on the Sudanese government to use all handed-over UNAMID team sites exclusively for civilian purposes, and for the government and Darfuri rebel groups to “meaningfully participate and demonstrate progress in advancing the negotiations with the goal of creating a fair and comprehensive peace, enabling UNAMID to fully draw down.”

 In addition, the UNSC also requested another joint special report by 31 January 2020 assessing the situation on the ground, progress in the peace process, information on the status of team sites previously handed over to the Government.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources - EU delegation pledges €466 million in grants to Sudan

31/10/19: Multiple sources - EU delegation pledges €466 million in grants to Sudan

• Radio Dabanga

• Sudan Tribune

An EU delegation has pledged €466 million in support grants to Sudan’s democratic transition, following a meeting with Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and Foreign Minister Asmaa Abdallah

 The visiting delegation announced that the EU will provide an initial grants of €200 million, which will be followed by a further €141 million. In addition, a total of €125 million euros will flow in the form of humanitarian aid.

 Robert van den Dool, EU Ambassador to Khartoum, said that the purpose of the visits is to see how the EU can support Sudanese efforts to achieve peace, stability and economic recovery in the transitional period.

 Van del Dool called for a “clear” vision, deep understanding and regional and international coordination to help Sudan technically, financially and politically “at this delicate stage.”