SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources – France to press to drop Sudan from US blacklist, pledges support for ‘new Sudan’

16/9/19: Multiple sources – France to press to drop Sudan from US blacklist, pledges support for ‘new Sudan’

• AFP

• Reuters

 France’s foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced 60 million euros) in aid for Sudan’s transitional authorities during a visit to Khartoum, while offering to help Sudan rebuild relations with international lenders and tackle its foreign debt.

 Le Drian also promised that France will use its influence on the US to press for Sudan’s removal from the US blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism, and to support efforts to reintegrate Sudan into the international community.

 “The commitments made, the way the army has understood its role during this period - all that points in the direction of Sudan’s exit from this list,” Le Drian said.

 “We would also like to accompany Sudan in its path to full reintegration in the concert of nations, and in the rapid conclusion of a peace agreement with all rebel movements,” Le Drian added.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Project Syndicate – Will Sudan Break Through to Democracy

16/9/19: Project Syndicate – Will Sudan Break Through to Democracy, by Ishac Diwan

 Paris-based academic Ishac Diwan analysed the challenges facing Sudan’s democratic transition, highlighting the government’s need to secure peace, reform the security sector and revive the economy.

 With the government needing to negotiate regional peace agreements within the next six months, Diwan states that the additional political, institutional, and financial commitments that each agreement will produce must be prepared for.

 Diwan then calls for the government to establish an inclusive and professional national army, reduce the intelligence services power, rein in the RSF, integrate the rebel forces, and work toward eventual military budget cuts.

 For the government to revive the economy, Diwan suggests that GCC funding will be urgently needed, as well as structural reforms to improve public services and strengthen the private sector, with the government needing to shift public spending away from military elites.  Diwan concludes that improved security and reduced political uncertainty will encourage economic activity.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune - Sudan’s ruling FFC say committed to strong female representation parliament

16/9/19: Sudan Tribune - Sudan’s ruling FFC say committed to strong female representation parliament

 Sudan Tribune reports that the Forces for Freedom and Change have reaffirmed their commitment to secure 40% of parliament seats for women, considering it as "an absolute and irreversible necessity."

 In statements to the Sudan Tribune, Munzir Abu al-Maali, a FFC leading member,described women’s representation in the government as "unconvincing,” but pointed out the possibility of addressing the issue by granting the two remaining ministries of livestock and infrastructure to women from the Blue Nile State and eastern Sudan states.

 Tahani Abbas, an activist of the No to Women’s Oppression Initiative, said that women demand 50% representation in parliament, stressing that Sudanese women are eager for their participation at all levels in the Sovereign Council, government and legislative power, especially as the legislative councils are closely linked to the population in the regions and rural areas.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources - Hamdok sacks head of Sudanese broadcasting corporation

16/9/19: Multiple sources - Hamdok sacks head of Sudanese broadcasting corporation

• Sudan Tribune

• Radio Dabanga

 Ismail Eisawi was removed from his post as Director of the Sudanese Radio and Television Corporation by Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdouk yesterday following criticism by the Democratic Alliance of Lawyers (DAL).

 Eisawi was appointed to the post by military council leader Abdel Fattah Al Burhan. On September 13, the DAL filed a complaint aganst the Radio and Television Corporation after two films were broadcast in June portraying demonstrators as murderers and agitators.

 Hamdok assigned Ibrahim El Buz'I, a radio producer with 41 years of experience, to replace the Director of the corporation temporarily. Hamdok has previously expressed concern over the corporation

 There is a need to reform some media laws and restructure the state media according to Minister of Information and Culture, Feisal Mohamed Salih. Speaking at a workshop for Media in the Transition Period, Salih announced that an advisory council for a national plan will be set up.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune - Sudan interim constitution will only be amended after peace signed with all rebels

16/9/19: Sudan Tribune - Sudan interim constitution will only be amended after peace signed with all rebels

 The Constitutional Declaration will not be amended to include representatives of the armed groups in the transitional government before reaching a comprehensive peace agreement, leading figure Forces for Freedom and Change figure Munzir Abu al-Maali said.

Al-Maali told Sudan Tribune that reopening the constitutional document is tied to achieving peace with all armed movements, rather than some.

 In separate statements, Yasir al-Atta, member of the Sovereign Council, hinted at the possibility of increasing members of the sovereign council and government to include representatives of the armed movements, or creating a new post in the transitional government for a deputy prime minister if it is necessary.

 Al-Atta said “we will negotiate with FFC to reach required consensus on all issues.”