Sudan: 30 June lifts spirits

Submitted by AWL on 3 July, 2019 - 1:02 Author: Simon Nelson
sudan protests

Thousands of people marched through Khartoum on 30 June.

While the police and the militias responded with attempt at repression, they were not able to quell the protests. Activists count 30 June as a major success. The symbolism of marching on the anniversary of the Bashir coup was also important for the demonstrators.

This “million man march” also saw demonstrations across the country in Rabak, Halfa, Jabra, Arkaweet-Albalabel, Atbara, Nuri, Alshajara, Alsahafa, Aliskan, El-Obied, Kauda, Kasala, Alruseiris, Dongola, Wad madani, Burri, Kareema, Souq alarabi, Khartoum, Umdurman-wad nubawi and Port Sudan.

There had been falling back of the demonstrations following the repression on 3 June, when the former Janjaweed militias committed serious atrocities.

30 June has lifted the spirits of the democracy protesters. The opposition umbrella group, the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), believes it can force the Transitional Military Council (TMC) back into negotiations.

The appointment of a mediator from Ethiopia has encouraged the FFC.

The FFC have called for another “million man march” on 13 July followed by a general strike the next day.

The main obstacle for the Sudanese people is the military, and the power they could hold in any transitional arrangement.

While the TMC have said they may engage in further lengthy negotiations, the FFC position is that it requires one meeting.

The meeting should confirm that power is handed to civilian control through a provisional council with a civilian majority and some military representation. The way the FFC sees it, the block on the military taking back control or going round the council would be the strength of the movement behind the demand for civilian rule.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE continue to back the TMC and protestors have said there must be international pressure in order for the TMC to feel threatened enough that it could consider handing over power.

The protests are growing, but there are significant dangers ahead.

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