Sudan coup leader Awad Ibn Auf steps down [Update Post #9]

[MenInG]

The young woman in a photo that has come to symbolise the protest movement in Sudan has been identified as Alaa Salah, a 22-year-old architecture student in Khartoum.

Salah told the Guardian she was happy that the image, taken on Monday evening at a demonstration in the Sudanese capital, had been viewed so widely.

“I’m very glad that my photo let people around the world know about the revolution in Sudan … Since the beginning of the uprising I have been going out every day and participating in the demonstrations because my parents raised me to love our home,” Salah said.

The current wave of protests against the 30-year rule of Omar al-Bashir started in December but intensified at the weekend when huge crowds gathered at a crossroads in front of a heavily guarded military complex in the centre of Khartoum.

Salah said she does not come from a political background, and took to the streets to fight for a better Sudan. “Our country is above any political parties and any sectarian divisions,” she said.

“The day they took the photo, I went to 10 different gatherings and read a revolutionary poem. It makes people very enthusiastic. In the beginning I found a group of about six women and I started singing, and they started singing with me, then the gathering became really big.

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“I have practiced presenting at the university; I don’t have an issue with speaking in front of people and at big gatherings.”

A line in the poem she read - “The bullet doesn’t kill. What kills is the silence of people” – is popular with protesters, and was chanted by demonstrators in January 2018 and during unrest in September 2013.

Salah’s mother is a fashion designer working with the traditional Sudanese toub – the dress she was wearing in the photographs – and her father owns a construction company.

The garment has become a symbol of the female protesters, and Salah said she had narrowly escaped arrest when she wore the toub at an earlier demonstration.

“The toub has a kind of power and it reminds us of the Kandakas,” Salah said.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-...man-talks-about-protest-photo-that-went-viral

Kandakas were queens of the Nubian kingdom of Kush, which ruled much of what is now modern-day Sudan more than 3,000 years ago.

Some commentators have raised concerns that the reference represents only one of Sudan’s many ethnic and tribal communities and that while the history of the Nubians is particularly popular with the Sudanese diaspora it excludes many of the country’s communities.

Salah said she now has to rest her voice as her throat has become sore from all the chanting this week.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I've been receiving death threats after my picture & video went viral. I will not bow down. My voice can not be suppressed. Will hold Al-Bashir responsible if anything happens to me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeWillPrevail?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JusticeWillPrevail</a></p>— Alaa Salah (@iAlaaSalah) <a href="https://twitter.com/iAlaaSalah/status/1116070542833061888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Sudan's president Omar al Bashir has reportedly stepped down following an uprising and consultations are under way to establish a transitional military council.

The minister of production and economic resources in North Darfur Adel Mahjoub Hussein told Dubai-based Al Hadath TV: "There are consultations to form a military council to take over power after President Bashir stepped down".

Reports suggested the country's autocratic leader, who is a pariah in many countries and is also wanted by the international war crimes tribunal for atrocities in Darfur, was under house arrest with several aides at the presidential palace.

It comes after Sudan's state TV said on Thursday that the military would make an "important" announcement as thousands of protesters, including women carrying their children, were seen marching toward the military headquarters in the capital Khartoum.

It follows months of anti-government protests in anger over a struggling economy - with growing calls for president Bashir to end his 30-year rule.

Sudanese radio played military marches as a television newsreader announced there would be an "important statement from the armed forces after a while, wait for it".

The announcement heightened speculation that the country's autocratic leader may be preparing to stand down after 30 years in power, or that a military coup attempt to remove him might be under way.

https://news.sky.com/story/sudans-president-omar-al-bashir-steps-down-after-uprising-11690316

 

[pakistan cricket fan]

Sudan army topples veteran leader Omar al-Bashir amid widespread protest

KHARTOUM (AFP) - Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the army on Thursday, brought down by months of anti-government protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule.

"I announce as minister of defence the toppling of the regime and detaining its chief in a secure place," Defence Minister Awad Ibnouf said in a sombre televised address to the nation.

A transitional military council would replace Bashir for two years, he said, adding that the country s borders and airspace would be shut until further notice.

The veteran leader, who swept to power in a 1989 coup, was one of Africa s longest serving presidents. He is wanted on charges of genocide and war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Since early morning huge crowds of jubilant Sudanese had begun thronging squares across the centre of Khartoum on Thursday as the army promised an "important announcement".

Chanting "the regime has fallen," thousands poured into the open ground outside army headquarters where defiant protesters have braved tear gas to keep up an unprecedented sit-in now in its sixth day.

The protests, which erupted in December over the government s tripling of the price of bread, were the biggest challenge yet to Bashir s long rule.

The security agency also announced it was freeing all political prisoners.

Army vehicles carrying troops were seen deploying across the centre of Khartoum from early Thursday.

Troops raided the offices of the Islamic Movement, the ideological wing of Bashir s ruling National Congress Party, witnesses told AFP. And martial music was played on state television as soldiers ordered the TV to halt its normal programming.

Outside army headquarters, dozens of joyful protesters climbed on top of landcruisers and armoured vehicles that had been posted to protect them from intervention by other branches of the security forces.

Braving the searing 42 degree Celsius (108 degree Fahrenheit) heat, protesters hugged and kissed soldiers in the crowd.


https://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/W...veteran-leader-Bashir-amid-widespread-protest

 

[MenInG]

Large crowds have remained on the streets of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, ignoring a curfew declared by the country's new military council.

Long-time President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown and arrested on Thursday after months of street protests.

But demonstrators say the military council is part of the same regime.

The fresh stand-off has raised fears of a violent confrontation between protesters and the army.

There is also a real danger that different elements of the security forces and militia could turn their guns on each other, BBC World Service Africa editor Will Ross says.

The UN and the African Union have both issued calls for calm.

Sudan is due to reopen its airspace on Friday, following a 24-hour suspension, but land and maritime borders will remain closed, the military council has said.

A mood of celebration that followed news of 75-year-old Mr Bashir's arrest quickly evaporated when organisers of the demonstrations called for a mass sit-in outside military headquarters to continue.

"This is a continuation of the same regime," said Sara Abdeljalil of the Sudanese Professionals Association(SPA). "So what we need to do is to continue the fight and the peaceful resistance."

Later, an official statement carried by state-run media said a curfew would run from 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT) to 04:00.

"Citizens are advised to stick to it for their safety," it said, adding: "The armed forces and the security council will carry out its duty to uphold peace and security and protect citizens' livelihoods."

Crowds on the streets of Khartoum waved flags and chanted "Fall, again!" - refashioning their previous anti-Bashir slogan of "Fall, that's all!".

Mr Bashir is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's western Darfur region.

It is not clear what will happen to him now that he is in custody.

How did the coup unfold?
Early on Thursday, military vehicles entered the large compound in Khartoum housing the defence ministry, the army headquarters and Mr Bashir's personal residence.

State TV and radio interrupted programming and Defence Minister Awad Ibn Ouf announced "the toppling of the regime". He said Mr Bashir was being held "in a secure place" but did not give details.

Mr Ibn Ouf said the country had been suffering from "poor management, corruption, and an absence of justice" and he apologised "for the killing and violence that took place".

He said the army would oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections.

Are military takeovers on the rise in Africa?
The minister also said a three-month state of emergency was being put in place, with the constitution suspended.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47903332

 

[MenInG]

Sudan's military coup leaders have warned protesters still on the streets that there will be "zero tolerance" for disturbances.

A spokesman insisted the army did not seek power and Sudan's future would be decided by the protesters - but said the army would maintain public order.

Protesters are still out in Khartoum, fearing the coup leaders are too close to ousted ruler Omar al-Bashir.

The military says it will not extradite Mr Bashir on war crimes charges.

Mr Bashir is the subject of two international arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He is accused of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Darfur region between 2003 and 2008, allegations he denies.

However, he may be put on trial inside Sudan, according to the military council set up after the coup.

How Sudan's strongmen stayed in power
Mr Bashir, one of the world's longest-serving leaders until he was ousted on Thursday, is now in custody.

His downfall followed months of unrest that began in December over rising prices. At least 38 people have died in the protests.

What are the military offering the protesters?
The army has said it will oversee a transitional period followed by elections. As part of this, it is imposing a three-month state of emergency, with the constitution suspended.

The military council will be in place for a maximum of two years, it says, but could last only a month if the transition to civilian rule is managed smoothly.

Are military takeovers on the rise in Africa?
Lt-Gen Omar Zain al-Abidin, who heads the military council's political committee, said on Friday: "The solutions will be devised by those in protest.

"You, the people, will provide the solutions for all economic and political issues. We have come with no ideology, we have come here to maintain order and security to provide the opportunity for the people of Sudan to achieve the change they aspire to.

"We have no ambition to hold the reins of power. We are here to provide an all-inclusive umbrella.

"Our key responsibility is to maintain public order," he added. "We will have zero tolerance for any misdeed in any corner of the country."

Later on Friday state media said the military had asked political parties to name representatives for a meeting with coup leaders at a later date.

Why are protesters so wary?
Thousands remained camped out near military headquarters in the capital on Friday, ignoring a curfew declared by the military.

They are demanding a transition to civilian rule before they return home.

The new military council is headed by Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf, who was previously regarded as being well placed to succeed Mr Bashir.

During the Darfur conflict, he was head of military intelligence. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2007 in relation to his alleged support for militia blamed for atrocities in Darfur.

On Thursday Sara Abdeljalil, a member of the Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) which has spearheaded the protests, called the new military council a "continuation of the same regime".

"So what we need to do is to continue the fight and the peaceful resistance," she said.

Reacting to the military's statement on Friday, Khartoum resident Tagreed Abdin told the BBC: "We don't know who's behind the military council.

"We are used to hearing government double-speak but we need to see if they're really interested in dialogue and listening to the voices of the people."

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47908785

 

[Saeed]

Good to see. These useless dictators are holding everything down.

 

[Pete Rose]

Good to see. These useless dictators are holding everything down.

It’s a change of face. Army still calls the shots. That’s why the protests are still continuing

 

[MenInG]

The head of Sudan's military council has stood down a day after leading a coup that toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir amid a wave of protests.

Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf announced his decision on state TV, naming as his successor Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan.

The army has said it will stay in power for two years, followed by elections.

But protest leaders say they will not leave the streets until the military hands over to a civilian government.

Mr Bashir's downfall followed months of unrest that began in December over rising prices.

Mr Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict in the 2000s. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.

The new man in charge is also a top military figure, but the Associated Press news agency reports that his record is cleaner than other Sudanese generals. He is also said to have met with protesters to hear their views.

Mr Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the Darfur conflict.

However, the military council has said it will not extradite Mr Bashir, who denies the charges, although he may be put on trial in Sudan.

How did the latest drama unfold?
Despite Mr Bashir's removal on Thursday, demonstrators had refused to disperse, camping out outside army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, in defiance of a curfew.

In its first response, the military council came out and denied it was seeking power, telling the protesters that they would decide the country's future, while the army maintained public order.

A few hours later, Mr Ibn Auf announced he was resigning and would be replaced by Lt-Gen Burhan.

Country profile
"In order to ensure the cohesion of the security system, and the armed forces in particular, from cracks and strife, and relying on God, let us begin this path of change," he said.

Protesters celebrated his abrupt departure but the Sudan Professionals Association, which has been spearheading the demonstrations, later announced that the sit-in would continue.

"We call on the armed forces to ensure the immediate transfer of power to a transitional civilian government," they said on Facebook.

They further called for the abolition of "arbitrary decisions by leaders that do not represent the people" and the detention of "all symbols of the former regime who were involved in crimes against the people".

"Until these demands are fully met, we must continue with our sit-in at the General Command of the Armed Forces," the SPA said.

Meanwhile, police said at least 16 people had been killed by stray bullets at the protests on Thursday and Friday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47913338

 

[MenInG]

The number of people killed in Sudan has risen to 60, an opposition doctors' group says, as paramilitary forces push deeper into Khartoum.

The revised death toll came after two days of unrest which began when forces of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) fired on unarmed protesters.

Members of a feared paramilitary group have reportedly been roaming the streets attacking civilians since.

The military has faced international condemnation for the deadly crackdown.

However, an attempt by the UK and Germany at the UN to call on the Sudanese military to work towards finding a solution was blocked by China, who were backed by Russia.

What is happening in Sudan?
Demonstrators had been occupying the square in front of the military headquarters since 6 April, five days before President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown after 30 years in power.

Their representatives had been negotiating a deal with the TMC, and had agreed a three-year transition, culminating in elections.

But on Monday, forces moved in to forcibly move the protesters from the square.

Many Khartoum residents blamed the Rapid Support Forces for the crackdown. The paramilitary unit - formerly known as the Janjaweed - gained notoriety in the Darfur conflict in western Sudan, which began in 2003.

The TMC then announced polls would be held within nine months. The demonstrators had argued that a longer period was needed in order to guarantee fair elections and dismantle the political network associated with the former government.

Sudan's military has faced international condemnation for its attack, but there were signs it could have happened. The country has been driven backwards by a military elite intent on holding on to power.

The TMC has scrapped agreements reached with the opposition Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), saying this will speed up the transition to democratic elections. That plan is likely a fiction.

The military also enjoys another advantage: in an age of international division, the notion of an "international community" pressuring the regime is fantasy. Sudan's crisis has exposed the reality of international politics: that force can have its way, without consequence, if the killers and torturers represent a valuable asset to other powers.

It is impossible to say whether the FFC can come back as a street-driven force. What will not change, in fact what has been deepened, is the alienation of people from their rulers.

Read more from Fergal

The protesters had called for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr, marked on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, to be celebrated in the streets, as a gesture of defiance against the military.

On Tuesday, however, much of Khartoum seemed to be under lockdown. Video shot on mobile phones showed columns of troops advancing along the streets, removing barricades and firing into the air.

'Living as hostages'
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous for her own safety, told the BBC of a city in fear as reports of atrocities spread.

Her uncle had witnessed three young men being executed in the city, she said.

"We're living like hostages, no one can get out," she said, adding that the internet is blocked.

Flights into Khartoum have also been disrupted.

Large numbers of heavily armed troops were also reported on the streets of Omdurman, Sudan's second-largest city, just across the River Nile from Khartoum.

A woman, identified only as Sulaima, told the BBC that troops from the Rapid Support Forces were "all over Khartoum".

"They're surrounding neighbourhoods, they're threatening people. They're also using live ammunition. They're everywhere. We're not feeling safe and we don't have trust in the security forces. It's complete chaos."

Earlier, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the TMC head, said on state television the council had decided to "stop negotiating" with the protesters and "cancel" all previous agreements, and that an election would be held in nine months.

The US, the UK and Norway expressed "serious concern" over the announcement, and called for "an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led government".

What happened on Monday?
The security services moved on the main protest site early on Monday and, according to activists, forces also surrounded a hospital in Khartoum and opened fire at another.

In a statement read on national television, the military council said the operation had targeted "trouble makers and petty criminals" and that they were dedicated to protecting civilians.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), which is spearheading the nationwide protests, responded by calling for a campaign of "sweeping civil disobedience to topple the treacherous and killer military council".

Road to transition

19 December 2018 - Protests erupt after fuel and bread price rises announced
22 February 2019 - President Bashir dissolves the government
24 February - Protests continue as security forces respond by firing live bullets
6 April - Activists begin sit-in at military headquarters, vowing not to move until Mr Bashir steps down
11 April - Army generals announce that Mr Bashir has been toppled but sit-in continues as people demand civilian rule
20 April - Talks between the military rulers and civilian representatives begin
13 May - Shooting outside the military headquarters leaves six people dead
14 May - Military and civilians announce a deal on a three-year transition period
16 May - Talks postponed as military demands some barricades are removed
3 June - Activists announce the suspension of talks with the military, accusing them of using force to disperse their sit-in

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48512413

 

[Loralai]

Situation in Sudan is deteriorating with Army killing its own people (not unlike what has been happening in Waziristan recently). Surprised to see this thread has not been very active. I'm guessing if this had been happening in Kashmir or Palestine there would be hundreds of post.

 

[Asim_khan]

Situation in Sudan is deteriorating with Army killing its own people (not unlike what has been happening in Waziristan recently). Surprised to see this thread has not been very active. I'm guessing if this had been happening in Kashmir or Palestine there would be hundreds of post.

It's disgusting to see what's happening. Unlike Waziristan, none of the protestors attacked an army outpost either, which makes it that much more sickening

 

[Bewal Express]

Situation in Sudan is deteriorating with Army killing its own people (not unlike what has been happening in Waziristan recently). Surprised to see this thread has not been very active. I'm guessing if this had been happening in Kashmir or Palestine there would be hundreds of post.

In Waziristan the army was attacked by traitors like you.

 

[Abdullah719]

Looks like the Sudan is following in Egypt's footsteps. Nothing to be proud of though.

 

[Saeed]

Unsurprisingly Sudan's regime has the backing of Saudis and UAE, just like Egypt, Libya and Yemen does.

 

[MenInG]

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - A Sudanese judge on Saturday formally indicted Omar al-Bashir for possessing illicit foreign currency and corruption, charges the ousted leader challenged as he was publicly questioned for the first time since his overthrow.


Bashir said that he had received $25 million from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as funds from other sources, but that he had not received or used the money for his own benefit.

A lawyer for Bashir said that his client denied the charges against him and that witnesses for the defence would be presented at the next hearing.

The judge denied a request for bail and said a decision on the duration of Bashir’s detention would be taken at a hearing on Sept. 7. Foreign currency held by Bashir was illicit and had been transferred illegally, he said.

Millions of euros and Sudanese pounds were found at Bashir’s residence in April when he was toppled and arrested, a judicial source said at the time.

Sudan’s military ousted Bashir after months of protests across the country. His prosecution is seen as a test of how far military and civilian authorities now sharing power will go to counter the legacy of his 30-year rule.

Bashir, who appeared in traditional white robes in a metal courtroom cage and spoke slowly into a microphone, said his former office manager had received a message from Mohammed bin Salman’s office that a sum of money in euros worth $25 million would be sent by private plane for extra-budgetary needs.

“It was not possible to present the money to the ministry of finance or the central bank because that would have required clarifying the source of the funds, and the Saudi prince asked that his name should not appear,” said Bashir.

“I used the money for private donations to various parties,” including medical services, a university, an Islamic media channel, and the urgent provision of petroleum products, he said.

Bashir gave no date for the transfer. Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Slideshow (6 Images)
Bashir said he had also received more than five million Sudanese pounds ($111,110) from the head of a cereals company that provides much of Sudan’s flour, to be exchanged for foreign currency for flour imports.

The charges against Bashir carry maximum prison sentences of around 10 years.

Bashir was charged in May with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants against him in 2009 and 2010 on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region.

A police detective told the court earlier this month that Bashir had acknowledged receiving millions from Saudi Arabia.