UN envoy: Sudan could face economic and security collapse
The U.N. envoy for Sudan says the east African nation is heading toward “an economic and security collapse” unless it addresses the political paralysis following October’s military coup and moves toward resuming a civilian-led transition
washingtonpost.comICC prosecutor launches Ukraine war crimes investigation
The International Criminal Court prosecutor has launched an investigation that could target senior officials believed responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide amid a rising civilian death toll and widespread destruction of property during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UN experts: Darfur rebel groups make money in Libya
U.N. experts say rebel groups in Darfur that signed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government in 2020 continue to operate in Libya and profit from opportunities provided by the civil war and lack of government control in the oil-rich north African nation.
Apparent military coup in Sudan places already fragile transition to democracy at risk
Sudan was slowly emerging from years of international pariah status under longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir, who was toppled by mass protests more than two years ago. It was being run by a transitional civilian-military government.
cbsnews.comWhy Filling Ethiopia’s Mega-Dam Riles Nile Region
Ethiopia has been at loggerheads with downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan for years over a $4.8 billion mega-dam it’s building on the Nile River. Tensions ratcheted up in early July when Ethiopia resumed filling a 74 billion cubic-meter (2.6 trillion cubic-foot) reservoir behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The three nations hadn’t yet agreed on a timetable. Egypt described the unilateral action as a violation of international law and took its case to the United Nations Security Council
washingtonpost.comWhy Ethiopia’s Mega-Dam Has Its Neighbors Fuming
Ethiopia has been at loggerheads with downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan for years over a $4.8 billion mega-dam it’s building on the Nile River. Tensions ratcheted up in early July when Ethiopia resumed filling a 74 billion cubic-meter (2.6 trillion cubic-foot) reservoir behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The three nations hadn’t yet agreed on a timetable. Egypt described the unilateral action as a violation of international law and took its case to the United Nations Security Council
washingtonpost.comSudanese demand justice for those slain in 2019 crackdown
Protesters took to the streets in Sudan’s capital and elsewhere across the country amid tight security on Thursday, demanding justice for the victims of a 2019 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. The marches commemorate the second anniversary of the deadly June 3 breakup by security forces of a major protest camp outside the military’s headquarters in Khartoum and others in Sudan. The violence came shortly after the military overthrew longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir amid a public uprising against his nearly three-decade rule.
news.yahoo.comSudan general: Military to review navy base deal with Russia
A top Sudanese military official said the government will review an agreement with Russia to establish a navy base in the African country. The remarks about the deal, which dates back to the government of now-deposed Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and has not been ratified by the Sudanese parliament, indicate that Khartoum is seeking some changes to the agreement. Sudan’s Chief of General Staff, Gen. Mohammed Othman al-Hussein told Blue Nile television station late on Tuesday that negotiations are underway with Russian officials “to achieve Sudan’s interests.”
news.yahoo.comEgypt, Sudan conclude war games amid Ethiopia’s dam dispute
Egypt and Sudan on Monday concluded joint war games that involved ground, air and naval units. The six-day drill meant to showcase deepening security ties between the two neighboring countries and present a show of force amid mounting tensions with Ethiopia. Monday’s part of the drill, at a military base near Khartoum, was attended by the two countries' chiefs of staff, Sudan’s Mohammed Othman al-Hussein, and his Egyptian counterpart, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Farid.
news.yahoo.comCash-strapped Sudan clears overdue payments to World Bank
The Sudanese government says it cleared all of its past-due repayments to the World Bank. Sudan's cabinet said in a statement Friday, March 26, 2021, that the repayments allow Sudan to resume normal relations with the World Bank after nearly 30 years of suspension. This development allows Sudan to resume normal relations with the World Bank after nearly 30 years of suspension, according to a statement released by Sudan's Cabinet. The World Bank said that by clearing its debts, Sudan will have access to nearly $2 billion in grants for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The Sudanese government said that it shall soon discuss with the World Bank the schedule for the disbursement of total grants of $2 billion over the next two years.
US urges Sudan to build an inclusive government for all
FILE - In this July 30, 2020 file photo, residents displaced from a surge of violent attacks squat on blankets and in hastily made tents in the village of Masteri in west Darfur, Sudan. (Mustafa Younes via AP, FIle)CAMEROON – The United States called on Sudan Tuesday to build an inclusive and representative government that ensures peace, supports people on the margins and helps “those who have suffered achieve justice.”U.S. Another major rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army in the restive Darfur region, which is led by Abdel-Wahid Nour, rejects the transitional government and has not taken part in the talks. Volker Perthes, the new U.N. special envoy for Sudan and head of UNITAMS, said in his first briefing to the Security Council that “Sudan is making significant advances in its transition. However, the remaining challenges are staggering.”AdOn the plus side, he pointed to the new Cabinet including signatories of the Juba agreement, and the government's agreement on national priorities.
Sudan announces managed currency float to revive economy
FILE - In this July 24, 2011, file photo, Sudan's new currency sits behind a window at the central bank in Khartoum, Sudan. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf, File)CAIRO – Sudan announced a managed flotation of its currency on Sunday, in an unprecedented but expected step to meet a major demand by international financial institutions to help transitional authorities overhaul the battered economy. The Central Bank said its decision would help “normalization of ties with international and regional financial institutions and friendly countries to ensure the flow of grants and loans” into Sudan's economy. Sudan was also an international pariah after it was placed on the United States’ list of state sponsors of terror early in the 1990s. This largely excluded the country from the global economy and prevented it from receiving loans from international institutions like the IMF.
ICC officials in Sudan seek cooperation for Darfur justice
The ICC charged al-Bashir with war crimes and genocide for allegedly masterminding the campaign of attacks in Darfur. (AP Photo/Mohamed Abuamrain)CAIRO – Sudan’s justice minister met with officials from the International Criminal Court in the capital of Khartoum on Sunday to discuss cooperation with the tribunal in the trials related to the Darfur conflict, his office said. Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari said Sudanese authorities are conducting “internal deliberations” over “the best ways of cooperation” with the ICC. The ICC charged al-Bashir with war crimes and genocide for allegedly masterminding the campaign of attacks in Darfur. Two other senior figures of al-Bashir’s rule accused by the ICC of war crimes and crimes against humanity also are under arrest in Khartoum.
Death toll from violence in Sudan's West Darfur rises to 83
CAIRO – The death toll from tribal violence between Arabs and non-Arabs in Sudan’s West Darfur province climbed to at least 83, including women and children, a doctor’s union and aid worker said, as sporadic violence continued Sunday. Besides the 83 killed, at least 160 others were wounded, according to Sudan’s doctors’ committee in West Darfur. It also puts into question the transitional government’s ability to stabilize the conflict-ravaged Darfur region. Authorities in West Darfur imposed a curfew beginning Saturday that includes the closing of all markets and a ban on public gatherings. West Darfur province experienced a “significant increase” of violence last year, with half of the 40 incidents reported in the entire Darfur region, OCHA said Sunday.
Sudan says it signs pact on normalizing ties with Israel
Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari signed the deal with visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, according to the prime minister's office. Abdulbari said Sudan welcomed “the rapprochement" with Israel and other countries as well as the beginning of diplomatic relations. Although Sudan is not a regional powerhouse, establishing ties with Israel is deeply symbolic. During his visit, Mnuchin met with Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling sovereign council, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August became the first top U.S. diplomat to visit Sudan since 2005, when Condoleezza Rice visited.
US Embassy says Sudan no longer on list of terror sponsors
The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum said the administration removed Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that could help the African country get international loans to revive its battered economy and end its pariah status. The embassy said in a Facebook post that the removal of Sudan from the list is effective as of Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Delisting Sudan from the state sponsors blacklist is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to normalize relations with Israel. According to a Facebook post by the embassy, Sudan's removal was effective as of Monday. Delisting Sudan is also a key incentive for the government in Khartoum to normalize relations with Israel.
Sudan says deal with US blocks further compensation claims
FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2019 file photo, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok speaks during a press conference in Khartoum, Sudan. The deal would enter into force after U.S. Congress passes legislation needed to implement the agreement. Sudan was also believed to have served as a pipeline for Iran to supply weapons to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. De-listing Sudan from the blacklist was part of the U.S. administration's efforts to have Sudan normalize its ties with Israel. Sudanese transitional authorities have promised to hold elections by 2022.
Sudan deal plunges migrants in Israel into new uncertainty
After Israel and Sudan agreed this month to normalize ties, some 6,000 Sudanese migrants in Israel are again fearing for their fate. Now, after Israel and Sudan agreed to normalize ties, Baraka is among 6,000 Sudanese in Israel once again fearing for their fate. Israel and Sudan announced earlier this month they would normalize ties, making Sudan the third Arab country to do so in as many months. While he welcomes any deal that stabilizes relations between Sudan and Israel, he doesn't believe that opens the door for his return. “I do believe in what they’re talking about now, normalization between Sudan and Israel," Baraka said.
Sudanese officials: Diplomatic deal with Israel is near
(Sudanese Cabinet via AP, File)JERUSALEM – Sudanese officials confirmed on Thursday that a senior U.S.-Israeli delegation flew to Sudan on a private jet this week to wrap up a deal that would make Sudan the third Arab country to normalize ties with Israel this year. Two senior Sudanese officials confirmed the visit. One of them, a senior military figure, said the U.S.-Israeli delegation came to put final touches on a deal establishing ties with Israel. The officials did not give a time frame but said an announcement could come at “any time” from Trump. Getting off the list is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to establish official ties with Israel.
Trump says Sudan to be removed from terrorism list
President Donald Trump on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 said Sudan will be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if it follows through on its pledge to pay $335 million to American terror victims and families. Delisting Sudan from the state sponsors blacklist is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to normalize relations with Israel. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to the 1990s, when Sudan briefly hosted bin Laden and other wanted militants. The “state sponsors of terrorism” designation is one of the U.S. government’s most effective sanctions tools and bars virtually all non-humanitarian U.S. transactions with countries on it.
WFP fights hunger in food-deprived places, crises, war zones
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019 file photo, a displaced Yemeni receives food aid provided by the World Food Program, at a school in Sanaa, Yemen. The World Food Program won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger amid the coronavirus pandemic, recognition that shines light on vulnerable communities across the Middle East and Africa that the U.N. agency seeks to help, those starving and living in war zones that may rarely get the worlds attention. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
WFP fights hunger in food-deprived places, crises, war zones
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019 file photo, a displaced Yemeni receives food aid provided by the World Food Program, at a school in Sanaa, Yemen. Rival armed groups divert food aid to front-line combatants or sell it for profit on the black market. Last year, WFP partially suspended its operations in the rebel-held capital over accusations that the Houthis were stealing the food aid. Just this week, gunmen fired on a WFP boat convoy carrying food aid to flood-stricken communities. During truces, the World Food Program occasionally managed to take limited amounts of food into besieged towns, where dozens have died of malnutrition and hunger-related illnesses.
Sudan, rebel alliance reach deal in ongoing peace efforts
The deal was reached between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front, a coalition of several armed groups. Leaders signed the agreement in South Sudans capital, Juba, where talks have been held since late last year. The televised ceremony was attended by South Sudan President Salva Kiir, whose own country gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. A peace that requires strong and firm will.South Sudan's president described the agreement as a milestone in achieving peace in Sudan. Kiir vowed to continue standing with the Sudanese to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement, according to his advisor and mediator Tut Qalwak.
Pompeo in Sudan, top US official to visit since uprising
CAIRO U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Sudan on Tuesday, the top U.S. official to visit the African country since last year's ouster of its autocratic leader, Omar al-Bashir. Pompeo's visit on Tuesday is meant to discuss the normalization of ties between Sudan and Israel and also show U.S. support for the country's fragile transition to democracy. Pompeo is also the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the African county since 2005, when Condoleezza Rice visited. Pompeo was also to discuss the removal of Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Sudan is now on a fragile path to democracy after the popular uprising led the military to overthrow al-Bashir in April 2019.
Sudanese demand reforms a year after deal with generals
Sudanese protesters march to the Cabinets headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. The protesters returned to the streets Monday to pressure transitional authorities for more reforms, a year after a power-sharing deal between the pro-democracy movement and the generals. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)
Sudanese gov't reaches settlement deal with USS Cole victims
Observers and Sudanese officials have said that the settlement with the USS Cole victims was among the last hurdles faced by Sudan on its path to being removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terror. Sudan's justice ministry said that the agreement was signed with the victims' families last Friday but its statement gave no details of the settlement. The initial figures on the table had been in the billions, he said, but Sudan's interim government had "inherited an empty treasury." In the USS Cole attack, two men in a boat detonated explosives alongside the U.S. destroyer as it was refueling in Aden. The victims' families, along with the wounded sailors, had sued the Sudanese government in U.S. courts demanding compensations.
monroenews.comOfficial: Sudan to hand over al-Bashir for genocide trial
The military overthrew al-Bashir in April 2019 amid massive public protests of his rule, and he has been jailed in Khartoum since then. Also indicted were Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb and a senior Darfur rebel leader, Abdullah Banda, whose whereabouts are not known. Al-Taishi also said that the transitional authorities and the rebels agreed on establishing a special court for Darfur crimes that would include crimes investigated by the ICC. The decision could face a backlash from within Sudan's military, from which al-Bashir emerged, and also from Islamists in the country. Handing over al-Bashir is a sensitive issue in Sudan as the country tries to steer toward democratic and economic reforms.
monroenews.comSudans military prepares to hand over power, declares its dedication to democratic values
General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, right, Sudan's deputy head of the Transitional Military Council, shakes hands with protest leader Ahmed Rabie at a ceremony in Khartoum on Sunday (AFP)KHARTOUM The military has agreed to cede power on August 18 to a joint civilian-military council that will lead a 39-month transitional period to civilian rule, declaring Sudan as a democratic, multi-party country ruled by a parliamentary system.Sudans military rulers will be handing over power to a transitional government after resolving more than four months of disputes with the civilian opposition since the ousting of former president Omar al-Bashir, amid widespread street protests on April 11. The declaration states that a Sovereignty Council will be formed on August 18, a prime minister appointed on August 20 and a cabinet will be formed on August 28. African Union mediator Mohamed Hassan Lebatt said at a ceremony at Khartoum that the final agreement will be formally signed on August 17 with leaders from neighboring countries and other dignitaries in attendance. According to the document, Sudan will be a democratic, multi-party country ruled by a parliamentary system.A member of the civilian legal committee, Ibtisam Sanhori, said on Saturday that the two sides had agreed on representation in parliament, in which the civilian opposition Forces of Freedom and Change will control 67 percent of the 300 seats. The military will appoint the ministers of defense and interior.
arabamericannews.comSudan's pro-democracy movement, military agree to share power
In the following months, protesters stayed in the streets demanding the generals hand over power to a civilian leadership. At least 11 people were killed in clashes with security forces, according to protest organizers. "This agreement is comprehensive and does not exclude anyone," Reuters quotes General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the Transitional Military Council as saying. The council will include five civilians representing the protest movement and five military members. This suggests a significant concession on the part of pro-democracy forces, which had insisted that the sovereign council have only a civilian president.
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