SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga – More than 100 Sudanese still missing after ‘June 3 Massacre’

9/8/19: Radio Dabanga – More than 100 Sudanese still missing after ‘June 3 Massacre’

 Radio Dabanga reports that the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) has documented more than 100 cases of people who went missing during the June 3 massacre.

 Three of the people reported missing were found dead. Forty others are found, yet in critical health condition, Noun Kashkoush from the Democratic Lawyers Alliance said.

 Kashkoush stated that 11 complaints have been submitted to the prosecutor of the Khartoum North Court, and memorandums have been submitted to the (Sudanese) National Human Rights Commission, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

 Kashkoush said that many professional groups joined the SPA Initiative for Missing People, and that alliance will launch a campaign on August 30 to search for the people still missing, in conjunction with the International Day of Enforced Disappearance.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga – Sudan internet fees rise by 15%

9/8/19: Radio Dabanga – Sudan internet fees rise by 15%

 Radio Dabanga reports that telecommunications companies in Sudan have raised the price of internet subscription packages by 15 percent.

 Internet users were not informed beforehand, “as required,” but received automated messages.

 Internet experts consider the increase in internet prices without prior notice, a clear violation of the regulations of the Sudan Communications and Information Commission.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Chatham House - Can Sudan Achieve Peace and Democratic Transition?

9/8/19: Chatham House - Can Sudan Achieve Peace and Democratic Transition?, by Dame Rosalind Marsden

 Dame Rosalind Marsden, former UK ambassador to Khartoum, calls for comprehensive reforms, a united democratic front and continued international pressure, to avert chaos or return to military dictatorship.

 Marsden calls for the Forces of Freedom and Change to compromise with the Sudan Revolutionary Front - amid conflicting priorities between urban Sudanese, who mainly demand civic rights, and Sudanese in conflict zones and peripheries, who prioritise peace and political inclusion.

 To transform established patterns of power and privilege, Marsden calls for the FFC to ensure proper representation of youth and women, noting that these groups were largely excluded by the FFC despite being “the driving force of the revolution.”

 To dismantle the Islamist deep-state, Marsden calls for security sector reforms – which must also be supported by the international community - including establishing a professional and inclusive army, reducing intelligence services powers, and withdrawing the Rapid Support Forces from law enforcement.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Reuters – Khartoum’s Equestrian Club struggles amid Sudan upheaval

9/8/19: Reuters – Khartoum’s Equestrian Club struggles amid Sudan upheaval

 Reuters feature piece explores the changing fortunes of Khartoum’s Equestrian and Racing Club, which has had to cut back activities since the uprising, and “dampened” higher society life.

 Rafat Awad, the club’s treasurer said, “the main problem is that people don’t have enough cash (for the club), they’re keeping it to live on, not to bring children to ride horses.”

 Awad added that, with people dying in Sudan, “you can’t just go and race. Some people are sad, some are angry, some still waging revolution, so we found it wasn’t right to stage competitions.”

 Despite a “modest” resurgence following the political transition deal, Reuters highlights female club members describing social disapproval of women participating in sport.

 Einas, 18, said that racing is considered a man’s sport with women often practicing show-jumping. Sagda, 18, noted those who disapprove of women in the tight-fitting equestrian garb.