SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources - Himedti says 2021 coup was a mistake

20/2/2023: Multiple sources: Himedti says 2021 coup was a mistake

·      Radio Dabanga

·      BBC, by Dickens Olewe

Himedti, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander and vice-president of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, labelled the 25 October 2021 military a “mistake” that has become a gateway for affiliates of the former regime of ex-president Omar al-Bashir to regain their political foothold

His comments come amid growing tension between the RSF and the army chief Gen Abdulfattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de-facto leader, who recently warned that he would not tolerate the RSF operating as an independent force and should instead be merged into the army.

According the BBC, Himedti’s comments could be seen as a deliberate attempt to break with the army and ally with some civilian groups amid indications that such an overture could be welcomed, as civilian groups feel they need an armed ally to taken on the military authorities. However, the BBC note, there is concern that such a move could lead to further instability.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources - Himedti says RSF are committed to integration with the Sudanese army

20/2/2023: Multiple sources: Himedti says RSF are committed to integration with the Sudanese army

• Reuters

• Sudan Tribune

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia commander Himedti said he was committed to integrating the RSF into a reformed national armed forces.

“The RSF originated as a supporter and assistant to the armed forces, and its law stipulates that it is part of them. The trenches brought us together with the armed forces to protect the homeland and its security, and we have covenants with them that we will never betray,” he stressed.

Having said that, he accused the Islamists of seeking to widen the gaps between the army and the RSF and vowed he would not allow the former regime to drive a wedge between them.

In his speech, he reiterated his “sincere commitment” to the security and military reform processes towards the single army, and take it “out of politics and the economy completely”.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources – Sudan security forces crack down on protests, allegedly fire tear gas

20/2/2020: Multiple sources – Sudan security forces crack down on protests, allegedly fire tear gas

• AP

• Reuters

 Sudanese security forces used teargas and batons to disperse thousands of protesters demanding the reinstatement of army officers dismissed for refusing to crackdown on demonstrations against former president Omar al-Bashir.

 At least 17 people were wounded in the clashes according to the Sudan’s Doctors Committee, a group associated with the protesters.

 The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) called for the minister of the interior and the police general director to be sacked and replace them with “national elements who belong to the revolution.”

 The SPA also called for soldiers and military officers who had been “arbitrarily excluded from military service” to be reinstated, and for those who “protected and sided with the people’s revolution to be celebrated, promoted and given a leadership position.”

SUDAN POLITICAL ALERT: Human Rights Watch - Sudan: Progress on Rights, Justice, Key to Transition

20/2/2020: Human Rights Watch – Sudan: Progress on Rights, Justice, Key to Transition

 Human Rights Watch (HRW) call for Sudan’s transitional government to accelerate legal and security sector institutional reforms and progress on domestic justice initiatives, in comprehensive justice system reforms to ensure the protection of rights, ensure adequate public participation, and address gender discrimination.

 HRW also call for Sudan to speed up the reforms envisaged in the constitutional charter, including the formation of legislative council and establishment of rights-focused commissions.

 In addition, HRW call for the committee investigating the June 3 massacre to meet international standards and possess the necessary protection to “investigate those responsible higher up the chain of command… as a member of the Sovereign Council may be implicated.”