SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune – Implement Sudan’s revolution goals before peace talks, says Darfur group

20/9/19: Sudan Tribune – Implement Sudan’s revolution goals before peace talks, says Darfur group

 Sudan Tribune reports that the Sudan Liberation Movement reiterated its refusal to negotiate a peace agreement with the transitional government, saying it must implement the demands of the Sudanese revolution rather than merely release prisoners of war.

 Although the sovereign council dropped 8 death sentences against SLM rebels and ordered the release of 18 others, SLM spokesman Mohamed Abdel Rahman al-Nayer said that the pardoned rebels have not been released, that the decision has no value, and that it reflects the same approach used by the former regime to confuse the public opinion and evade its obligations under international law.

 Al-Nayer added: "If the Sovereign Council is serious about creating a suitable atmosphere for peace and stability and addressing the root causes of the crisis.”

 He also called for Omar al-Bashir’s National Congress Party and its institutions to be dissolved, with its leaders held to account at the ICC.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga - Demonstrators at sit-in at Sudan gold mining company demand dismissal of governor

20/9/19: Radio Dabanga - Demonstrators at sit-in at Sudan gold mining company demand dismissal of governor

 Radio Dabanga reports on citizens of South Kordofan, who are protesting for the removal of gold exploration companies amid the use of cyanide by mining companies that has been proven harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

 The acting state governor of South Kordofan has formally ordered gold mining companies to leave, but the Rapid Support Forces, and its associated mining company El Juneid, refused to implement his decision. The RSF are also guarding El Juneid’s headquarters.

 As a result, South Kordofan’s residents are calling for the dismissal of the acting state governor, citing his inability to stop gold mining companies working in the area, and his identification with the remnants and leaders of the former regime.

 Sudanese human rights organisation HUDO called for the government to hold RSF commander Himedti accountable.

SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Reuters - 'The revolution isn't over' say Sudan's frontline female protesters

20/9/19: Reuters - 'The revolution isn't over' say Sudan's frontline female protesters, by Nita Bhalla

 Reuters feature piece examines the unsatisfactory women’s rights gains following the end of Sudan’s protests – noting the continuation of forced marriages, public floggings for wearing trousers, FGM, discrimination and harassment.

 Asma Ismail said: “there is a sense of frustration as there was an expectation that political parties, civil society, and so forth would prioritise and put the women’s agenda at the forefront, but that did not happen.”

 Huda Shafig of the Women of Sudanese Civic and Political Groups coalition, called for gender justice to be “at the top of the government’s agenda,”  adding that the “same laws that were there under Bashir are still there.”

 Although Sudan’s constitutional declaration promises to guarantee women’s rights during the democratic transition – including the creation of a Women and Gender Equality Commission - women’s rights groups say details such as appointments to the commission and time frames have not been given.