SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune – Hamdok-Hilu’s preliminary accord needs to be endorsed by Sudan parties: statement

4/9/2020: Sudan Tribune – Hamdok-Hilu’s preliminary accord needs to be endorsed by Sudan parties: statement

 Sudan Tribune report that Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok said the deal struck with Abdelaziz al-Hilu, factional leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, is a "preliminary" agreement that will not be effective before its approval by "the relevant institutions."

 Following meetings in Ethiopia, Hamdok and al-Hilu signed a joint accord addressing disputes over the relationship between religion and the state and the right to self-determination. The deal faced criticism from Islamist groups who considered it a final agreement on the separation of religion from the state.

 In a statement, Hamdok’s office said the agreement merely specified the main issues that should be on the negotiating table and that the agreement would be endorsed by channels and the concerned bodies on both sides.”

 The statement added that the agreement will become binding after discussion and approval by the relevant institutions, with formal negotiations resuming after progression in the informal negotiations.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune - Germany’s Merkel congratulates Sudan’s Hamdok

4/9/19: Sudan Tribune - Germany’s Merkel congratulates Sudan’s Hamdok

 Sudan Tribune reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Abdalla Hamdok on his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Transitional Government in Sudan and pledged to support his efforts to achieve peace and democratic reforms.

 In a statement released as German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was meeting Sudanese officials to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations, Merkel also said she was impressed by the courage of Sudanese who peacefully defied repression and violence.

 "Germany will be at your side as a reliable partner when it comes to ensuring peace and development in your country, but also in the entire region," Merkel further stressed.

 Merkel also encouraged Hamdok to work tirelessly to bring peace and reconciliation to Sudan, stating that this will be a necessary measure for the path to democratization and a happy future.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Radio Dabanga – Khartoum rallies commemorate June 3 massacre

4/9/19: Radio Dabanga – Khartoum rallies commemorate June 3 massacre

 Radio Dabanga reports that rallies for justice and retribution were launched in Khartoum to commemorate the June 3 massacre, and in memory of demonstrators killed in mass protests in 2013.

 The rallies demanded an independent judiciary, a fair investigation into the June 3 massacre, to bring those involved to justice, and to disclose the fate of the missing persons.

 Anti-riot police cordoned off the Ministry of Justice and prevented demonstrators from entering.

 However, protest leaders were able to hand a memorandum to the Ministry of Justice demanding retribution for the victims of the Al Bashir regime since it seized power in 1989. The memorandum criticised the judiciary of that period, called for judicial reform or resignations and warned the future justice minister against any procrastination in handling the victims' cases.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune – MBZ invites Hamdok to visit UAE

4/9/19: Sudan Tribune – MBZ invites Hamdok to visit UAE

 Sudan Tribune reports that Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed invited Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to visit the UAE to exchange views and discuss issues of common interest

 The written invitation was delivered by the UAE’s Ambassador to Sudan Hamad bin Mohammed Al Junaibi, who met with Hamdok, according to Sudan News Agency.