♦ Sudan: This week’s news in brief ♦

25/11/2020 06:21 DABANGA SUDAN

A compact digest of this week’s most-read highlights, from the heart of Sudan.

Mohamed El Taayshi, member of the Sovereign Council, on his bike (Social media)

A compact digest of this week's most-read highlights, from the heart of Sudan. Subscribe to receive this digest weekly in your inbox.

November 21 – 2020 KHARTOUM Acting Minister of Health, Osama Abdelrahim, ruled out a second lockdown last Thursday, meanwhile the Higher Committee for Health Emergencies decided to postpone the opening of schools until further notice.

The decision to keep schools closed was made during a committee meeting at the Republican Palace, to guarantee that health precautions are implemented by the educational institutions and logistics are in place to create a safe and healthy school environment.

The current trend in number of cases rules out the need for a second lockdown, according to the Acting Minister of Health, who is currently working from home after contracting coronavirus two weeks ago. His press statement last week called for “speedy solutions” to funding for medical and PPE supplies, a lack of which “is considered one of the major issues facing the health system.”

Renaissance Dam talks continue despite Sudan rejectionist position
November 20 – 2020 KHARTOUM Sudan will withdraw from the current round of negotiations with Ethiopia and Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam unless a mediation body has been established, according to Sudanese Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources.

The announcement was made last week by Irrigation Minister, Yasir Abbas, after the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Irrigation of Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia held two ambassadorial meetings, chaired by Naledi Pandor, Chairperson of the Executive Council of the AU and Minister of International Relations of South Africa.

On November 4, the Ministers of Water Resources of the three countries agreed to return the file to the AU bureau of the head of states and governments, following months of stagnation. However, South Africa, the chair of the AU, refused the request.

Member of Sovereign Council cycles to office
November 24 – 2020 KHARTOUM On Monday, photos of Mohamed El Taayshi, member of the Sovereign Council, riding a bicycle to his office at the Republican Palace in Khartoum widely circulated on social media.

November 23 – 2020 DELLING / KEGA Young activists and Native Administration leaders attribute the continuing tribal conflicts in the state mainly to armed herders and to the presence of militias formed by the regime of ousted President Omar Al Bashir.

Sudanese Professionals Association: ‘COVID-19 is a national security threat’

November 23 – 2020 KHARTOUM The Sudanese Professionals Association said in a statement on Sunday that it considers COVID-19 a national security threat. It called on the health authorities to raise an alert.
 

Central Darfur Gov: Peace process 'differs from other states'

November 21 – 2020 ZALINGEI The governor of Central Darfur said that the peace process in his state differs from the other four Darfur states, as Jebel Marra is home to the combatants of the SLM-AW, which has not yet signed the Juba Peace Agreement.

Legislative Council formation extended to December 31

November 21 – 2020 KHARTOUM The Forces for Freedom and Change announced that the formation of the Legislative Council will take place on December 31. They said in a press statement that they have discussed the reservations of the Sudan Revolutionary Front.
 
Over 36,000 Ethiopian refugees arrive in Sudan

November 20 – 2020 KASSALA / EL GEDAREF The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen El Tereifi Idris announced that the number of Ethiopian refugees in eastern Sudan has risen to 36,000, during the Sudanese government’s cabinet meeting on Thursday.
 

SPLM-N El Hilu ‘eager for settlement to end civil wars’

November 19 – 2020 KHARTOUM The SPLM-N El Hilu reaffirmed its eagerness “to reach a peaceful, just, and comprehensive political settlement of the Sudanese problem”. The statement marked the anniversary of the 1988 Sudanese peace initiative.

Rebels and govt discuss Government of Peace formation

November 18 – 2020 KHARTOUM The leaders of the Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel alliance who arrived in Khartoum held meetings with ministers regarding the formation of a new 'Government of Peace'.

Radio Dabanga’s editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about political developments to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.