Tag: Sudan

  • Violence Spreads in Parts of Sudan as Crisis Enters Third Day

    Violence Spreads in Parts of Sudan as Crisis Enters Third Day

    Fierce clashes have been reported across Sudan as fighting between rival armed factions continues to spread.

    Violence between the army and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continued overnight into its third day.

    Nearly 100 people have been killed, a doctors’ union said, and one estimate put the number of injured at 1,100.

    Both sides claimed to control key sites in the capital Khartoum, where residents sheltered from explosions.

    Earlier on Sunday, they held a temporary ceasefire to allow the wounded to be evacuated, although it was not clear how strictly they stuck to it.

    Doctors warned that the situation at hospitals in Khartoum is extremely difficult, and that the fighting was stopping both staff and medical supplies from reaching injured people.

    The fighting is part of a vicious power struggle within the country’s military leadership, which has escalated into violence between rival factions.

    The two men at its centre disagree over how the country should transition to civilian rule. Sudan has been run by generals since a coup overthrew the long-standing authoritarian president, Omar al-Bashir, in 2019.

    On Sunday and early Monday, the RSF claimed to occupy sites in the capital Khartoum. such as the presidential palace, and the adjoining city of Omdurman, as well as in the western region of Darfur and Merowe Airport in the north of the country.

    But some accounts indicated that the army had regained control of the airport, with the military saying they were dealing with “small pockets of rebels”.

    The army has previously denied that the RSF had seized key sites in the capital, and witnesses in the country told Reuters news agency that the army appeared to be making gains after blasting RSF bases with air strikes.

    Residents of Khartoum have spoken of fear and panic, and reported gunfire and explosions.

    “We’re scared, we haven’t slept for 24 hours because of the noise and the house shaking,” Huda, a Khartoum resident, told the Reuters news agency. “We’re worried about running out of water and food, and medicine for my diabetic father.”

    Another Khartoum resident, Kholood Khair, told the BBC that residents could not be sure of safety anywhere. “All civilians have been urged to stay at home, but that has not kept everyone safe.”

    The fighting is between army units loyal to the de facto leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, a notorious paramilitary force commanded by Sudan’s deputy leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti.

    The major sticking points are over the plans to incorporate the 100,000-strong RSF into the army, and over who would then lead the new force.

    The brief pause in the fighting on Sunday followed complaints from doctors’ unions that it was difficult for medics and sick people to get to and from hospitals while the fighting was raging.

    Leading Arab states and the US have also urged a resumption of talks aimed at restoring a civilian government, while the African Union has announced that it is sending its top diplomat, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to try to negotiate a ceasefire.

    Egypt and South Sudan also offered to mediate between the warring factions, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

    The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors reported 97 civilians killed and dozens among security forces dead, as well as 942 people injured.

    Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation says more than 83 people have been killed and more than 1,100 people injured across the country since Thursday, when the RSF began mobilising its forces. It does not specify how many civilians have died in the fighting.

    Among the dead are three staff members of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which has suspended its operations in the country.

    In a statement, the WFP said it was “horrified” by the news of the deaths, adding that one of its aircraft had been damaged at Khartoum International Airport during an exchange of gunfire on Saturday, which it says impacted its ability to provide aid.

    Sudan state television is reported to have stopped transmissions, but it was not immediately clear what caused the break in programming.

  • AFCON: Nigeria beat Sudan 3-1 To Qualify For Round Of 16

    AFCON: Nigeria beat Sudan 3-1 To Qualify For Round Of 16

    The Super Eagles on Saturday put up a strong performance to beat Sudan 3-1 in their second match at the 2021 Africa Nations Cup being held in Cameroon.

    The Eagles have now qualified for the Round of 16 regardless of what happens in the other remaining Group D games.

    After beating Egypt in their first game, many Nigerians were hoping the Eagles would outclass their North African counterparts. They did not disappoint.

    Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring as early as the third minute with a clinical finish before a set-piece saw Taiwo Awoniyi fortuitously head into the net on the stroke of half-time.

    Nigeria began the second half as they finished the first. Moses Simon, who was later announced as the Man of the Match, went on one of his daring runs to finish past the stranded Sudanese goalkeeper in the 46th minute.

    Although Sudan pulled one back in the 70th minute after Ola Aina was adjudged by VAR to have been guilty of a foul in the 18-yard box, the Falcons of Jediane never really threatened the Super Eagles’ dominance for the rest of the game.

    Nigeria now face Guinea-Bissau in the final group game on Wednesday and will only need a draw to finish top.

  • Sudan’s Military Dissolves Govt, Declares State Of Emergency

    Sudan’s Military Dissolves Govt, Declares State Of Emergency

    The chairman of Sudan’s ruling body General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Monday announced the dissolution of the transitional government and the sovereign council and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

    Just hours after the information ministry said most of the civilians in the two bodies had been detained, including the prime minister, Burhan reiterated his commitment to “the transition towards a civilian state”.

    He said he would form a “competent” government, pledged to create numerous state institutions like the supreme court, and said Sudan remained committed to international agreements it had signed.

    AFP

  • Sudan State media Report “Failed” Coup Attempt

    Sudan State media Report “Failed” Coup Attempt

    A coup attempt in Sudan “failed” early Tuesday, state media reported, as the country grapples with a fragile transition since the 2019 ouster of longtime President Omar al-Bashir.

    Top military and government sources told AFP that the attempt involved a group of officers who were “immediately suspended” after they “failed” to take over the state media building.

    “There has been a failed coup attempt, the people should confront it,” state television said, without elaborating.

    A senior member of Sudan’s ruling body, Taher Abuhaja, said, “an attempt to seize power has been thwarted.”

    Another senior ruling body member, Mohamed al-Fekki said: “Everything is under control and the revolution is victorious.”

    Traffic appeared to be flowing smoothly in central Khartoum, AFP correspondents reported, including around army headquarters, where protesters staged a mass sit-in that eventually led to Bashir’s ouster in a palace coup.

    Security forces did however close the main bridge across the Nile connecting Khartoum to its twin city Omdurman.

  • Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    From Dauda R Pam Maiduguri

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, at the headquarters of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa in Khartoum, Sudan on behalf of BORNO state government for the exportation of wheat and gum Arabic produced by farmers in the state.

    Received by the Bank’s Director General, Sidi Ould Tah, and other top executives highlighted in a video documentary the challenges Borno state has faced due to terrorism attacks on communities affecting the on-going rebuilding and economic recovery efforts as well as the huge opportunities in agriculture in its vast and fertile land resources for irrigation and rain fed agriculture.

    Governor Zulum who arrived the Sudanese capital at the weekend was accompanied on the trip by Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Agriculture, Bukar Tijjani, a Borno indigene and an expert on international agricultural development, commissioner for local governments and emirate affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Chairman of Borno’s Mega Farms Project, Musa Inuwa Kubo and Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response.

    According to him Borno is one ofthe leading producers of wheat and gum arabic in Nigeria while the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, established by 18 Arab countries (the League of Arab States) in 1973 and began operations in 1975 with the objective of strengthening economic, financial and technical co-operation between Arab countries and African regions through financing opportunities for economic development in African countries.

    BORNO state has proven its potentiallties as a major producer of wheat and gum arabic, among other food and cash-crops, seeking partnership for increased value chain and export, to tap into the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in the bank’s operational structure.

    The bank’s team also made an overview presentation on Nigeria’s wheat, gum arabic and date palm productions, granted Governor Zulum’s request towards identifying specifics for both parties and implementing them.

  • SOSG Partners Sudan Based Bunian Company On Students Welfare, Commerce

    SOSG Partners Sudan Based Bunian Company On Students Welfare, Commerce

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    Sokoto state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Sudan-based company, Bunian Agency for General Services Co. Ltd , in order to ensure that the welfare of its students studying in the country is catered for adequately.

    The MoU, signed on behalf of the state government by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Saidu Umar and Ambassador Nuradden Adam Ibrahim, the Director General of Bunian, on behalf of the company, also focused on the deepening of diplomatic ties between Sokoto state and Sudan in the areas of educational pursuit, commerce and agriculture among others, through the instrumentality of the company.

    Speaking at the ceremony held at the Council Chamber of Government House, Sokoto, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the agreement follows his recent visit to Sudan Republic last month.

    He said during the visit, himself and his delegation interacted with the indigenes of the state studying there in order to see how best the state government will assist them.

    In the process of the interaction the delegation realized that there were issues with the agents hitherto representing the state government on the affairs of the students, noting that they were not doing well in handling the affairs of the students.

    As a result, the governor explained, the state government decided to collaborate with the family of Maiyirno of Sudan, descendants of Shehu Usmanu Danfodio, progenitor of the Islamic Reawakening movement in the 18th century, in order to link the state with a reputable company that wil serve as an agent that would assist it in addressing the challenges being faced in the handling of its students’ affairs.

    Gov. Tambuwal further explained that in the course of engaging the royal family, the state also involved the Sudan-based company in the process and decided that there were no other people to look after the students than their brothers resident in the country.

    He pointed out that the engagement offered the state the opportunity of reconnecting, officially, with the Sultanate of Maiyirno in Sudan in order to strengthen the historic relationship between it and the Sokoto Caliphate.

    In his address the representative of Sultan Maiyirno of Sudan, Alhaji Mustapha Ballah promised the state government that the royal family will discharge its duty effectively.

    Ballah, who is also holds the traditional title of Sardaunan Maiyirno, expressed appreciation to the Sokoto state government for making the diplomatic engagement a reality, assuring it of the family’s total support and cooperation in order to achieve the desired objectives.

  • Biden cancels travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan others

    Biden cancels travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan others

    U.S President Joe Biden on his first day in office issued some executive orders undoing some of former President Donald Trump’s policies.

    Among the 17 executive orders and presidential actions Biden signed on Wednesday were the order to end travel restrictions and immigration from countries including Nigeria, Eritrea, Yemen, Sudan and others.

    “There’s no time to waste,” Biden said before signing the executive orders in the White House.

    “These are just all starting points,” he added.

    The American Civil Liberties Union, a non-profit civil rights organisation, applauded the move calling the travel policy a “cruel Muslim ban that targeted Africans.”

    However, the ban was changed, in part due to legal challenges, and included some non majority-Muslim nations.

    President Biden described the policy as discriminatory and an affront to the country’s values.

    The President has also sent a bill to Congress to overhaul the country’s immigration system, his team said earlier.

    The legislation aims to provide pathways to US citizenship for undocumented people, address the causes of migration and speed up the reunification of families after children were separated from parents at the US border with Mexico.

  • Ethiopia to return refugees from Sudan

    Ethiopia to return refugees from Sudan

    Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen announced on Saturday that his country is working with the Sudanese government to return refugees and displaced persons to their homes.

    This came in a phone call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Jeppe Kofod, reported the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

    During the call, the Ethiopian minister told the Danish minister that the military operation in Tigray has come to an end, adding that Ethiopian the government is attempting to reconstruct and rehabilitate the region. Ethiopia has recently been witnessing battles between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and government troops which have forced tens of thousands of people to flee to Sudan.

    He added that the federal government continues to work with the Transitional Government of Tigray to pursue the TPLF criminals and bring them to justice.

    The Ethiopian official stressed that his country, along with Sudan, is doing everything it can to return refugees and displaced persons to their homes.

    On Thursday, the United Nations announced that 46,400 Ethiopians, nearly half of them children, had arrived in Sudan since the beginning of November when armed clashes erupted between Ethiopia’s federal army and the TPLF forces.

    Sudan is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in Africa, with more than a million refugees, most of them from South Sudan.

    The influx of refugees comes at a time when Sudan is experiencing a difficult humanitarian situation, as a result of the worsening economic crisis, unprecedented floods the spread of locusts, and the outbreak of coronavirus.

    RELATED POSTS:

    BREAKING: WHO declares yellow fever outbreak in South Sudan

    Sudan defence minister dies during peace talks

    Sudan’s cabinet says bombing incident against PM “terrorist act”

  • Ayew brothers join Ghana training for Sudan showdown

    Ayew brothers join Ghana training for Sudan showdown

    Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew was among 10 players present on Ghana’s first day of training ahead of their upcoming 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan.

    Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew was also present for the session at the McDan La Town Park in Accra on Monday.

    Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was, however, conspicuously missing after suffering an injury while in club action against Aston Villa on Sunday.

    Ghana host Sudan in Cape Coast in a Group C matchweek three fixture on Thursday ahead of the reverse tie away five days later.

    CK Akonnor’s opening day contingent also included Amiens midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey, Egypt-based Pyramids striker John Antwi, Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu, Saudi Arabia-based winger Samuel Owusu and Amiens centre-back Nicholas Opoku.

    READ ALSO: ‘Messi’s attitude towards Griezmann is deplorable’ – Eric Olhats

    Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora, the only Ghana-based player in Akonnor’s original 23-man squad of invited players, was also present, as was Ashanti Gold right-back Kwadwo Amoako, who is among seven new players handed late call-ups to join the national camp for the Sudan showdown.

    Afriyie Acquah, who plays club football for Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor, was also present on the opening day despite receiving a late call-up.

    More players were expected to join camp on Monday night ahead of the second day of training on Tuesday.

    Updated Squad

    Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates FC, South Africa), Razak Abalora (Asante Kotoko SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen, Switzerland)

    Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (Chelsea FC, England), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes, Portugal), Afful Harrison (Columbus Crew FC, USA), Anang Benson (MSK Zilina, Slovakia), Djiku Alexander (Strasbourg FC, France), John Boye (FC Metz, France), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens FC, France), Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo, Spain), Andy Yiadom (Reading, England), Joseph Attamah Larweh (Kayserispor, Turkey) Kwadwo Amoako (Ashanti Gold), Christoper Nettey (Asante Kotoko)

    Midfielders: Baba Idrissu (RCD Mallorca, Spain), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning FC, China), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens FC, France), Afriyie Acquah (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey), Majeed Ashimer (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria), Clifford Aboagye (Tijuana, Mexico)

    Forwards/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea City FC, England), Tariq Fosu (Brentford, England), Samuel Owusu (Al-Ahli Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace FC, England), Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Jamie Leweling (Greuther Furth, Germany), John Antwi (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace, England).

    RELATED POSTS:

    #EndSARS: Ghana’s president confirms he spoke with Buhari, assures Nigerians of dialogue

    Davido and his crew denied access to Ghanaian club

    COVID-19 Palliative: Ghana President approves Free Water, Electricity for 3 More Months for Ghanaians

  • Sudan signs historic peace deal with five rebel groups

    Sudan signs historic peace deal with five rebel groups

    Sudan’s government signed a peace agreement with the country’s five key rebel groups on Monday, a significant step in the transitional leadership’s goal of resolving multiple, deep-rooted civil conflicts.

    The rebel groups that signed the deal include the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Minni Minawi’s Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), both of the western region of Darfur, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Malik Agar, present in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.