Sudanese hold fresh protests for civil rule, justice
November 17, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Thousands of Sudanese took to the streets in Khartoum, on Thursday, calling for civil democratic rule, an end to the military coup, and justice.
The protests took place 24 hours after an announcement by the Forces for Freedom and Change of a two-stage plan aiming to restore a civilian-led transition in Sudan.
The protests to commemorate the killing of 14 anti-coup protesters on November 17, 2021, are also organized by the Resistance Committees to voice their opposition to any political deal that overlooks the issue of justice and accountability.
The protests were in the three cities of the capital, Omdurman, Khartoum North and Khartoum, leading to the main streets. The authorities closed the bridge linking Khartoum and Khartoum North which lead to army command, the Republican Palace, the presidency, and its neighbourhood.
Sudan Tribune reporter in Northern Khartoum (Bahri) said the protesters chanted slogans and raised banners calling for retribution for the killed protesters and civilian rule but they rejected any political compromise with the military.
“The November 17 rally has many connotations, the first is the commemoration of the martyrs of Bahri youth killed in the Almoasasa area. The second is the rejection of the ongoing talks for a settlement between FFC and the military,” a protester Fatima Ahmed told Sudan Tribune.
Another protester, Ahmed Abdallah criticized the conclusion of a new deal with the military.
“We offered martyrs for the sake of the motherland and democratic civil rule, so how can the FFC accept the repetition of the same previous experience?” Abdallah said.
“What is the guarantee that the military will not carry out another coup?” He stressed.
Sudanese security forces fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. Some protesters said the police wounded 25 protesters but medical and rights groups did not issue statements yet.
Protests are not against FFC
Yasir Arman, an FFC leading member confirmed to Alhadath TV on Thursday that the framework agreement which would be signed with the military is based on understandings reached with them.
He added they agreed to hold inclusive discussions on the four issues (of justice, security reforms, review of the Juba peace agreement and dismantlement of the former regime) because they are other stakeholders who are directly concerned.
Arman further said the FFC support the protesters who are the “revolution’s army”. He added they must maintain their vitality and continue to demonstrate in order to complete the tasks of the revolution and build the Sudanese state.
“These demonstrations are not against us. We welcome and participate in them. Also, we call for more demonstrations until the Sudanese state is built,” he said.
On Wednesday, his party, the SPLM-N Revolutionary Democratic Current called to participate in the protests of November 17.
(ST)