Sudanese civilian leaders resist Interpol Red Notice, citing political motives
September 24, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s primary pro-democracy coalition, known as Taqaddom, has appealed to Interpol to reject the Sudanese government’s request to issue a “red notice” for the arrest of several of its leaders, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
The coalition, known as Taqaddom, argues that the charges are politically motivated and represent an abuse of the justice system by remnants of the ousted regime of Omar al-Bashir.
Sudan’s attorney general, Al-Fateh Tayfour, recently announced on state television that his office had requested Red Notices for 16 individuals it accuses of supporting the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group that has been battling the Sudanese military for control of the country since April.
Tayfour also said that extradition orders had been issued for 346 people accused of being involved in the rebellion.
In a statement, Taqaddom’s legal and human rights committee said it had submitted a formal request to Interpol asking the agency to reject the Red Notice requests.
The group argues that the accusations against its leaders, which include undermining the constitutional order, genocide, and incitement against the state, are “fabricated and false” and are intended to silence those calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“These accusations made by the Port Sudan Public Prosecutor’s Office are not based on anything related to the law,” the statement said, “and they are nothing but a miserable attempt to silence civilian voices working to bring peace to Sudan.”
A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action. Interpol’s constitution prohibits the agency from intervening in matters of a political nature.
Taqaddom leaders have consistently called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the conflict, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. The group argues that the charges against its leaders are an attempt to undermine their efforts to find a peaceful solution.
The coalition also contends that elements of the former regime, who remain entrenched in some judicial institutions, are using the legal system to settle scores and discredit the civilian opposition. It has called on Interpol to refer the matter to its Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files for a thorough legal review.
The Sudanese public prosecutor’s office has not yet responded to Taqaddom’s claims.