Day 16 of the Military Coup
Summary of Events
It's been 16 days since the internet blackout started in Sudan, imposed by the military to cover up their crimes as they enact #SudanCoup.
The courts issued their ruling today in the lawsuit brought forth by the Sudanese Consumer Protection Agency against telecom companies in Sudan. The courts ruled to return internet service to all plaintiffs of the lawsuit (only - a total of 10 people).
In an interview with AlJazeera, coup orchestrator General Abdelfattah Al-Burhan claimed most of the news coming out of Sudan - particularly as pertains to the violence inflicted by military forces - is "vicious rumors to incite hatred of the military". When asked about the over dozen peaceful protesters killed, he responded "we didn't see any killing." Burhan went on to deny the deaths of protesters, saying, “We heard about 2 who were killed in Omdurman, but there were no police reports to confirm it.” When asked if any investigation would be carried out, he responded that there was nothing to investigate, because nothing happened.
Meanwhile, violations against freedom and civil liberty continue, as peaceful protesters in ElObeid, North Kordofan were reportedly teargassed and beaten with batons by police earlier today; 20 people were arrested. In Sinja, Sennar State, prosecutor of the anti-corruption committee Mohamed Elkhatim was arrested by military intelligence.
In Darfur, the internet blackout "is allowing them to commit so many violations without accountability", according to a Reuters article. At least 4 have been killed in more than 10 attacks by militia, "with more injured and sexually assaulted".
Al-Nileen University and Sudan University of Science & Technology are the latest institutions to suspend classes and exams in light of the current situation. Private institutions like UMST, Alwataniya and Elrazi reportedly remain open, as well as some private schools.
On the international front, TROIKA (trade partnership between US, UK and Norway) representatives released a statement today after meeting with General Burhan. They reiterated their concern and "underscored need for the restoration of the Constitutional Document".
But Burhan seems to care very little about the concern or underscoring of TROIKA, as he continues on his quest to build his new regime. AlJazeera reported that he has ordered the formation of a committee to repossess all funds confiscated by the anti-corruption committee (a transitional government body tasked with repossessing all public funds embezzled/taken by members of the previous regime).
And the people care even less about Burhan's decisions. Neighborhood protests and public forums continue nationwide in preparation for Saturday’s 'millions march'. The diaspora is also preparing for #Nov13March, with protests planned in cities in the UK, Germany and Australia, to name a few.
Alternatively, you can also view the daily wrap up in video format here.
Further Reading
Opinion: Three scenarios for post-coup Sudan
Mashreq Bank Hit With $100 Million N.Y. Fine Over Sudan Violations: Mashreq bank Dubai’s third-biggest bank, will pay $100 million to settle allegations that it violated U.S. sanctions by illegally processing more $4 billion of payments tied to Sudan
Sudan court orders end to internet cut but services still offline
Sudan’s finance minister: world will ‘move on’ from army takeover