Day 17 of the Military Coup
Summary of Events
Sudan has completed its 17th day in a state of quasi-complete internet shutdown. Mobile data services continue to be disabled, and ADSL services are available to a select few.
The Ministry of Information released a directive to all local media outlets today on the media strategy for the coming period. Among the important points:
"highlighting harm caused to national institutions because of the negative actions of some protesters"
"Preparing the political environment for elections"
"Showing that life is returning to normal and that work is resuming; focusing on future projects and stressing to the youth the importance of this stage and their role in building the country"
"Affirming the need to engage in dialog with the people of eastern Sudan to ensure national harmony is achieved". It is worth noting that this was the only marginalized area to be highlighted/mentioned.
"Assuring citizens on a daily basis of the availability of services and basic goods like bread and fuel"
"Affirming confidence in the Sudanese economy and its quick improvement, and renewing confidence in the banking system"
"Making efforts to combat fake news and rumors that spread across social media, and denouncing hate speech". This point is particularly interesting considering the internet blackout, and the repeated narrative via Burhan and others of "hate speech" against the military.
Along with this, the military also seems to be working to silence local and international media; a photographer for the Independent Arabia website was physically assaulted by authorities in Khartoum, and his camera broken. Reports of several journalists arrested.
On State TV, the propaganda machine is continuing to reflect an image of normalcy and acceptance of the coup. Farmers were brought on television to say everything is well; and it was reported in the news that residents of White Nile State "support" the power takeover.
The attack against teachers continues, with 13 arrested in South Darfur State, and others arrested in ElObeid, North Kordofan State after a protest organized by school children was held.
In Red Sea State, acting General Director of the Social Development department of the State Ministry of Health released a statement rejecting the order of his dismissal, claiming it unlawful as "civil service does not fall under the purview of the armed forces".
In the meantime, the nation continues prep for the millions march (#Nov13March), with resistance committees from across the country registering on the "revolutionary roster" - i.e. announcing their participation in the millions march. Resistance activities continue according to the set schedule.
A reminder that resistance committees are the body leading the movement, and with whom lies the support of the streets.
And a final, and important, reminder that resistance movement is happening all over the country, not just in Khartoum. Despite the absence of mention in international media (likely because of #SudanBlackout and the difficulty to get information from outside Khartoum), the fact remains that resistance in the states is active, and crackdown by the military severe.
Alternatively, you can view the daily wrap up in video format here.