Day 21 of the Military Coup
Summary of Events
We are on Day 21 of the #SudanBlackout. The internet shutdown continues to hinder the flow of information from Sudan, and especially from areas outside of Khartoum. The economic and social impact is also felt; in a time when the internet is essential for communication, education, business and financial transactions, a complete internet shutdown is crippling.
The impact is also felt in the wake of #Nov13March, as activists struggle to collect information from across the country on yesterday's events and their aftermath (number of deaths/casualties/detained). Documentation of the crimes of coup forces continues to be a challenge. But despite this, news has trickled in today of more participation in the nationwide demonstrations, including all IDP camps in Darfur, according to a Radio Dabanga report. The report also stated that the 'security apparatus' prevented journalists from covering protests in various towns and camps in Darfur.
Today, a Khartoum District court rejected an appeal filed by Zain Telecom to continue the internet shutdown; this, after two courts last week ruled in favor of restoring internet services. The coup leadership had previously declared that the courts did not have jurisdiction over the matter of internet service, and had instructed the National Telecommunication Authority to block restoration of the internet.
In Khartoum, the Central Doctors Committee has released updated figures in the aftermath of yesterday’s demonstrations; the death toll has risen to 7, including 13 year old Remaz Elatta, who was shot yesterday while standing on her front stoop, sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. She passed away as a result of her injury today, making a total of 22 people confirmed killed by military forces since October 25. The number of casualties in Khartoum is still being ascertained; because of the internet shutdown, figures are still unavailable for the other cities across Sudan.
The international community has expressed its "concern" over yesterday's events, a statement that feels hollow to Sudanese people, and falls on the deaf ears of Burhan and coup leadership.
Rumors circulated online today that SPLM-N leader and (defunct) Transitional Sovereign Council member Malik Agar, as well as Elhadi Idris and Prof. Hunud Abia have accepted their appointments to the Sovereign Council newly (re)created by General Burhan, with Abia as Prime Minister.
Both Agar and Idris had released statements on Friday evening rejecting the appointment; in his statement yesterday, Hunud Abia had expressed "no interest" in replacing Hamdok.
While the situation remains unclear, the news has left many Sudanese online feeling disappointed and betrayed. In the meantime, resistance committees are planning the next schedule of activities, and debating whether to plan another 'millions march' for November 17.
A silent protest of medical staff at several hospitals in Khartoum has been announced for tomorrow. The hospitals in question are where the bulk of casualties were received during yesterday’s mass demonstrations. Note that some of these hospitals were raided by coup forces yesterday, their staff beaten and arrested, as well as injured protesters and co-patients.
There are reports that terrorization of citizens by coup forces continued today in Khartoum, despite the lack of protest activity, including (unconfirmed) reports of cafe patrons being teargassed, and live ammunition fired.
Alternatively, you can view the daily wrap-up in video format here.