• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Africa

Sudanese judges, US denounce protest crackdowns

21 January 2022, 9:47 AM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
Demonstrators attend a protest in Khartoum, Sudan, January 20, 2022. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig

Demonstrators attend a protest in Khartoum, Sudan, January 20, 2022. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig

Image: Reuters

Demonstrators attend a protest in Khartoum, Sudan, January 20, 2022. REUTERS/El Tayeb Siddig

Sudanese head of judiciary and judges condemned violence against anti-military protesters in a rare public statement on Thursday, while the United States said it would consider unspecified steps against those holding up efforts to resolve Sudan’s political crisis.

At least 72 civilians have died and more than 2 000 have been injured as security forces have cracked down on frequent demonstrations since a military takeover on October 25, according to medics aligned with the protest movement.

Angered by the killing of seven civilians earlier this week, protesters took to the streets once more on Thursday in eastern Khartoum and other locations across Sudan.

Military leaders have said that the right to peaceful protest is protected and have commissioned investigations into the bloodshed. The violence has deepened the deadlock between pro-democracy groups and the military leadership.

In a statement, Sudan’s ruling council affirmed the need for national dialogue, a technocratic Cabinet, and adjustments to a transitional constitutional document negotiated after the ousting of former leader Omar al-Bashir in a 2019 uprising.

The document formed the basis for a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilians that was halted by the coup.

After a failed bid by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to salvage some civilian control following the coup, the United Nations has been trying to facilitate dialogue between opposing factions.

Late on Thursday, military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced the appointment of 15 Cabinet ministers, most of whom had been promoted to acting roles by Hamdok. No Prime Minister or Defence or Interior Ministers were named.

FROZEN SUPPORT

The coup drew condemnation from Western powers that largely froze badly needed economic assistance to Sudan.

That assistance would only be restarted if violence ended and a civilian-led government was restored, visiting US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee and newly appointed special envoy David Satterfield said.

Condemning the use of force on protesters, they “made clear the United States will consider measures to hold accountable those responsible for failure to move forward” with a political transition and an end to violence, a US statement said.

A statement from 55 Sudanese judges to the judiciary chief said military leaders had “violated [international] agreements and covenants since the October 25 coup, as they have carried out the most heinous violations against defenceless protesters.”

They called for an end to the violence and a criminal investigation.

In response, the head of the judiciary said in a statement that the ruling sovereign council must do the utmost to prevent violations.

“We in the judiciary affirm that we will not hesitate to take the measures we have at hand to protect the lives and constitutional rights of citizens,” the statement said.

Separately, more than 100 prosecutors announced they would stop work from Thursday to call for security forces to cease violations and lift a state of emergency. They said prosecutors had been unable to carry out their legal duty to accompany police to protests and determine the acceptable use of force.

It is unusual for Sudan’s judges and prosecutors to make public statements about the conduct of the security forces.

Asked for comment, Acting Information Ministry Minister Nasreldin Ahmed noted that Burhan had ordered an investigation into protester deaths on Monday and a probe was under way.

Protesters in the capital could be seen pulling up paving and barricading a main road and several side streets.

One, a student named Taysir, said they were doing so to protect themselves from security forces. She dismissed Burhan’s moves to appoint a caretaker Cabinet.

“He doesn’t want to give up, but we don’t want to give up either,” said another protester, who gave her name as Muzan.

Share article
Tags: United StatesSudan
Previous Post

Eight people killed in separate Limpopo crashes overnight

Next Post

Jota at the double as Liverpool beat Arsenal to reach League Cup final

Related Posts

A firefighter walks near cars damaged during a massive Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 30, 2023.

African Peace Initiative for Ukraine/Russia war ready to depart: Ramaphosa

6 June 2023, 8:12 PM
Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stands among troops,in an unknown location, in this picture released on May 30, 2023.

Clashes between Sudan’s warring factions intensify, no end in sight

6 June 2023, 1:34 PM
A man walks while smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment, during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan, May 1, 2023.

Shelling, looting in Sudan’s capital as military factions battle for 8th week

6 June 2023, 8:03 AM
The UN Habitat Assembly.

President Ruto officially opens second UN Habitat Assembly in Kenya

5 June 2023, 2:27 PM
[File Image] Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.

Kubayi to represent SA at UN Habitat Assembly on sustainable urbanisation in Kenya

5 June 2023, 10:09 AM
A supporter of Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko walks near a burning barricade during clashes with security forces after Sonko was sentenced to prison, in Dakar

Senegal government cuts mobile internet access amid deadly rioting

5 June 2023, 6:06 AM
Next Post
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates scoring their second goal in the Carabao Cup Semi Final against Liverpool, Emirates Stadium, London, January 20,2022

Jota at the double as Liverpool beat Arsenal to reach League Cup final

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • Unisa suspends registrar for various breaches of policy
  • Slain teen Palesa Malatji’s family calls for death sentence to be reinstated
  • Limpopo district embroiled in fraudulent travel claims
  • Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assault
  • Dr Nandipha’s looks during court appearances under the spotlight
  • Deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permits draws near
  • Reserve Bank expected to increase repo rate on Thursday
  • Zimbabwe receives 18 helicopters from Russian Federation
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assault
  • Construction of softball stadium halted in Limpopo
  • Limpopo ANC PEC orders municipalities to recover lost public funds in VBS scandal
  • SA has lost a dedicated leader in Joemat-Pettersson: Ramaphosa
  • Hawks arrest seven suspects for alleged Raisethorpe boy kidnapping

LATEST

  • Uncategorized

Youth Month 2023


Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema
  • Sport

Benzema joins Saudi side Al Ittihad


Former South African President Jacob Zuma
  • Politics

Judgment expected in Downer/ Maughan application against Zuma’s private prosecution


A firefighter walks near cars damaged during a massive Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 30, 2023.
  • Africa

African Peace Initiative for Ukraine/Russia war ready to depart: Ramaphosa


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
  • Sport

Man City must disregard history in Champions League final: Guardiola


A hand with the words STOP GBV
  • Sport

[Graphic content] Former Banyana player’s sister set alight allegedly by her boyfriend


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous Eight people killed in separate Limpopo crashes overnight
Next Jota at the double as Liverpool beat Arsenal to reach League Cup final