Fight Military Repression; Assert Civilian Rule in Sudan

The Africa committee of the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS-Africa), supports the struggle of the Sudanese people against military repression, for the release of all political prisoners and the assertion of civilian rule in the country. The ILPS is an international alliance of more than 400 organizations fighting against imperialism and all reaction. It promotes, supports, and develops the anti-imperialist and democratic struggles of the peoples of the world.

The latest state violation of basic rights happened on January 4 when the military used teargas to disperse a demonstration in the capital city of Khartoum. The demonstrations have been staged regularly since October 25 when the army led by General Abdel Fattah Berhan staged a coup, arrested political leaders, and declared a state of emergency. Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, the civilian leader of the ruling council, his wife, and cabinet officials were among those arrested in October. 

Mr. Hamdok was set to takeover the reigns of the council from General Berhan when the military intervened. He was later released and reinstated by the military as Prime Minister. Pro-democracy activists denounced the new power sharing arrangement between the civilian and military leaders and Mr. Hamdok resigned from the government this January 3. 

Before the October 25 coup, the country was led by a ruling council of civilian and military leaders called the Sovereign Council. The Sovereign Council was formed to transition the country to civilian rule after long time dictator Bashir was ousted in 2019.

At least 56 protesters have been killed since the army seized power. Hundreds have been injured and more than 100 people have been arrested.

Thousands have joined the demonstrations in Khartoum, Umdurman, Port Sudan, and other cities. The pro-democracy demonstrators have chanted “power to the people” and called for a return to full civilian rule.

The ILPS expresses solidarity with the people of Sudan in their fight for democracy and civilian supremacy and government and enjoins all democratic and freedom loving people to demand an end to the bloody military repression in Sudan, call for the release of all political prisoners and support civilian supremacy.

Reference:  Raphael Chiposwa, Vice President for Africa, International League of People’s Struggles