Incredibly disheartening news from #Sudan tonight as reports of a military takeover seem true. Images of arrests of civilian cabinet members, internet shutdown, house arrest of the PM Hamdok, and deployment of RSF and military across the capital. My first reaction is a question:
When was this decided? Literally a few hours ago, Gen. Burhan told the US Special Envoy he would work with FFC and Cabinet to keep the transition on track. Was it the recent deadline of Nov 17 to turn over Sovereign Council chair that did it? Was it the international pressure?
Either way, it sets up an extremely explosive situation in Khartoum and other big cities, coming just 3 days after a million person march for civilian rule. Reports are that political parties and resistance committees are calling people back to the streets now. With SAF and RSF
deploying around Khartoum the risk of violence against civilians cant be understated. Whatever has happened, the first calls need to be for calm. The next calls need to be for the release of any civilian leaders. International condemnation should and will come fast and furious.
But it also cant be emphasized enough that this, beyond being first and foremost a major blow to the aspirations of the Sudanese people, is also a major defeat for the US/international agenda to incentivize and democratic transition and a major setback to similar efforts in...
Chad, Mali, Guinea where military governments are hiding under the banner of civilian transitions. If we cant get Sudan right with overwhelming amounts of diplomacy, money and high level attention, its hard to imagine those others succeeding with less.
Lots of time for analysis tomorrow, tonight Im just thinking about my friends and colleagues asleep right now in Sudan who will soon be waking up to a new reality. Im praying for them and for Sudan. βοΈπ»πΈπ©
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