After the military coup in Sudan: A glimmer of hope for diplomacy

After the military coup almost two weeks ago, things are simmering in Sudan: the protests continue, there are more arrests. But there are also initial talks – and now hopes for a political solution.

Loud protests could also be heard in Sudan’s capital Khartoum last night: thousands of women, men and children marched through the streets singing and dancing. They shouted: “Revolution, revolution!”

It feels like a big party, but no one is likely to feel like partying during these hours. Even if there is obviously a development, perhaps also a way to save the democracy of Sudan. The Qatar-based TV broadcaster Al-Jazeera yesterday reported talks between coup general Abdel Fattah-al-Burhan and the ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is under house arrest. However, these direct discussions have not yet been confirmed.

In the evening, the military announced the release of four imprisoned ministers from the overthrown government. In the meantime, according to reports from the Saudi TV station Al-Hadath, these are really at large. At the same time, the station reports that three other politicians have been arrested, but without naming them.

Transitional government should come

There is a cautious movement in Sudan – probably after phone calls from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the coup general. A transitional government is to be announced soon, it is said. But it remains unclear which civilian politicians might belong to this government. However, according to Al-Jazeera, the South Sudanese mediator Tut Galwak said that the overthrown Hamdok was also one of the candidates for the new government.

These announcements are not enough for the people on the streets of Carthage. On October 25th, the military destroyed the long-fought democratization of Sudan. There have been deaths during the protests against the coup and the wounds are deep.

New protests announced

Mahasen Abdullah Abuelgasim lost her son during the protests and he was apparently shot by soldiers. In an interview with the Reuters agency, she said: “Justice comes from God. I don’t want to lose another child, but after Mohammed was killed, I think about whether I shouldn’t take to the streets too.” And Anwar Abdel Sallam, the brother of the man who was killed, wants to continue protesting: “I have to get out again. We can’t stay at home now and let the others fight for us.”

New protests have been announced in Sudan, but also the idea of ​​a transitional government. The coming days will be decisive for a possible peaceful solution to the crisis in Sudan.