Hamdok: Sudan Faces Its Greatest Crisis in History

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. (Reuters)
Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. (Reuters)
TT
20

Hamdok: Sudan Faces Its Greatest Crisis in History

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. (Reuters)
Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. (Reuters)

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, now leading the civilian Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadum) alliance, said reaching a ceasefire, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and protecting civilians are the first steps toward a political resolution to end the war in his country.

During a recent visit to the UK, Hamdok described Sudan as facing its worst crisis in history, with its very existence at stake.

“We might wake up tomorrow and not recognize Sudan,” he cautioned, urging the need to protect the country from destructive forces that have dominated it for 30 years, harming its institutions and resources.

At a seminar organized by Tagadum in London, Hamdok highlighted the choice before the Sudanese people: “We can either choose peace, democracy, and freedom, or we can continue down the path of war and destruction.”

“The decision is clear. War achieves nothing and cannot control the country’s future,” he affirmed.

“Our greatest achievements happen when we unite. We came together for independence and revolutions in the past, and the Dec. 2018 revolution is a continuation of that legacy. It is a movement that will not be defeated,” reminded Hamdok.

He emphasized that their motivation is to honor the martyrs by building a democratic nation that all Sudanese can be proud of.

“This terrible war has caused great division, with people dying over identity and regional differences,” said Hamdok.

He called for unity against war and said: “Within Tagadum, we are forming a broad coalition of Sudanese from all backgrounds. Our diversity is a blessing, not a curse. We need to come together to create the largest front against war, setting aside our differences to defeat evil and corruption.”

Hamdok also spoke at Chatham House, a prominent UK research institution, highlighting the need for a strong monitoring system in Sudan.

He suggested considering a no-fly zone to establish safe areas and discussed the potential deployment of ground forces to protect civilians.

He urged addressing the refugee situation in neighboring countries and called on the international community to fulfill its commitments.

Regarding ceasefire efforts, he noted that they should be integrated into the political process and backed by existing agreements, with effective monitoring using technology and satellites.



Algeria Blames French Interior Minister for Renewed Crisis with France

Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
TT
20

Algeria Blames French Interior Minister for Renewed Crisis with France

Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)

Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated in recent days, marked by the expulsion of 12 diplomats from each country.

Observers warn that the situation, already at a boiling point, could lead to a complete rupture in relations unless one side takes steps to de-escalate.

Relations between Algeria and France especially soured following the arrest of an Algerian diplomat in Paris, alongside two others, on charges of kidnapping and detaining Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhriss.

The French judiciary has linked the case to terrorism.

In response, Algeria strongly condemned the diplomat's detention and expelled 12 French embassy staff last Monday, all connected to French security services.

The following day, Paris retaliated by expelling an equal number of Algerian diplomats, asserting that its judiciary acted independently in its investigation into the April 2024 kidnapping incident.

In a statement on Tuesday, Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau personally responsible for the diplomat's imprisonment.

Since tensions began rising late last year, Algeria has emphasized that its issue is with French policies, not President Emmanuel Macron personally.

The dispute has intensified over Macron's push to deport hundreds of “undesirable” Algerians and his insistence on scrapping the 1968 migration agreement between the two countries, claiming it hinders France's efforts to curb illegal immigration.

Retailleau, a prominent figure on the French right and a key contender for leadership of the “Les Républicains” party, has become a leading advocate for a hardline stance on Algeria.

His recent focus on immigration issues reflects his strategy to secure votes ahead of the upcoming election.