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Sudan's Military Authorities Accuse Detainees of 'Incitement'

Thousands of protesters take to the streets to renew their demand for a civilian government in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP)
Thousands of protesters take to the streets to renew their demand for a civilian government in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP)
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Sudan's Military Authorities Accuse Detainees of 'Incitement'

Thousands of protesters take to the streets to renew their demand for a civilian government in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP)
Thousands of protesters take to the streets to renew their demand for a civilian government in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP)

Sudan's military authorities referred several political detainees to the State Security Prosecution to face charges of "incitement and stirring discontent among the armed forces" In spite of the signing of the agreement that ended the recent military coup.

Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had signed an agreement with Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok stipulating the"unconditional" release of all political detainees.

Sovereign Council Member Mohamed al-Faki and Minister of Industry Ibrahim al-Sheikh were also referred to State Security Prosecution.

A member of the defense team, Muez Hadrat, told Asharq Al-Awsat that opening the cases now aims at preventing the release of specific figures because they were among the most critical of the military before the October 25 coup.

Hadrat explained that the Sheikh and his companions had been released from the General Intelligence Service, but other "regular forces" re-arrested them moments later, saying their release "violates the law and contradicts the recent political agreement between Hamdok and Burhan."

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the authorities re-arrested seven former officials shortly after their release. They are being held under articles 58 and 62 of the Criminal Code related to inciting the regular forces to revolt and inciting discontent among the regular troops.

The penalties range between five to seven years in prison and include a fine.

Activists and politicians dismissed the decision to refer the detainees to the prosecution, saying it violates the agreement between Hamdok and Burhan.

During an interview with state television, Faki said it is necessary to differentiate between the armed forces and their members who hold political positions, explaining that criticism of the military in the Sovereign Council is a political act that does not mean criticizing the military institution.

Minister Sheikh demanded that the military component of the Sovereign Council relinquish the presidency in accordance with the constitutional document.

"We agreed as a military or civilian component that whoever is rejected by the public should resign and submit to their will."

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US Houthi Terror Designation Takes Effect, Welcomed by Yemen Govt, Raises UN Concern

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
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US Houthi Terror Designation Takes Effect, Welcomed by Yemen Govt, Raises UN Concern

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)
The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis. (AP)

The US State Department’s designation of Yemen’s Houthi militias as a “foreign terrorist organization” has been welcomed by the legitimate Yemeni government, but has triggered UN concerns over its impact on humanitarian access, with the international body calling for “guarantees.”

While Yemeni reports suggest the designation could economically strangle the Iran-backed Houthis, fears are mounting that the move may push them to derail the fragile truce, resume the war against the government, and escalate attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The government has fully endorsed the US designation, describing it as an “effective tool to curb material and financial support” for the Houthis.

It renewed its call for the international community to take similar steps to dry up the militias' funding, arms supplies, and to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring stability and peace in Yemen.

In a statement, Yemen’s Foreign Ministry stressed that the country has long suffered from the ravages of war and Iranian interference.

It called the US designation a reinforcement of its partnership with the United States and its allies in the fight against terrorism, hoping it will help curb activities that threaten the security of its citizens, the region, and global maritime trade.

The statement also affirmed Yemen's readiness to cooperate fully with international partners to ensure the effective implementation of the designation, aiming to serve the interests of the Yemeni people and promote peace and security in the region.

Amid concerns over the impact of the US designation on humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled areas, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for US guarantees.

During a press briefing, he emphasized that the designation should be accompanied by “appropriate assurances” to ensure effective humanitarian aid delivery and to allow civilians access to essential goods and services.

Dujarric also highlighted the UN’s focus on humanitarian response in Yemen, where nearly 19 million people require life-saving assistance, and 17 million are at risk of famine.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the role of the private sector in securing basic needs.

Dujarric cautioned that any disruption in the flow of commercial goods and humanitarian aid could have catastrophic consequences, particularly in a country that relies on imports for around 90% of its food supply.