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Freedom and Change Seeks New Opposition Alliance in Sudan

Protesters demanding civilian rule take to the streets of Khartoum. (AFP)
Protesters demanding civilian rule take to the streets of Khartoum. (AFP)
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Freedom and Change Seeks New Opposition Alliance in Sudan

Protesters demanding civilian rule take to the streets of Khartoum. (AFP)
Protesters demanding civilian rule take to the streets of Khartoum. (AFP)

Sudan's Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) announced the formation of a new alliance called the "United Civil Front," which unites all forces supporting the December 2018 revolution that toppled ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

The Forces called for direct negotiations with the military to restore the civil democratic transition and form a united national army.

The leader of FFC and former Minister of Cabinet Affairs Khaled Omar Youssef said the Freedom and Change are working to establish a new alliance that unites civilians.

Youssef explained that the alliance would comprise political parties, specialists, resistance committees, and civil society to coordinate the resistance against the current military rule.

The former minister called for a radical change to end what he described as a "monocultural state," adding that the aim is to form a state that represents the various Sudanese components, ends totalitarianism, and establishes a "democratic culture."

Youssef asserted that the democratic transition can only happen gradually, noting that "we seek a radical change within a democratic framework, as opposed to those who call for a radical change within a totalitarian framework."

The official explained that democratic change could not happen without military reform and without rearranging the relationship between civilians and the military.

He indicated that the military institution's role should be limited to protecting the homeland and citizens and guarding the constitution. It should not be involved in politics and must execute constitutionally mandated tasks.

Youssef also warned against dissolving the Rapid Support Forces and armed movements, calling for merging them into the military.

"The demands for dissolving the Rapid Support Forces and the armed movements are illogical because there are about 200,000 fighters. If those forces are dissolved, where will these fighters go?" asked Youssef, warning that this will lead to the formation of about 200 militias.

Moreover, the senior official criticized the "hostility between civilians and the military," noting that the military leaders must realize that the democratic civil transition is in their interest by rebuilding, arming, and training the army to focus on its duties.

Youssef clarified that the FFC does not want to return to the partnership with the military, saying that the October 25 coup ended the chance of forming alliances. Still, it is essential to discuss civil-military relations with the army.

He criticized the opponents of dialogue, saying this "unites the military establishment against the democratic transition."

Furthermore, he added that protests and demonstrations alone are not enough to end the coup, suggesting that other peaceful activities, including strikes, disobedience, and others, must be used to expand the resistance.

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Arab World

Israeli Army Reaches Outskirts of Litani River in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
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Israeli Army Reaches Outskirts of Litani River in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)

Israeli forces have launched their largest ground incursion into southern Lebanon since the conflict began, reaching the outskirts of the Litani River near Deirmimas.

They entered the town’s edges in an effort to separate Nabatieh from Marjayoun and prepare for an attack on the town of Taybeh from the west and north.

This move also aimed to neutralize Taybeh hill, which overlooks the Khiam plain, where Israel plans to extend its operations and capture the city of Khiam.

Lebanese media reported that Israel set up a checkpoint at the Deirmimas junction, cutting off Marjayoun from Nabatieh.

They also blocked the western entrance to Deirmimas near a fuel station using earth mounds, with Israeli military vehicles stationed there. Reports also said Israeli forces prevented UNIFIL and the Lebanese army from passing toward Marjayoun.

Lebanese sources following the battle in the south reported that Israeli forces advanced five kilometers west from the town of Kfar Kila, moving through olive groves. This advance took advantage of the absence of Hezbollah fighters in Christian areas like Qlayaa, Bir al-Muluk, and Deirmimas.

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that this allowed Israeli forces to reach the outskirts of the Litani River for the first time since 2006, cutting off Nabatieh from Marjayoun. Israeli artillery had previously targeted this route several times, and drones had carried out strikes there.

Israel supported its ground advance with heavy artillery fire. Lebanese security sources said Israeli artillery targeted hills overlooking Deirmimas throughout Thursday night into Friday, hitting locations like Beaufort Castle, Arnoun, Yihmour, Wadi Zawtar, and Deir Siryan.

This fire typically provides cover for infantry advances. The sources also confirmed that Israeli ground movements were backed by airstrikes and drones for added security.

They speculated the advance followed a route from Kfar Kila through Tall al-Nahas and Bir al-Muluk toward Deirmimas, which is almost empty of residents and has no Hezbollah presence.

Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli forces in the area, with three statements confirming the targeting of Israeli positions and vehicles near Deirmimas.

Media reports mentioned multiple rocket strikes on Israeli targets in Khiam and near Tall al-Nahas, as well as a guided missile attack on Israeli movements near oil groves close to the Marqos station at Deirmimas’ edge.

A photo shared by Lebanese media showed an Israeli tank behind an exposed hill east of Qlayaa, protected from the west and north. To the south, Israeli forces entered the town of Deirmimas, which overlooks the position.

Military expert Mustafa Asaad said the image, showing a bulldozer behind a tank at the Qlayaa-Marjayoun-Deirmimas junction, suggests that infantry units secured the area—either on foot or in fast vehicles—before entering Deirmimas.

The town’s mayor confirmed to local media that Israeli forces made a “small incursion” into Deirmimas, advancing through olive groves from Kfar Kila.

Hezbollah has stated it does not have military positions in Christian or Druze areas in southern Lebanon, as these communities oppose its presence. Sources close to Hezbollah say this is due to political reasons and security concerns.