Sudan’s FFC Says Discussions Underway for Appointing a PM

Part of the protests in Khartoum to demand civil rule on March 8 (AFP)
Part of the protests in Khartoum to demand civil rule on March 8 (AFP)
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Sudan’s FFC Says Discussions Underway for Appointing a PM

Part of the protests in Khartoum to demand civil rule on March 8 (AFP)
Part of the protests in Khartoum to demand civil rule on March 8 (AFP)

The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) in Sudan revealed on Sunday that discussions are taking place between civilian and military parties to end the political crisis and appoint a prime minister as soon as possible.

“Civilian and military stakeholders are under pressure to finalize the process. So, discussions are taking place and there is an agreement to accelerate the completion of the political process and choose a prime minister who will lead the new transitional government,” Yasir Arman, an FFC spokesman told a press conference on Sunday.

The FFC also welcomed the decision to form a joint committee to monitor the developments in Sudan.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” had announced forming the committee at a meeting they held on Saturday.

On December 5, 2022, the pro-democracy civil forces and the military leaders signed a framework agreement. But al-Burhan and Hemetti had previously diverged over the implementation of the framework agreement and the expansion of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday, al-Burhan and Hemetti decided to end their rift and form a joint security committee from the regular forces, the relevant state agencies and the (signatory) armed movements to follow up on the security situation in the country.

Arman described the meeting of al-Burhan and Hemetti as good and said it brought about a positive change in favor of civil rule and democratic transition.

He called for creating a suitable atmosphere for establishing good relations between the army and the RSF.

“The RSF are a fait accompli, they number more than 100,000 fighters, and they have interests and fears that must be addressed,” said Arman.

Arman conditioned the initiation of the security and military reform workshop on an agreement between the army and the RSF.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.