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.



Death Toll in Lebanon Crosses 3,000 in 13-Month Israel-Hezbollah War, Health Ministry Says

A building destroyed during an Israeli airstrike southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh, 03 November 2024. (EPA)
A building destroyed during an Israeli airstrike southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh, 03 November 2024. (EPA)
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Death Toll in Lebanon Crosses 3,000 in 13-Month Israel-Hezbollah War, Health Ministry Says

A building destroyed during an Israeli airstrike southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh, 03 November 2024. (EPA)
A building destroyed during an Israeli airstrike southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh, 03 November 2024. (EPA)

More than 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon during 13 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday. At least 13,492 have been injured.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran.

The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.

Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on Oct. 1, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon.

In Israel, 72 people have been killed from Hezbollah attacks, including 30 soldiers.