A pro-democracy alliance that serves as the power base of Sudan’s civilian-led government has called for protests on the streets of Sudanese cities on Thursday.
In its latest escalation in its month-long quarrel with the military, the Forces of Freedom and Change called on the military to hand leadership of the Sovereignty Council to the civilian component of the power-sharing group.
Also on its list of demands is a restructure of the military to purge it from loyalists to former dictator Omar Al Bashir and absorbing paramilitary groups in its ranks. Intelligence and security agencies, the FFC says, should be placed under the direct supervision of the government, not generals, as is the case now.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend demonstrations on Thursday in the capital, Khartoum, and other major cities.
The FCC was at the centre of Sudanese resistance to Al Bashir and organised the deadly protests in 2018-19 that eventually led to his removal by the military.
They went on to enter a power-sharing deal with the military and become the political sponsor of the transitional government, appointing career UN economist Abdalla Hamdok as prime minister and selecting members of his Cabinet.
But the group has fallen prey to divisions within its ranks that hurt its image and undermined its sway over the streets it once controlled.
Relations between the military and the FFC-backed government have also been fraught with tension since a failed coup attempt last month, with both sides publicising their differences for the first time. Their bitter quarrel quickly turned into a mud-slinging match, with the military and their supporters openly calling for Mr Hamdok’s government to resign.
“Our country is going through a delicate historic juncture that places the revolutionaries in confrontation with those who are striving to kill the spirit of the revolution and its choice of a civilian state,” said a statement by the organisers of Thursday’s planned protests.
“We are fully aware that the road ahead is filled with barriers and thorns, given that the military is laying in ambush to kill the democratic shift and creation of a state of law.”
The demonstrations constitute a potentially dangerous escalation in the trial of wills between the military and the FFC-backed government, risking an outbreak of violence between rival supporters.
A sample of what could be in store was on display on Monday when a small group of army supporters tried to break into the Cabinet offices as it held an emergency meeting. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd and sealed off the area with barbed wire and barricades to prevent a repeat.
The protesters belonged to a larger group that is camping outside the walls of the republican palace at the heart of Khartoum to press demands for the removal of Mr Hamdok’s government. They chanted slogans urging the military to seize power.
Mr Hamdok has described the crisis as the “worst and most dangerous” Sudan has faced since Al Bashir’s removal.
US support for transition
Washington will send its chief envoy for the Horn of Africa to the country this week, the second such visit in less than a month.
The US has made it clear that it supports Mr Hamdok’s government, which is battling a dip in popularity caused by harsh economic conditions made worse by a month-long blockade of the country’s main commercial sea port.
But it has Washington’s support. Prior to the blockade, enforced by protesters suspected of acting at the behest of the military, Sudan’s economy had been showing signs of slow recovery, with inflation rates falling and the local currency holding its ground against the US dollar.
Sudan, a vast and underdeveloped Afro-Arab nation of about 40 million people, is no stranger to rivalry between civilian politicians and the military. Its generals have tried to seize power at least two dozen times since independence in 1956. Of these, three ushered in long spells of military rule, from 1958 to 1964, 1969 to 1985 and 1989 to 2019.
The consequences of another military takeover, whether directly or through proxies, would plunge Sudan back into the pariah status it had for most of Al Bashir’s 29 years in power, removing access to the foreign assistance it desperately needs and putting it at risk of international sanctions.
“Things are clearly worrisome,” said Michael Hanna, director of the US programme at Crisis Group, a think tank. “Politics should not be contested on the streets. It’s a very dangerous proposition,” he said, an allusion to Thursday’s planned demonstrations.
Significantly, the government appears to be enjoying wide support from the international community. The military, on the other hand, is believed to enjoy the support of some of the region’s heavyweights and has at its disposal an unmatched firepower.
But activists and witnesses said the military had resorted to the tactics of authoritarian regimes this week when it bussed anti-government protesters to the city centre from Khartoum’s outlying districts. The protesters included so many children that Sudan’s human rights groups publicly denounced the operation as an unlawful exploitation of minors.
Thirty identical tents and a military-style field kitchen popped up at the sit-in site, giving credence to widespread suspicion that the military was involved.
“The military’s actions are rooted in its narrow interests, betray a desire to hold on to power and is oblivious to the consequences for the nation,” said Adel Khalafallah, a senior FFC member.
The FFC and government demands are difficult, perhaps impossible, for the military to meet without losing face, which does not bode well for a fast resolution of the crisis, said Othman Al Mirghany, editor in chief of Al Tayar, a Khartoum daily newspaper.
“Sudan’s generals will not accept a demotion or civilian supervision,” he said. “To do so goes against the norms and traditions they have lived by while in uniform.”
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
RESULTS
Bantamweight
Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
(Split decision)
Featherweight
Hussein Salim (IRQ) beat Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
(Round 1 submission, armbar)
Catchweight 80kg
Rashed Dawood (UAE) beat Otabek Kadirov (UZB)
(Round-1 submission, rear naked choke)
Lightweight
Ho Taek-oh (KOR) beat Ronald Girones (CUB)
(Round 3 submission, triangle choke)
Lightweight
Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) beat Damien Lapilus (FRA)
(Unanimous points)
Bantamweight
Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
(Round 1 TKO)
Featherweight
Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
(Round 1 rear naked choke)
Flyweight
Shannon Ross (TUR) beat Donovon Freelow (USA)
(Unanimous decision)
Lightweight
Dan Collins (GBR) beat Mohammad Yahya (UAE)
(Round 2 submission D’arce choke)
Catchweight 73kg
Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM) beat Islam Mamedov (RUS)
(Round 3 submission, kneebar)
Bantamweight world title
Xavier Alaoui (MAR) beat Jaures Dea (CAM)
(Unanimous points 48-46, 49-45, 49-45)
Flyweight world title
Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
(Round 1 RSC)
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE SPECS
Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 367Nm
Price: Dh280,000
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WTL%20SCHEDULE
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if you go
The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles.
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
