The protests in Sudan continue one month after the fall of long-time dictator al-Bashir. The demonstrators turn against the military transitional council. They demand a civil government.
Even a month after the overthrow of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, people in Sudan are not satisfied. A spontaneous street poll in the capital Khartoum gives a clear picture: „There is still no far-reaching solution,“ says one of the passers-by. „We want a civilian government, nothing else, but we are optimistic.“ Another says that the military dictatorship has lasted for thirty years. „We do not want to go back there.“ And a third person expresses his hope: „God willing, we can reach a civil government, democracy, and then we will be satisfied.“
Until the appointment of a civil government, the protests should continue. The demonstrators show their dissatisfaction, for example, with a mass sit-in. It takes place seven days a week, for 24 hours – sometimes with less inflow. During the current Ramadan, when all religious Muslims are fasting during the day, people come together especially after dark to support the permanent demonstrators.
Every evening several concerts
The center of the protest is located in Khartoum near the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces. Protesters have secured the area with barricades against possible attackers. Behind the barriers unfolds a popular mood. Every evening there are several concerts.
Again and again people start small protest marches. The demonstrators turn against the military transitional council under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who has ruled Sudan since the fall of al-Bashir.
Conflict between military council and opposition
Burhan repeatedly asserts that free elections should be held after a transitional period of four years. After that, the power would pass to a civilian government. Until then, however, according to the will of the military one of their ranks the head of state.
The opposition does not want that at all. Amjad Fared, a spokesman for the union federation SPA, the strongest of the various opposition groups, says: „The army is there to protect and defend the country, not to rule it or rule it.“
Negotiations stall
The negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the opposition are stalling. A few days ago it was said that the opposition wanted to strike a liberation strike with a general strike. Fared confirms this in conversation with the ARD. „All weapons of the mass movement are on the table and we have the opportunity to do that,“ says the SPA spokesman. „We are still negotiating, but the delay tactics of the Military Council puts the situation in a critical phase.“
The charge is that the Transitional Military Council is delaying negotiations. He clings to power. The protesters, on the other hand, want to continue protesting – with their sit-in and many concerts.
