Sudan: Is Military Government Peace Proposal Sincere or a Ploy?

 The International Crisis Group published on 12 August 2022 an analysis titled "A Breakthrough in Sudan's Impasse?" by Alan Boswell.

The author suggests that the offer by Sudan's military government to withdraw from stalled negotiations with civilian political forces, assume only security responsibilities, and then negotiate powers with a new all civilian administration could be a breakthrough in resolving Sudan's governance deadlock.  Or it could be a tactical maneuver to defuse popular unrest, shift blame for the deadlock and Sudan's economic problems to its civilian opponents, and offer a reason to assume total power.  

US Government Urges US Companies to Avoid Doing Business with Sudanese State-Owned Enterprises

 The U.S. Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, and Department of Labor issued on 23 May 2022 an advisory titled "Risks and Considerations for U.S. Businesses Operating in Sudan."

Following the seizure of power by Sudan's military on 25 October 2021, the military is in effective control of all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), of which there are at least 650.  The advisory warns that investing with, forming partnerships, or facilitating the expansion of SOEs and military-controlled companies in Sudan may entail reputational risks for U.S. businesses and individuals.  

This advisory relates specifically to SOEs and military-controlled companies.  The U.S. government does not seek to curtail or discourage responsible investment or business activities in Sudan with civilian-owned Sudanese counterparts.  

Sudan: Pro-military Protesters Oppose UN-led Talks

 Agence France Presse published on 26 January 2022 an article titled "Sudanese Rally against UN Bid to Resolve Post-coup Crisis."

Sudanese pro-military demonstrators took to the streets of Khartoum to protest against UN efforts to resolve the political crisis in Sudan.  The demonstrators called for the expulsion of the UN mission.  Sudan's Sovereign Council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and key members of the international community welcomed the UN-led dialogue.

Comment:  If al-Burhan supports the UN-led talks, it is not clear who organized the pro-military protesters.    

US Continues Withholding Aid to Sudan

 The Associated Press published on 20 January 2022 an article titled "US Says It Will Not Resume Sudan Aid after Recent Violence."

US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, David Satterfield, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, recently visited Khartoum.  They explained the United States will continue withholding aid from Sudan until the country's military rulers stop the killing of civilian protesters and a civilian-led government takes power.  

Reuters covered that same topic on 20 January 2022 in an article titled "Sudan Council Agrees with U.S. on Amending Democracy Transition Document."

Sudan's Post-Coup Agreement

 The Africa Center for Strategic Studies published on 24 November 2021 an analysis titled "What the Post-Coup Agreement Means for Sudan's Democratic Transition" by Joseph Siegle.

The Burhan-Hamdok post-military coup agreement has largely not been viewed as credible by Sudan's key domestic stakeholders.  Instead, it is seen as a means of affirming and legitimizing the role of the military in government and Burhan's position as head of state.  

Dissecting Sudan's Coup

 The US Institute of Peace (USIP) published on 27 October 2021 a discussion titled "Dissecting Sudan's Coup" with Manal Taha and Joseph Tucker.  

The two USIP experts on Sudan look at what led up to the military coup in Sudan and where it is headed.  

African Union Issues Strong Statement on Military Coup in Sudan

 The African Union Peace and Security Council issued a surprisingly strong statement on 26 October 2021 concerning the military coup d'etat in Sudan.

The statement underscored the AU's continuing commitment to support the Transitional Government of Sudan.  It expressed "deep concern" over the military takeover and "strongly" condemned the seizure of power by the Sudanese military.  It "totally" rejected the unconstitutional change of government and called for the immediate and unconditional full release of all detainees.  It noted that the AU agreed "to suspend with immediate effect, the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective restoration of the civilian-led Transitional Authority."

Comment:  This is one of the strongest statements ever released by the AU on an illegal change of government in Africa.  It is also another indication of the growing international opposition to the Sudan military's power grab.  

Nurturing Sudan's Fledgling Power-sharing Accord

The International Crisis Group published on 20 August 2019 a commentary titled "Nurturing Sudan's Fledgling Power-sharing Accord."

Sudan's generals signed the power-sharing accord under pressure. All interested parties will need to remain vigilant lest they try to restore autocracy.