News and Updates: Staying Informed on Sudan’s Developments

“National Communications Authority of South Sudan Announces Social Media Ban”

South Sudan: Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 22, 2025

The National Communications Authority has announced a ban on social media platforms Facebook and TikTok in South Sudan, effective today, January 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM, for a duration of 90 days, according to the National Communications Authority.

 

“Trenches Provide Shelter for Malit Residents from Airstrike Attacks”

Malit: Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 22, 2025

A correspondent from Sudan Sawa Sawa reported that the city of Malit, located in North Darfur, has been subjected to several repeated airstrikes by the army’s aircraft, which have targeted the markets multiple times. As a result of these attacks, traders in the area have been forced to dig trenches to serve as shelters during the strikes in an effort to protect their lives and ensure their survival.

 

 

“Rapid Support Forces Target Power Stations: City of Atbara in Darkness for Over Three Consecutive Nights”

Northern Sudan: Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 22, 2025

In recent events, a correspondent from “Sudan Sawa Sawa” reported that the Rapid Support Forces launched several protest marches in the city of Dongola, located in the Northern state. These marches directly targeted power stations, leading to a complete disruption of lighting services. As a result, the residents of the city are left in a dire situation, facing significant difficulties in their daily lives amidst the ongoing darkness.

Currently, the residents continue to live in a state of anxiety and fear regarding the potential resurgence of these marches or further targeting, which has heightened tensions and unease in the region.

 

 

 

“16 Killed and 18 Injured in Abu Shouk Camp”

Emergency Room in El Fasher

El Fasher: Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 21, 2025

The Abu Shouk displacement camp in El Fasher witnessed tragic events on January 20, when Rapid Support Forces indiscriminately shelled the camp, with the attacks primarily focusing on the market area.

Reports indicate that 16 people were killed and 18 others injured as a result of the shelling. Targeting civilians in this manner constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and conventions aimed at protecting civilians during conflicts.

 

“Outbreak of HMPV Pneumonia Virus in Atbara City”

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 18, 2025

A correspondent from Sudan Sawa Sawa reported an outbreak of the pneumonia virus, known as HMPV, in Atbara City. The spread of this virus is attributed to climate changes. HMPV is highly contagious and significantly affects individuals’ health, leading to changes in voice and the appearance of severe cold-like symptoms. Residents of the city are experiencing these symptoms intensely, causing them considerable distress.

Infection with this virus can be prevented by taking certain health precautions. It is advised to wear protective masks to reduce the risk of transmission, as well as to avoid large gatherings and maintain distance from individuals who are infected. These measures may help protect both individuals and the community as a whole from the virus.

 

“South Sudan Police Impose Nationwide Curfew”

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 17, 2025

The police in South Sudan have announced a nationwide curfew starting at 6 PM, as part of efforts to enhance public security and prevent any incidents that may threaten public and private property.

General Abraham Manewat, the Inspector General of Police, confirmed that this decision is a response to the current security situation, emphasizing the importance of citizens adhering to the curfew guidelines.

During an interview with state television, Manewat stated that the police are closely monitoring the situation and urged citizens to cooperate with them by reporting any actions that may compromise security. He assured that the police would respond decisively to any attempts to disrupt stability or harm property.

Authorities have called on citizens to comply with the curfew and work together with security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 16, 2025

“A Call for Calm”

Dear citizens of South Sudan,

On behalf of His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, we express our deep sorrow and grief over the recent brutal killings of innocent civilians from South Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces. As we all know, many in South Sudan still regard Sudan as home due to our shared history and ongoing brotherly commitments. However, these acts of violence against civilians are completely unacceptable.

Our citizens trapped in war zones in Sudan are entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions, which the warring parties must adhere to.

I want to assure you that His Excellency the President and the Government of South Sudan are taking swift and decisive action in response to these tragic events. Upon learning of these incidents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese ambassador in Juba, and diplomatic consultations are underway to ensure that those responsible for these killings are held accountable under international law.

However, I urge all citizens of South Sudan to remain calm and refrain from seeking revenge. It is crucial that we do not allow anger to cloud our judgment or turn against the Sudanese traders and refugees currently residing in our country. These individuals are seeking safety, and it is our duty to provide protection and support to those in need.

I call on all of you to exercise restraint and allow the Governments of South Sudan and Sudan to address this matter through diplomacy. Let us trust in the peace processes and dialogues to resolve this crisis, rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Let us stand united as a people to demonstrate the strength and resilience that define us, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions further. Together, we can navigate this difficult moment with wisdom and compassion.

May God grant eternal peace to the souls of our departed brothers, and may the people of South Sudan find comfort in knowing that we stand together in solidarity, striving for swift and just action.

Sincerely,
Lily Adio Martin Manel
Press Secretary
Office of the President

 

“Treasury Sanctions Leader of Sudanese Armed Forces and Weapons Supplier”
Sudan Sawa Saws, January 16, 2025

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (Burhan), the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition.” This action follows the designation of the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti), on January 7, 2025. In addition, OFAC is sanctioning one company and one individual involved in weapons procurement on behalf of the Defense Industries System (DIS), a procurement arm of the SAF that OFAC sanctioned in June 2023.

“Today’s action underscores our commitment to seeing an end to this conflict,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “The United States will continue to use our tools to disrupt the flow of weapons into Sudan and hold these leaders responsible for their blatant disregard of civilian lives.”

Burhan’s SAF has committed lethal attacks on civilians, including airstrikes against protected infrastructure including schools, markets, and hospitals. The SAF is also responsible for the routine and intentional denial of humanitarian access, using food deprivation as a war tactic. In December 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that members of the SAF had committed war crimes. The SAF’s egregious war tactics, alongside those of the RSF, are primarily responsible for one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, where famine has been declared in five regions of the country.

SAF leadership
Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (Burhan) is the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). In October 2021, Burhan and RSF commander Hemedti co-led a military takeover that seized power from Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government. Since then, Burhan has opposed a return to civilian governance in Sudan and has refused to participate in international peace talks to end the fighting, choosing war over good-faith negotiation and de-escalation. Under Burhan’s leadership, the SAF’s war tactics have included indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets, and hospitals, and extrajudicial executions.

Burhan is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14098, for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the SAF, an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.

SAF Weapons supplier
Ahmad Abdalla (Abdalla) is a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and an official of the Defense Industries System (DIS), the primary procurement arm of the SAF. Since OFAC’s June 2023 designation of DIS, the company has sought to procure weapons and equipment through unofficial means. To evade sanctions, DIS conducts procurement activities through ostensibly private companies working on its behalf. Abdalla is the Chief Operating Officer of Portex Trade Limited, a company that has transacted with entities involved in the sale of military equipment. Notably, Abdalla coordinated the acquisition of Iranian-made UAVs from an Azerbaijani defense company for shipment to Sudan.

Abdalla is being designated for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Defense Industries System, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.

Portex Trade Limited (Portex) is a Hong Kong-based company controlled by Abdalla. Portex is being designated for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Abdalla, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.

Portex Trade Limited (Portex) is a Hong Kong-based company controlled by Abdalla. Portex is being designated for being a foreign person who is owned or controlled by, or has acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Abdalla, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.

humanitarian Authorizations
In order to ensure that our sanctions do not impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, OFAC has issued broad general licenses (GLs) that authorize certain categories of transactions otherwise prohibited under E.O. 14098. This includes activities involving Burhan, the leader of the SAF; Hemedti, the leader of the RSF; and other persons blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098. In particular, 31 CFR § 546.512 of the Sudan Stabilization Sanctions Regulations (SSSR) authorizes certain humanitarian transactions that are in support of nongovernmental organizations, and 31 CFR § 546.513 of the SSSR authorizes certain transactions related to the provision of agriculture, medicine, and medical devices.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today

 

“Unrest in Juba Targets Sudanese Shops”

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 16, 2025

Tensions have escalated in the city of Juba as angry South Sudanese citizens took to the streets, destroying shops owned by Sudanese nationals. This reaction comes in response to the recent brutal killings of South Sudanese citizens in Wad Madani, Sudan.

The unrest, characterized by widespread frustration and sorrow, has led to confrontations between protesters and security forces. Reports indicate that government troops fired shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowds and restore order.

The situation remains tense, and concerns are growing about the potential for further violence if calm is not restored quickly. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the unrest, though calls for restraint have been made by community leaders and activists.

These developments highlight the increasing anger among South Sudanese citizens regarding the treatment of their compatriots in Sudan and raise questions about how the government is addressing these underlying grievances.

 

“Neutral Force for Civilian Protection Accuses Rapid Support Forces and Awakening Council of Crimes Against Humanity”

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 16, 2025

We express our condolences for the souls of the civilians and innocents who have suffered atrocities, looting, and crimes against humanity at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces and the Awakening Council, led by Sheikh Musa Hilal. It is important to note that over 80% of the victims are women and children fleeing hunger and insecurity, who were part of the convoy we are tasked with protecting as a neutral force. This force is comprised of the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Professor Abdul Wahid Mohammed Ahmed Nour, the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces, led by Professor Taher Abu Bakr Hajar, and the Transitional Council, led by Comrade Al-Hadi Idris Yahya.

As a neutral force, we hold the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces and the leader of the Awakening Council, Sheikh Musa Hilal, fully responsible for the events that occurred today in Kabkabiya and for their violations of the agreements made with us regarding the security and protection of civilian convoys. This situation will compel us to take a stand against what has been agreed upon.

 

“Horrific Massacre in Doumaiya Neighborhood of Nyala”

Sudan Sawa Sawa January 13, 2025

This morning, January 13, in the Doumaiya neighborhood of Nyala, a devastating humanitarian disaster unfolded as warplanes conducted their second consecutive airstrike on the area. These attacks resulted in the death of an entire family, along with injuries to numerous civilians. The airstrikes also caused massive destruction to properties and homes, further exacerbating the suffering of residents who are already living under harsh conditions.

 

“Shooting Incident in Manawashi, South Darfur”

Sudan Sawa Sawa  January 13, 2025

Last evening, on January 12, the Manawashi area experienced an incident of random gunfire by Rapid Support Forces within the market. This tragic event resulted in the death of citizen Abdullah Yahya Hassan and injuries to several others. This incident reflects the deterioration of security conditions in the area, increasing the concerns and fears of the local population.

 

“Army Neutralizes Drones Between Merowe and Dabba, One Hits Target“

Sudan Sawa Sawa, January 9, 2025

On January 9, around 1 AM Sudan time, a suicide drone crashed into the Merowe transformer station, also known as the Al-Ghazali Power Station, located south of the 19th Infantry Division. This attack resulted in a massive fire at the site, causing a power outage along the transmission line connecting the western region to Merowe/Dabba.

As part of the army’s ground defenses, forces were able to intercept six other drones as they crossed between Merowe and Dabba, but only one successfully reached its target and struck the station. This attack led to widespread power outages in large areas of Northern State.

 

Introduction
Sudan is a nation undergoing rapid changes, marked by political shifts, social movements, and ongoing challenges. Staying updated on these developments is crucial for understanding the broader implications for the region and the world. “News and Updates” provides timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of events in Sudan, offering insights into the country’s dynamic landscape.

Breaking News Coverage

In a rapidly evolving context, access to breaking news is essential. From political negotiations and peace agreements to protests and regional conflicts, “News and Updates” delivers real-time reports on critical events shaping Sudan. These updates help both local and international audiences stay informed, ensuring a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground.

Through trusted sources and on-the-ground correspondents, the platform prioritizes accuracy and context, avoiding sensationalism and misinformation. This commitment to reliable reporting enhances awareness and supports informed decision-making.

Political and Economic Insights

Sudan’s political and economic transitions are key areas of focus. From shifts in governance to economic reforms, these developments have far-reaching impacts on the country’s stability and progress. “News and Updates” provides in-depth analyses of policy changes, economic trends, and the implications of international agreements.

By exploring the complexities of Sudan’s political and economic landscape, the platform empowers readers with knowledge to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.

Human Stories and Community Voices

Beyond headline events, “News and Updates” emphasizes the human aspect of Sudan’s stories. Through interviews, personal accounts, and community perspectives, the platform brings attention to the lives affected by political and social changes.

Highlighting grassroots initiatives, youth movements, and stories of resilience, the platform showcases the diverse voices that make up Sudan’s rich tapestry. These narratives provide a deeper connection to the realities faced by Sudanese citizens.

International Relations and Global Impact

Sudan’s role on the international stage continues to evolve, with its relationships with neighboring countries and global powers playing a pivotal role. “News and Updates” tracks Sudan’s participation in regional alliances, trade agreements, and diplomatic efforts, offering insights into its place in global geopolitics.

This coverage bridges the gap between local developments and their broader implications, fostering a greater understanding of Sudan’s influence and importance in the global arena.

Interactive and Multimedia Updates

Recognizing the diverse needs of its audience, “News and Updates” employs a range of multimedia tools to deliver content. From video reports and infographics to interactive timelines and podcasts, the platform ensures information is accessible and engaging.

This approach caters to a wide audience, from policymakers and researchers to everyday readers seeking to stay informed. By utilizing modern technology, the platform enhances its reach and impact.

Conclusion

“News and Updates” serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about Sudan’s developments. By providing accurate, timely, and nuanced reporting, the platform helps bridge gaps in understanding and promotes informed discussions about the country’s future.

In a time of rapid change, access to reliable news and updates is more important than ever. By connecting local realities to global audiences, this platform ensures Sudan’s stories are heard and understood, fostering a greater sense of connection and awareness.