Thousands in Sudan protest against military rule ahead of talks

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - Thousands of Sudanese protested Thursday against the country’s military rule, rejecting forthcoming UN-brokered talks between the country’s political rivals.

They headed towards the presidential palace, chanting anti-military slogans and calling for full civilian rule.

They also raised banners proclaiming the “Three Nos” -- no partnership with the military, no negotiations, and no compromise.

Eyewitnesses said police used tear gas, water cannon, batons and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters around the presidential palace near downtown Khartoum.

The UN, African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) trade bloc trilateral mechanism said Wednesday that it will commence talks between Sudanese political rivals this week in order to find a solution to the crisis in Sudan and how to bring the country on the right path after the Oct. 25, 2021 military coup.

The trilateral mechanism further said the talks would be indirect in their first phase, without elaborating.

“Given the circumstances, these talks will initially be held in an indirect format. Regular communication will be issued by the mechanism to keep the public informed," they said in a statement.

Resistance committees, which have become widely popular, are boycotting the talks, refusing to engage in any negotiations with the military.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), the rebels, who are non-signatories to the Juba peace deal, and the Communist Party have also boycotted the UN talks, while the Forces for Freedom and Change opposition coalition has agreed to sit for the talks with the military under the condition of ending the coup.