Politicians and Protestors Arrested in Sudan
December 14, 2009
By: Randi Zung

On December 7, in Khartoum, Sudan, the Sudanese government arrested more than 200 protestors who participated in a rally calling for democratic reforms to be passed before the country’s next national elections in April 2010.  According to news outlet AllAfrica, among the arrested were high ranking members of Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), Southern Sudan’s ruling party, including secretary-general Pagan Amum, his deputy, Yassir Arman, and a minister in Sudan's coalition government, Abbas Goma’a.  Following the arrests, SPLM supporters set fire to offices of Northern Sudan’s ruling party, the National Congress Party.  The destruction was later condemned by SPLM officials.  Salva Kiir, who is both the leader of SPLM and Vice President of Sudan, said that the arrests violated the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement which established peace between the Northern and Southern regions of the country.

Voice of America reports opponents to President Omar Bashir’s National Congress Party (NCP) say that the recent crackdown is a sign that the country’s upcoming election will be plagued by government misconduct.  Ezekiel Lol Gathkuoth, head of the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States said that under the current political conditions the elections will not be “free and fair.”  In addition, Gathkuoth claims that the group was granted permission from the proper authorities to hold their demonstration.

Reuters reports that 48 opposition supporters are now facing charges for their involvement in the demonstration that took place on December 14, in which riot police fired tear gas into a crowd of over 200 protestors.  This demonstration was the second time that protestors have clashed with Sudanese authorities in recent weeks.  The 48 individuals, who were all later released on bail, were charged with being part of an illegal gathering and “causing a public nuisance.”  Unlike the December 7 demonstration, this time no one asked the proper authorities to demonstrate. 

Sources:
AllAfrica.com - Govt Arrests Leading Southern Politicians
http://allafrica.com/stories/200912070584.html

Reuters - Sudan opposition face charges over banned rally
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE5BE24J20091215

Voice of America - Politicians’ Arrests Dismay South Sudan Government Officials

www.ccd21.org