Ousting of President Bashir was a step forward for peaceful protesters in Sudan; yet will not be complete till the civilian rule is established. Ongoing protests and calls for civil disobedience from different professionals continue to demand immediate transfer of power to civilians, establishing a democratic order respecting, promoting and fulfilling people’s human rights and freedoms. Women groups, students, young and old Sudanese have been mobilizing since months and are eager to remain so; till their voices are heard and met.

At this background the Transitional Military Council decision reversing the freeze of the trade unions in Sudan and allowing them to operate does not meet people’s demand given that they only played a role in support of Bashir regime previously without any independency. In addition, following threats from TMC directed to professionals participating in strikes is worrisome.

People’s mobilization in Sudan; their firm resistance to violence and organization of peaceful protests gave hope to millions and have been supported worldwide. Organization of further country-wide strikes and protests is the only way they see forward for ensuring the peaceful transfer of power to civilians.

The Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) supports the strikes organized by free trade unions and civil society organizations in Sudan and reiterates its call for full respect to the peoples’ freedom of peaceful assembly and calls military forces to restrain from any violence against protesters and organizers of the strikes.

ANND believes that an enabling environment for independent, rights-based groups to associate, peacefully assemble and express their views is much needed to ensure an inclusive, participatory and transparent transition.

ANND calls upon the international community to make pressure on the military council to transmit power to a civilian council to lead the peaceful transition in Sudan.