Khartoum, Sudan – Arrests of activists commemorating the anniversary of the December Revolution have ignited political and public debate across Sudan. The revolution, which led to the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir, was marked by limited gatherings and speeches following Friday prayers in several Sudanese cities.
According to the Emergency Lawyers Group, security forces detained a number of activists participating in these events. The group stated that activist Munib Abdel Aziz was arrested in the Northern State after delivering a speech in front of a mosque following Friday prayers. The arrest, they claim, was directly related to his participation in the commemorative activities.
In his speech, Abdel Aziz called for the dissolution of all militias and the establishment of a unified, professional, and national army, separate from political influence. He emphasized the need for civilian rule and reiterated the revolution’s core tenets of “Freedom, Peace, and Justice.”
The news of Abdel Aziz’s arrest, along with other activists, has prompted widespread reaction on social media platforms. Online commentators expressed diverse viewpoints. Some users condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of Abdel Aziz and his colleagues, praising their courage in advocating for freedom, peace, and justice. Others questioned the timing of the commemorations, given the ongoing conflict in the country. Some argued that the current conflict is fundamentally rooted in an effort to suppress the revolution and its supporters.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, Khaled al-Eisir, issued a statement warning against actions that could destabilize the country. He affirmed that democracy is a universal value and a national aspiration, but cautioned that it cannot be achieved through practices that increase chaos or threaten the unity of society.
The arrests and subsequent debates underscore the ongoing tensions and divisions within Sudanese society as the country navigates a complex political transition.
