Hamdok is Back in Sudan as Premier But The People Are Angry!

ALBAWABA - Abdulla Hamdok is back! After nearly a month under house arrest the Sudanese Prime Minister has just been reinstated as the Prime Minister of the country.

General  Abdul Fatah Al Burhan who dismissed Hamdok and placed him under house arrest last 25 October bowed to public and international pressure and reinstated the well-known economist who worked with the UN and African regional organizations. He will now form a new cabinet of his own choosing but many are doubtful.

World leaders like US president Joe Biden are pleased with the latest move.  The United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed: "I expressed support for initial steps to restore Sudan’s democratic transition but underscored the work that remains to rebuild confidence with the Sudanese people. I made clear that the U.S. is watching."

However, the Sudanese street has been up-in-arms. They are angry with the latest deal reached between Burhan and Hamdok, particularly because, at a stroke of a pen, the General dismissed the country's Sovereign Consul and imprisoned many of the activists including government ministers who are still to be freed. They remain suspicious of the new deal.

 The Sudanese Professionals Association, described the deal reached on 21st November as "treasonous" and "far from the aspiration of our people," as reported by the UPI. As well, the  Forces of Freedom and Change coalition also spoke out against the deal, saying there is "no negotiation, no partnership, nor legitimacy for the coup plotters" as reported by the American news agency. 

The coalition added: "We have nothing to do in any agreement with this brutal gang, and we are working with all peaceful means to bring this (gang) down, working with all the forces of the revolution, professional groups, resistance committees and all the honorable people."

If this is the case Sudan is in for a long rocky ride. Since 25 October, 41 have been shot dead by security authorities in street clashes against the coup. 

People on the social media have been expressing doubt about the new deal. One plainly said "the people of Sudan are not demanding Hamdok to return with a gun to his head. They are demanding an end to military rule. I am with them."

Another points out: "I stand with the courageous people of Sudan who were at the forefront of the peaceful revolution. Whether or not the deal struck between General Burhan and Prime Minister Hamdok represents progress for the country is for the Sudanese people to decide."

However in a press release by the Khartoum State Resistance Committees' Coordination it stated whoever "believed in Hamdok, now Hamdok is dead". It added "and whoever believed in the revolution, the revolution is alive and does not die."

This tone continues to reflect the anger and dismay of the Sudanese street, a revolution they started in 2019 to push out longtime dictator Omar Hassan Al Bashir.