SAF in Talodi prevents farmers meet
<p><b>HUDO Centre No. H.K/PS/24/021 <br />29<sup>th</sup> March 2021 <br /> PRESS STATEMENT <br /> MILITARY STOPS THE MEETING OF FARMERS IN TALODI, SUDAN</b> <br />On 27th March 2021, for unknown reason, SAF in Talodi forced the committee of farmers to cancel their announced meeting. SAF also intimidated that they will arrested farmers who will not comply with the directive. On 26th March 2021, the committee of farmers in Talodi called upon (announced) farmers for a meeting which was supposed to be conducted (the following day) on 27th March 2021. The meeting was meant to discuss the preparation for the upcoming cultivation season. The public announcement was made by Mr. Saeed Badawi (farmer and town’s public news announcer via load speakers). On 27th March 2021 morning, Mr. Saeed was summoned by the Military Intelligence (MI) of Sudan Armed Force (SAF). SAF ordered him to announce the cancelation of the meeting if not, they will arrest any farmers that may come for the meeting. SAF/ MI did not give any reasons for stopping the meeting apart from citing the emergency law. That farmers should seek permission from SAF for any kind of meeting. One of the farmers informed HUDO that, “last year there was an incident of corruption connected to fuel distribution which MI was part of. Now they obstructed this meeting because they know it’s a kind of precaution by the farmers to hinder any kind of corruption within the coming cultivation season”. Talodi is the capital of Talodi locality in South Kordufan State/ Nuba Mountains and it has agricultural scheme.The farmers committee was established in 2020 after resolving the workers unions by the ouster of former president (Bashir). Its general assembly was conducted by then under observation of the authority. HUDO is very concerned about the situation of civilians in conflict areas and calls upon;<br />· The transitional government of Sudan to hold to account SAF commandant in Talodi for misconduct. <br />· Sudan government to end the state of emergency in conflict areas which enables SAF to act irresponsibly. <br />· Sudan government to respect the constitutional rights and its international obligations of citizens’ peaceful assembly and association</p> <p> </p> <p>End: For more information, please write to hudo2009@gmail.com</p>