Today marks two years since the start of the counter-revolutionary war on April 15, 2023, between Sudan’s two ruling militias – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
Sudan’s revolution is a story of grassroots organising, sacrifice, and unwavering resistance to oppression.From the fight against British colonial rule to the revolutions that toppled military dictatorships, Sudanese workers, women, students, and grassroots movements have led every major battle for freedom. This pamphlet highlights the mass mobilisations that shook the streets, the role of neighbourhood-basedResistance…
While the Sudanese people bear the devastating consequences of war—driven by the greed of the two major militias, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their global backers—the Sudanese embassy in London continues to promote and lobby for support for the army.
Newly-formed independent workers’ committees in Syria organised demonstrations and vigils across the country in protest at caretaker government’s decision to sack thousands of public sector employees, and in response to the spiralling cost of living which is pushing millions of Syrians deeper into poverty. Rallies took place on 15 February in Damascus, Aleppo, Suwayda, Latakia…
Egyptian Trade unionist Shady Mohamed is on hunger strike, his wife has told other activists, protesting against terrible conditions in Burg al-Arab prison where he has been held since last year on charges related to displaying a Palestine solidarity banner. Shady was among 6 people arrested for this simple act of protest and solidarity and…
On February 8, 2025, Sudanese women and allies held a silent march in London, urging the UK government to pressure warring parties in Sudan to halt violence and facilitate humanitarian aid. The protest highlighted the escalating gender-based violence against women since the onset of war in April 2023, calling for a just peace and liberation.
Kuwaiti blogger Salman Al-Khalidi was extradited from Iraq to Kuwait despite his political refugee status, violating international law. His persecution followed his criticism of Saudi leadership, leading to multiple charges and the revocation of his citizenship. His case underscores the severe repression of free speech in Gulf states and the collaboration between regional authorities.
Leeds University PhD student Salma al-Shehab’s prison sentence has been reduced from 27 years to four years, with an additional four years suspended. However, no release date has been announced. Human rights organizations consider this a minor victory given her unjust treatment for peacefully expressing her views. Her case underscores the Saudi regime’s repression of dissent and basic freedoms. Support for her release must continue.
Join the march organised by the Sudanese Women’s Union UK & I in support of the revolution and in resistance to the ongoing war in Sudan and the appalling violence perpetrated against women. Sudanese women, in particular, have borne the brunt of this brutal conflict, their bodies transformed into weapons of war. They have endured unimaginable suffering, including rape, enslavement, and torture. It is crucial that we all stand in solidarity with them and amplify their voices.
Laila Soueif, mother of British citizen Alaa Abdel Fattah, a writer, software developer and prominent pro-democracy activist jailed by Egypt’s authoritarian regime for most of the last ten years, will be organising regular protests outside Downing Street from 13 January. Alaa’s case has hit the news in recent months as his family have stepped up…
MENA Solidarity Network 