The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) has been at the forefront of advocating for a new Sudan, one that is democratic, just, and free from oppression. The SPA has been instrumental in organizing protests and rallies across the country, bringing attention to the need for change.
The SPA's call for a new Sudan is rooted in the country's history of authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. The association has been working tirelessly to bring about a peaceful transition to democracy.
The SPA's vision for a new Sudan is one where citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process, where freedom of speech and assembly are protected, and where the rule of law is upheld.
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History and Context
The Sudanese Professionals Association has a fascinating history that dates back to 2012, when a university lecturers' union in Sudan judged that it wasn't strong enough to be effective.
The union joined forces with a doctors' union and a committee of teachers, and by 2014, they had chosen the name Sudanese Professionals Association and started planning campaigns for a living wage and improved working conditions.
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In 2016, a formal alliance was created between the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, the Sudanese Journalists Network, and the Democratic Lawyers Association, based on a written charter.
This alliance marked a significant step in the growth and development of the Sudanese Professionals Association, setting the stage for their future campaigns and activities.
In October 2016, the alliance was formalized, bringing together different professionals under a single banner.
However, in 2020, internal conflict led to the suspension of five affiliated organizations, including the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, the Sudanese Engineers Association, and the Sudanese Environmentalists Association.
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Recent Developments
The Sudanese Professionals Association has been making headlines in recent years. They played a key role in the Sudanese Revolution, which began in December 2018.
The Association's efforts led to the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. This marked a significant milestone in Sudan's transition towards democracy.
The Association's call for peaceful protests and civil disobedience helped to galvanize the movement, drawing in thousands of Sudanese citizens from all walks of life.
2018-19 Sudanese Protests
The 2018-19 Sudanese protests were a pivotal moment in the country's history. The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) initially coordinated with the protestors, adding a call for an increased minimum wage.
In December 2018, the Atbara protests sparked the movement. The SPA later decided to support the calls for "regime change" after discussing with the protestors.
The Khartoum massacre on June 3, 2019, was a turning point. The SPA called for "complete civil disobedience and open political strike" due to the Transitional Military Council's (TMC) violent repression of workers' strikes.
The SPA accused the TMC of being responsible for mass murder, pillage, rape, and violent repression in various cities and towns, including Darfur, Nuba Mountains, and Blue Nile. They called for nonviolent resistance in all direct actions towards change.
In August 2019, the SPA announced it would not participate in the cabinet of the transitional government but would join the Legislative Council to oversee the transition to democracy.
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Preparing for Discussions on Outstanding Issues
The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) is organizing workshops to prepare for nationwide dialogues on outstanding issues with the military junta. These dialogues are scheduled to start on January 3.
The SPA is evaluating the performance of the Empowerment Removal Committee (ERC) and has recommended maintaining the law with some amendments. The decisions of the ERC should be final and the aggrieved party should not have the right to appeal.
A workshop will be held on January 7 and 8 to discuss the issues of justice and transitional justice. The SPA is also planning a workshop on January 4 to discuss eastern Sudan governance.
The SPA wants to ensure that the ERC has the power to review its decisions within a maximum period of 10 days. This change is aimed at improving the efficiency of the ERC.
The SPA has planned several workshops in anticipation of the FFC-CC dialogues starting on January 3. These workshops will cover various topics, including the Juba Peace Agreement and security and military reform.
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The SPA is working to establish a "holding company" to handle recovered funds from public funds. This initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of recovered funds.
A workshop planned for Sunday will discuss the Juba Peace Agreement and the required security and military reform. The participation of JPA signatories and security and military leaders is expected.
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Organisations Affiliated
The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) is a platform that consists of several professional bodies, each with its own unique role and expertise. The SPA is a key component of the Forces of Freedom and Change that led the protest movement in Sudan.
One of the most notable affiliated bodies is the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors (CCSD), which was suspended by the SPA due to continuous violations of the charter and regulations. This move highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and adherence to rules within the association.
The CCSD is just one of the many affiliated bodies that make up the SPA. Other notable members include the Sudanese Engineers Association (SEA), the Sudanese Human Resources Professionals Gathering, and the Sudanese Environmentalists Association. These bodies work together to promote the interests of their respective professions and contribute to the broader goals of the SPA.
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Here is a list of some of the organisations affiliated with the SPA:
- Comité des enseignants (Teachers' Committee)
- Comité central des médecins soudanais (Central Committee of Sudan Doctors)
- Association démocratique des avocats (Democratic Lawyers Alliance)
- Réseau des journalistes soudanais (Journalists Network)
- Association démocratique des vétérinaires (Democratic Veterinary Association)
- Association des professeurs d’université (University Professors Association)
- Union des médecins soudanais (« légitime ») (Sudanese Doctors Union)
- Comité pour la restauration du syndicat des ingénieurs (Committee for the Restoration of the Engineers' Union)
- Comité central des pharmaciens (Central Committee of Pharmacists)
- Association des ingénieurs soudanais (Sudanese Engineers Association)
- Association des artistes plasticiens soudanais (Sudanese Plastic Artists Association)
- Association des spécialistes de la production animale (Association of Animal Production Specialists)
- Association des gestionnaires de la santé (Health Managers Association)
- Comité central des laboratoires médicaux (Central Committee of Medical Laboratories)
- Assemblée professionnelle des pharmaciens (Professional Assembly of Pharmacists)
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