Worries are growing new pattern of Sudan civil society repression. Freedom House released a stunning denouncement of Sudan’s ongoing repression of dissent, “In response to the Sudanese government’s continued crackdown on civil society organizations, including the recent forced closure of the Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Cultural Centre”.

According to the statement, Vukasin Petrovic, regional director for Africa at Freedom House said, “the harassment and closures of civil society organizations in Sudan is clearly part of President Bashir’s strategy to stifle dissenting voices ahead of national elections in April. The government’s actions highlight its unwillingness to allow for free and fair elections and permit citizens to engage in genuine political dialogue.”

Partially supported by the U.S. government, Freedom House is an “independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.” They have said that “Sudan is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2014, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2014, and Not Free in Freedom on the Net 2014.”