UNITMAS calls to release FFC leaders detained outside its office

November 6, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – UNITAMS head Volker Perthes called for the release of the three leading members of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) detained after a meeting with them.

On 4 November, the Sudanese security service arrested Taha Osman Isahaq, Sharif Mohamed Osman and Hamza Farouk outside UNITAMS premises in Khartoum.

The international diplomat is holding consultations with the military council and the political leaders to reach a comprise ending the military takeover and restoring the transitional institutions.

“I deplore and condemn the recent arrests, including the people I have just met,” said Perthes. in a tweet posted on Friday.

The mission “strongly” condemned the detention of members of the FFC’s Central Council after their meeting with its chief.

The Sudanese authorities have launched an arrest campaign in Khartoum neutralizing political leaders and activists despite the international calls for de-escalation and reestablishment of the transitional government.

“We urge for the immediate release of those detained on or after 25 October,” said the statement.

“We call upon the military leadership to cease arresting politicians and activists and to stop committing further human rights violations,” said the UNITAMS.

The mission stressed that such arrests undermine its ” good offices role”.

The UNITMAS pointed out that these detentions hinder efforts to restore stability and a return to the path of democratic transition in Sudan.

The military council is facing unprecedented isolation as they refuse to release the detained prime minister, other government officials and political leaders.

On 5 November,  the Human Rights Council requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to designate without delay an Expert on Human Rights in Sudan to monitor the developing human rights situation until the restoration of its civilian-led government.

On the regional and international level, Egypt remains the only country that refused to condemn the coup leaders.

(ST)