EU, western diplomats “regret” death of civilians in Sudan

June 8, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The Europeans Union (EU) and western diplomats have expressed “deep” regrets and concerns after a 100th civilian died as a result of the protests that broke out in the aftermath of the October 25, 2021, military coup in Sudan.

“We deeply regret the loss of Sudanese civilians killed in large scale attacks and widespread violence across the country during the same period,” partly reads the joint statement issued by the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union delegation to Sudan.

It added, “The loss of lives and many wounded represent a huge loss to the people of Sudan”.

Another protester, Rowan Tarig Elias, 5, died on Tuesday evening after a vehicle of security services hunting night protesters ran over her in the Kalakla area of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

This brings to 101 the number of civilians killed by the security forces since October 25, including 16 children.

The EU and western diplomats also extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims in Sudan.

The recent killings, they stressed, add to the ongoing suffering of people during the period of economic distress and escalating conflicts in the region.

Calls were, however, made for authorities in Sudan to adopt confidence-building measures such as halting the use of force against civilians, repeal of emergency decisions, investigating human rights violations and release of those detained for involvement in protests over the coup.

The EU and western diplomats reiterated their commitment to support a democratic process in Sudan.