UN, IGAD condemn military coup in Sudan, calls for dialogue
October 25, 2021 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the ongoing military coup in Khartoum, calling for the immediate reconstitution of the governing arrangements provided for under the Constitutional Document.
On Monday, the head of Sudan’s power-sharing council, General Abdel Fattah Burhan dissolved civilian rule, arrested political leaders and announced a state of emergency across the country.
The move attracted protests amidst demands for an immediate return to civilian rule.
The UN Secretary-General said the unlawful detention of the Prime Minister, government officials and politicians is “unacceptable” and contravenes the Constitutional Document and the partnership critical for the success of Sudan’s transition.
“The Secretary-General calls for the immediate release of the Prime Minister and all others who have been detained arbitrarily,” Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General said in a statement issued on Monday.
He added, “Sudanese stakeholders must immediately return to dialogue, and engage in good faith to restore the constitutional order and Sudan’s transitional process”.
Meanwhile, the UN reiterated its unwavering commitment and support to the realization of Sudan’s political transition, adding that any attempts to undermine this transition process puts at risk Sudan’s security, stability and development.
It further said it would continue to stand with the people of Sudan as they strive to fulfil their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.
Separately, the Executive Secretary of the regional bloc (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu strongly condemned any attempt to undermine the transitional government in Sudan while urging all the parties to exercise utmost restraint.
He also called for the immediate release of the Prime Minister and all arrested political leaders, stressing that IGAD stands ready to support the transitional government of Sudan and the people to consolidate peace and democratic gains.
Meanwhile, the African Union Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for the immediate resumption of consultations between civilians and military within the framework of the Political Declaration and the Constitutional Decree.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mahamat stressed that dialogue and consensus is the only relevant path to save Sudan and its democratic transition.
He further called for the release of all arrested political leaders and the necessary strict respect of human rights.
(ST)