UN chief calls for inclusive understanding over transitional reforms in Sudan

January 3, 2021 (NEW YORK) – UN Secretary-General has called for dialogue to reach an inclusive agreement paving the way to achieve the needed political and economic transitional reforms.

Antonio Guterres on Monday issued a statement saying he took note of Hamdok’s resignation from his position as prime minister following his failure to bring the political forces to sign an inclusive political declaration.

Guterres “regrets that a political understanding on the way forward is not in place despite the gravity of the situation in Sudan, reads a statement issued by his Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

“The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to continue engaging in meaningful dialogue in order to reach an inclusive, peaceful and lasting solution,” added Dujarric.

On October 25, the head of the Sudanese army dissolved the transitional government and arrested the prime minister and some government officials and political leaders.

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) of seeking to remain in power and delaying reforms.

His coup took place after their demand to hand over the chairmanship of the Sovereign Council to the civilian component as provided in the constitutional declaration. Also, the FFC demanded to implement military reforms and to integrate the RSF into the national army.

Now, the political coalition and the Resistance Committees say they want to establish al-Burhan removal from the army together with the RSF commander.

Some 57 people were killed after the coup but the protests continue despite the brutal repression.

On January 4, the Resistance Committees organise a new demonstration to keep the pressure on the coup leaders.

Guterres, in his statement, condemned the continued violence against protesters.

He called on “the Sudanese security forces to exercise the utmost restraint and adhere to their obligations in relation to the rights to freedom of assembly and expression”.