Trilateral Mechanism says “deeply concerned” excessive violence against protesters in Sudan

May 22, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The Trilateral Mechanism of the AU, IGAD and UNITAMS Sunday voiced deep concern about the continued excessive use of violence in Sudan hampering their efforts to end the seven-month crisis in the country.

The security forces killed a protester in Omdurman on Saturday, increasing the death toll of those killed after the coup d’état to 96 people.

In a statement issued after a meeting on Sunday, the Mechanism said “deeply concerned by the continued use of excessive force in responding to protests”.

The three envoys stressed they have consistently called on the Sudanese authorities the need to stop violence against protesters, release political detainees and loft the state of emergency.

“Creating these conducive conditions is critical for the success of the political process and must be done as a matter of urgency,” stressed the statement.

The head of the Sovereign Council had several times pledged to implement confidence-building measures in order to create a suitable atmosphere for a dialogue process facilitated by the three bodies.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in November 2021 designated Adama Dieng as an expert on human rights in Sudan, following a request from the UN Human Rights Council.

Dieng visited Sudan in February, a month after a delay by the Sudanese authorities of a scheduled visit.

(ST)