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Sudan Tribune

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Clarity over military role is needed to avoid future disputes in Sudan: EU-Troika

Friends of Sudan

Friends of Sudan meets in Khartoum on December 11, 2019

July 13, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The Troika and European Union on Wednesday called for talks between the political forces and the component military in Sudan to define the role and responsibilities of the army leaders after the decision to withdraw from politics.

On July 4, the head of the military-led Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said they decided to not participate in the dialogue process or the transitional government. However, he said they would form a higher military body to deal with security and defence issues with some additional powers in related fields.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the international supporters of democratic transition, the Troika and the European Union took note of al-Burhan’s announcement to withdraw from the dialogue process.

They called on the military leaders to remain committed to this pledge and called on the political groups swiftly to hold inclusive talks to form a civilian-led transitional government that enjoys “broad-based, nation-wide support”.

“There must also be full clarity on, and oversight of, the military’s role and responsibilities.  Such matters cannot be defined unilaterally by the military; they require dialogue and transparency to help avoid future disputes,” further stressed the Troika and EU.

Following the fall of the al-Bashir regime, the international community formed the Friends of Sudan groups and provided significant economic and financial support to the Sudan as the country was impoverished by corruption and international isolation.

After the coup of October 25, 2021, al-Burhan and his deputy continued to reach out to the international community fearing targeted sanctions on the army’s economic activities and personal businesses of the Rapid Support Forces leader.

The statement reiterated support for the tripartite facilitation panel of the United Nations, African Union, and IGAD which supports the intra-Sudanese dialogue.

“The Troika and the European Union look forward to supporting a transitional civilian government that enjoys popular support, reflecting the hope and aspirations we share with the Sudanese people,” concluded the joint statement.

(ST)