U.S. urges an end to military rule in Sudan
October 24, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged an end to the military rule in Sudan, one year after an unpopular coup that undermined the democratic transition.
On October 25, 2021, the leaders of the military component backed by some armed groups signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement overthrew the civilian-led government triggering a strong popular rejection as the international community paused its support for economic reforms.
The embattled military leaders recently agreed in principle to hand over back to a civilian government but still seek to get assurances about their fate and that they can play in the future.
“Almost one year ago today, the Sudanese military overthrew a civilian-led government and undermined the democratic aspirations of its people. The time is now to end military rule,” said Blinken in a tweet posted on Monday.
The U.S. top diplomat, in parallel, released a statement welcoming the initiatives to settle the stalled political crisis after the coup and to restore a civilian-led transition. Also, he voiced Washington’s support for the efforts of the Trilateral Mechanism to facilitate constructive dialogue in Sudan.
“Time is of the essence to reach agreement on a new transitional framework and a civilian-led government to carry forward Sudan’s democratic transition,”. he said.
He further underscored that the formation of a new civilian-led government “is the key that unlocks resumption of international assistance”.
He made it clear that the United States will continue to “reject military rule” and stands with the Sudanese demand for democracy.
The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and the military component are consulting over the formation of a civilian government under constitutional proposals made by the Sudanese Bar Association.
According to several sources close to the ongoing bargaining, the military leaders want guarantees about their responsibility for killing peaceful protesters. Also, They are seeking to impose a prime minister who composes with them, bringing to mind the experience of Hamdok’s government.
In a separate statement, the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and EU countries reaffirmed their support for an inclusive agreement to establish a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.
“Such an agreement is urgently needed to prevent further deterioration in the economic and humanitarian situation”, they said.
(ST)