U.S. senators call for one army in Sudan under civilian control

May 5, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – U.S. Senators called to unify all the militias and armed groups in Sudan under the control of the civilian government.

Senators Christopher Coons and Chris Van Hollen concluded a visit to Khartoum on Wednesday where they held a press conference before leaving the country.

The two lawmakers voiced their support for the democratic transition in Sudan and vowed to support the ongoing efforts to bring Sudan Ethiopia and Egypt to stick a deal over the GERD filling and operation.

Speaking about the transition in Sudan, Senator Coons said they support the reforms undertaken by the civilian government of Abdallah Hamdok to achieve democratic change in the country.

He further called for the formation of a unified army including all the militias and armed groups, under the umbrella of the civilian government.

Also, he praised the steps by the Sudanese to normalize relations with Israel including the signing of the Abraham Accord and the repeal of the boycott law.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate to support Sudan’s transition towards a freer, more open, and more inclusive society,” wrote in a tweet released on Wednesday.

Coons was warmly welcomed by the Sudanese government officials in Khartoum on Tuesday for his efforts in support of the Sudanese revolution and the country removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Senator Van Hollen, for his part, reiterated their support for the democratic reforms in Sudan and expressed willingness to support efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

We want to be partners and to have good relations. We support the transition towards democracy, peace and justice, he added.

GERD issue

Coons said they discussed the GERD issue, adding that Washington would work to achieve a fair agreement for the three riparian countries.

He further said that Ethiopia has the right to build the hydropower dam, but through an agreement that takes into account the interests of all countries in the region.

He stated that the U.S. Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman would seek to solve the GERD crisis.

Feltman is already in Egypt as part of his regional tour to discuss the issue of the giant dam. He will travel also to Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan from May 4 to May 13, 2021.

(ST)