TUE 26 OCT, 2021-theGBJournal- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for the immediate resumption of consultations between civilians and military within the framework of the Political Declaration and the Constitutional Decree.
The Chairperson reaffirms that dialogue and consensus is the only relevant path to save the country and its democratic transition.
The Chairperson further calls for the release of all arrested political leaders and the necessary strict respect of human rights.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres on Monday also condemned the “ongoing military coup” in Sudan, saying Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and all other officials, “must be released immediately.”
Long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown by the military following months of popular protest in April 2019, and a transitional government was set up comprising both military and civilian leadership, after a power-sharing agreement, that was due to lead to full democratic elections in 2023.
Now, according to news agencies, Sudan’s military has dissolved civilian rule, arrested political leaders and declared a state of emergency. Protesters have reportedly taken to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, and there are reports of gunfire.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the Secretary-General said that “there must be full respect for the constitutional charter to protect the hard-won political transition.”
“The UN will continue to stand with the people of Sudan”, Mr. Guterres assured.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also condemned the coup.
“These actions threaten the Juba Peace Agreement and jeopardize the important progress made towards democracy and respect for human rights”, Michelle Bachelet said.
She called on military authorities to abide by the constitutional order and international law, withdraw from the streets, and resolve any differences with civilian leaders serving on the Transitional Council through dialogue and negotiation.
“I utterly deplore the reported arrest of the Prime Minister, several Ministers, leaders of the Forces of the Freedom and Change and other civil society representatives, and call for their immediate release”, she continued.
Ms. Bachelet also pointed out reports that the internet is down in the country and other means of communication are suspended.
“Blanket internet shutdowns contravene international law, and Internet and mobile services must be restored, as they are essential for people to seek and receive information, particularly in these unsettling circumstances”, she explained.
She asked military and security forces to refrain from unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, to respect people’s freedom of expression, as well as the right of peaceful assembly.
According to her, “it would be disastrous if Sudan goes backwards after finally bringing an end to decades of repressive dictatorship.”
“The country needs to move forward to consolidate democracy, a wish expressed countless times by the Sudanese people, including loudly and clearly on the streets last week and today”, she added.
The head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission Sudan (UNITAMS), also released a statement, declaring that the arrests of the Prime Minister, government officials and other politicians are “unacceptable.”
“I call on the security forces to immediately release those who have been unlawfully detained or placed under house arrest”, Volker Perthes said. “It is the responsibility of these forces to ensure the security and wellbeing of people in their custody.”
The UNITAMS chief, who acts as a Special Representative of the Secretary-General, also urged everyone involved to exercise the utmost restraint.
“All parties must immediately return to dialogue and engage in good faith to restore the constitutional order”, Mr. Perthes concluded.
Will Carter, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Sudan Country Director said “Changes in Sudan’s political leadership should not change commendable policy commitments to protect civilians and ensure aid organisations can still assist people left vulnerable by decades of conflict. Too much is at stake for more than 13 million people in Sudan who need humanitarian aid.”
“Sudan’s leaders have a collective opportunity and responsibility to break from a difficult past and urgently remove all barriers to delivering timely humanitarian assistance.”
“We appeal to the international community not to abandon Sudan’s people in this hour of need. Almost a third of the people in Sudan require humanitarian aid to survive. Yet, the UN-led humanitarian response plan for 2021 is only a quarter funded.”
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