Foreign affairs committee leaders at the US Congress introduced legislation to support Sudan’s democratic transition.
Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Michael McCaul, the Committee’s Ranking Member; Karen Bass, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations; and Chris Smith, the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member, introduced legislation to help foster a successful democratic transition in Sudan.
The Sudan Democratic Transition, Accountability, and Financial Transparency Act of 2020 (H.R.6094) would support a civilian-led democratic transition, promote accountability for human-rights abuses, and encourage fiscal transparency in Sudan.
“As the people of Sudan move forward on the uncertain path toward greater freedom and democracy, the United States should stand with them and support their aspirations. I am proud to introduce this measure that moves us towards a positive, constructive relationship between the United States and Sudan,” said Engel.
“This bipartisan bill is a declaration of Congress’s support for the civilian-led transition’s reform agenda, advancing what the people of Sudan accomplished during their revolution,” said McCaul added.
“After 30 years of brutal military dictatorship in Sudan, peaceful pro-democracy protesters prevailed in forming a transitional civilian-led government. This legislation supports the Sudanese people by prioritizing programs to foster economic growth and prevent and mitigate conflict.”
“It also authorizes targeted sanctions against individuals who have perpetrated human rights abuses and war crimes. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation that will help sustain key gains in democratic governance and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for the people of Sudan,” he added.
Bass reveled: “I recently led a bipartisan trip to Sudan where members witnessed some of the positive changes that have taken place in the country. This piece of legislation is a step in the right direction of our commitment to support the transition to a civilian-led democratic government and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
