The UK, US, UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a Quad statement on Thursday urging signatories of the political agreement in Sudan, signed on 21 November 2021, to live up to the commitments they made.
In its joint statement, the Quad welcomed the political agreement signed between military chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, saying it's a first step to resolving Sudan’s political challenges and returning its to its transition to democracy based on the 2019 Constitutional Document.
"We urge signatories to live up to the commitments made in the political agreement," the joint statement read.
It also hailed the recent release of political detainees, and the establishment of a committee of investigation to ensure that those responsible for violence against protestors are held accountable.
"We acknowledge the commitment to lifting the state of emergency in the near future and urge that it be fulfilled expeditiously. We encourage the early progress towards the formation of a civilian government comprised of independent experts," the statement added.
"We also urge early progress towards the political declaration and partnership framework promised in the 21 November agreement, and stress the importance of inviting all components of the 2019 civilian-military partnership to participate in this dialogue process. We also stress the importance of the early publication of a credible roadmap towards elections in late 2023 or early 2024."
The UK, US, UAE and Saudi Arabia further affirmed their collective and individual support for the people of Sudan and their aspirations for a democratic, stable and peaceful nation, saying that the ongoing protests demonstrate the depth of the Sudanese people’s commitment to transition.
"Protecting them from violence should remain a priority," the four countries stressed.
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom reaffirm our readiness to support all those working for the democratic transition in Sudan. A genuine partnership between all stakeholders for the remainder of the transitional period, leading to free and fair elections, will help Sudan reach political stability and economic recovery. We will continue to show solidarity with all those working towards achieving this transition. We also fully support the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) in implementation of its mandate."
Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya said the situation in Sudan "confirms the fragility and danger of democratic transitions in many cases," noting that this is why she believes that "the Sudanese people need continuous support from the international community."
"Washington has been extensively involved in calling for the release of all political prisoners, noted Zeya, adding that the US has spotted true potential and a step forward in the agreement that’s been reached," she affirmed.
"Nevertheless, the US must also truly respect the will of the Sudanese people and insist on accountability for human rights violations such as the killing of many protesters. Moreover, the US is calling for the release of all detained leaders and political prisoners as well as the restoration of power to a genuine civilian government leading the democratic transition."
