A group of western countries vowed to help Sudan unlock its “substantial” economic potential after a return to a credible civilian transition.
The United States, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement that was released by the US embassy in Khartoum on Monday.
The signatories condemned the loss of another protestor’s life on Oct. 23 and called on security forces to refrain from using violence against protestors and to fulfil their obligation to protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly across the entire country.
“We remember the civilians who gave their lives calling for a democratic transition and are inspired by those who peacefully continue to demand change,” the statement read, as the Sudanese people prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the military takeover.
The western group reiterated its continued and united support for an inclusive agreement to establish a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan that restores the country’s democratic transition.
“Such an agreement is urgently needed to prevent further deterioration in the economic and humanitarian situation,” the statement stressed.
“We remain committed to helping the Sudanese people achieve the goals of their revolution, and a country that is stable, prosperous, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.”
According to the statement, the Sudanese Bar Association initiative represents a “credible and inclusive framework to guide negotiations.”
It noted that the initiative has enjoyed the broadest support of any initiative to date and remains open for other parties to make amendments to address their pressing concerns.
They underlined their conviction that the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) “Tripartite” Mechanism has an important role to play in facilitating agreement.
They further urged all Sudanese actors to prioritize national interest over narrow political calculation to engage constructively in dialogue.
