US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for ending the “military” rule in Sudan and welcomed inclusive initiatives to find an exit from the country’s political crisis and restoring its democratic transition.
Blinken made the remarks in a press statement issued on the occasion of the one year anniversary of military takeover in Sudan on Oct 25.
He stressed that forming a new civilian-led government is the key that unlocks resumption of international assistance.
“Almost one year ago today, the Sudanese military overthrew the government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, contravened Sudan’s Constitutional Declaration, and undermined the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people,” the statement read.
On this “somber” anniversary, Blinken said the United States honors the Sudanese people who continue to demand freedom, peace, and justice under a democratic government and remembers those who died while pursuing those goals.
“The Sudanese people have shown themselves as unshakeable in their aspiration for a civilian-led government that shows respect for their dignity and is responsive to their needs.”
He pointed out that the continued willingness of Sudanese protestors, often in the face of violent suppression by security forces, to demonstrate in support of an end to military rule is “deeply inspiring.”
He underlined the US’s continued support to the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Tripartite Mechanism and urged all Sudanese actors to prioritize engaging constructively in dialogue.
Blinken affirmed that time is of the essence to reach agreement on a new transitional framework and a civilian-led government to carry forward Sudan’s democratic transition.
The US stands ready to use all the tools at its disposal against those who seek to derail progress toward Sudan’s democratic transition, the senior official noted, which was considered a hint that new sanctions may be imposed on whoever obstructs the democratic transition process in the country.
“As we did a year ago, we continue to reject military rule and stand with the people of Sudan in their demands for freedom, peace, and justice for all Sudanese,” the statement stressed.
State Department spokesman Ned Price also hailed the Sudanese people’s “longstanding struggle to achieve democratic, civilian-led governance.”
“We remain committed to helping the Sudanese people achieve the goals of their revolution, as a country that is stable, prosperous, and at peace with itself and its neighbors,” Price stated, urging all Sudanese actors to engage constructively in ongoing negotiations toward establishing a civilian-led transition.
In remarks on the same occasion, Price said the US remembers the countless Sudanese who have bravely and at great risk demanded freedom, peace, justice, and an end to military rule.
He called on the government – including the military and security services – to fully respect freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.
