Several regional and international powers welcomed the signing of a framework deal between Sudan’s ruling generals and the main pro-democracy group on Monday.
The deal pledges to establish a new, civilian-led transitional government to guide the country to elections and offers a path forward in the wake of Sudan's stalled transition to democracy following the October 2021 coup.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry congratulated on Monday the parties for inking the deal, hoping it will help achieve the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
It stressed that the Kingdom continues to support all efforts aimed at establishing peace, security, stability and growth in Sudan.
It reiterated Riyadh’s backing of the tripartite mechanism aimed at facilitating dialogue and consultations between the parties to the transition, it added.
Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali bin Hussein Jaafar described the deal as a “historic accomplishment.”
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said the agreement was a first step that must be followed up with others to complete the peaceful settlement through intra-Sudanese dialogue.
He added that the Saudi government was working with all parties to push forward the dialogue to meet the demands of the transitional phase and the aspirations of the people.
“The Kingdom’s position is clear. It supports stability, development and growth in Sudan,” he added.
The United States and its partners welcomed the agreement and urged all parties to make a concerted effort to finalize negotiations on a new civilian-led government.
“This is the key to unlocking the resumption of international development assistance and deeper cooperation between the government of Sudan and international partners,” the countries said in a joint statement.
“We are working with partners to coordinate significant economic support to a civilian-led transitional government to help address the challenges facing the people of Sudan.”
Participating countries include Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and the US.
Egypt welcomed the agreement, saying it was a “significant and pivotal” step towards consolidating the structure of rule in Sudan.
The Foreign Ministry expressed Cairo’s complete support to deal and readiness to cooperate with different parties to ensure it is implemented in full to meet the aspirations of the people and bolster Sudan’s role as a backer of peace and stability in the region and Africa.
It called on the international community to provide “all elements to support the fraternal state of Sudan to allow it to successfully progress through the transition and achieve the interests of its people.”
Bahrain welcomed Monday’s deal, saying it was a significant step towards ensuring the success of the transitional period.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said the agreement was an “important step in building a civilian-led Sudanese government” that would culminate in holding elections.
GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf underscored the Gulf’s firm support to everything that would achieve peace, security, stability and growth in Sudan.
