Sudan

Sudanese Military Chief Calls Out United Nations To Support Transitional Government

Sudanese military chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday called the United Nations to support the transitional government, reported The BBC.

Gen Burhan met Volker Perthes, the UN special representative to the country, who said on Twitter that the UN has welcomed the November agreement as a first step toward the return of the constitutional order, but other critical steps need to follow.

The Sudanese military chief assured that he will co-operate with reinstated civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and support the transitional government that he forms until elections are held.

A coup led by Gen Burhan in October led to the overthrow of the transitional government and the ousting of Mr. Hamdok. Under immense international pressure, Mr. Hamdok was reinstated in November after signing a deal that many in the pro-democracy movement oppose.

But mass protests first against the coup and then against the November deal have continued. The protesters are demanding the armed forces to stay out of government.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki have urged the Sudanese people to support the deal for the return to a peaceful democracy.

On Wednesday, Guterres told a news conference he understands the indignation and outrage of the people of Sudan, who have witnessed a military coup that called into question agreements for a transition to democracy.

“But I would like to appeal for common sense. We have a situation which is, yes, not perfect, but which could allow for a transition towards democracy,” he said.

Mr. Guterres said although the situation was not perfect, it was a step towards democracy.

The United Nations has called for the immediate release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained since Oct. 25. The Sudanese transitional council has been urged to hold elections within 18 months.

Caroline Finnegan

A professionnal journalist for the past ten years, I cover global news and economic affairs for The Chief Observer.

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