The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday condemned the ongoing violence against protestors in Sudan, following the October 25 military takeover, reported UN News.
Guterres made an appeal to the Sudanese security forces to fulfill their duties and obligations in line with the rights to freedom of assembly and expression. He also took note of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s resignation.
Mr. Hamdok resigned after mass protests rocked the capital of the country, Khartoum, on Saturday. He had served as prime minister as part of a power-sharing deal between the military and civilian leaders that followed the ousting of former leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
After being put in house arrest during the October military takeover, the Prime Minister was reinstated as part of a deal to share power with the army. The agreement tasked him with forming a government ahead of elections in 2023.
On Sunday, Hamdok announced that he was resigning as he failed to stop the country from sliding towards disaster. He called for dialogue to reach a new agreement for the transition.
At least 57 civilians lost their lives as security forces forcefully tried to contain or disperse demonstrations since the Oct. 25 coup, according to the pro-democracy Sudan Central Doctors’ Committee.
Mr. Guterres said he regrets that there is a lack of political understanding among all the stakeholders despite the gravity of the situation. He encouraged them to continue engaging in meaningful dialogue in order to reach an inclusive, peaceful and lasting solution.
“Sudanese aspirations for a transition that leads to a democratic dispensation are critical,” the UN chief said.
He assured full support of the UN for any efforts made in this direction.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the United States government also urged Sudanese leaders to ensure civilian rule and end violence against protesters after Hamdok’s resignation that has thrown a transition towards elections deeper into uncertainty.
