Sudanese stakeholders urged to fully cooperate with the AU Mission for consensual and civilian-led transition
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Sudanese demonstrators march with national flags as they gather during a rally demanding a civilian body to lead the transition to democracy, outside the army headquarters in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on April 13, 2019. - Sudan's new military leader General Awad Ibn Ouf resigned late on April 12 just a day after being sworn in, as the country's army rulers insisted they would pave the way for a civilian government. (Photo by AHMED MUSTAFA / AFP) (Photo credit should read AHMED MUSTAFA/AFP/Getty Images)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on all the Sudanese stakeholders to fully cooperate with the African Union Mission for consensual and civilian-led transition.
He renews his appeal to the international partners to fully support the work of the Mission.
Following the visit he undertook to Khartoum on 20 and 21 April 2019 and pursuant to the relevant communiqués of the Peace and Security Council, Mahamat sent a Mission to Sudan led by his Principal Strategic Advisor, professor Mohamed Hacen Lebatt, and including other staff from the Commission.
The Mission is mandated to support the negotiations among the Sudanese stakeholders and facilitate, as appropriate, an agreement that will make it possible to establish a consensual and civilian-led transition. It has already begun its consultations.
He expresses the hope that the ongoing efforts will soon lead to an agreement that is in line with the aspirations of the Sudanese people and which, as such, will help to lay solid foundations for the democratic transformation of the Sudan.
The African Union has also ordered Sudan’s military rulers to hand over power to a civilian authority or face suspension within 60 days.
The AU said it noted “with deep regret” that the military had not stepped aside and handed power to civilians within a 15-day period set by the AU last month.
The bloc also reiterated “its conviction that a military-led transition in the Sudan will be totally unacceptable and contrary to the will and legitimate aspirations, to democratic institutions and processes, as well as respect for human rights and freedoms of the Sudanese people”.
The military assumed power in Sudan after toppling the country’s long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir following months of anti-government protests.
