US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE call for immediate restoration of Sudan civilian-led rule

Sudanese diaspora based in the UK protest against military rule in Sudan, on Whitehall, near Downing street on 30 October 2021 in London, England. [Guy Smallman/Getty Images]

The United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates yesterday called for the “full and immediate” restoration of the civilian-led transitional institutions including the government in Sudan.

“We endorse the international community’s serious concern with the situation in Sudan. We call for the full and immediate restoration of its civilian-led transitional government and institutions,” the four nations, known as the Quad of Sudan, said in a joint statement released by the US Department of State.

“We encourage the release of all those detained in connection with recent events and the lifting of the state of emergency,” they added.

“Violence has no place in the new Sudan, on this point we encourage an effective dialogue between all parties, and we urge all to ensure that the peace and security for the people of Sudan is a top priority,” they added.

Protests held on Saturday “demonstrated the depth of the Sudanese people’s commitment to advancing their country’s transition and we remain committed to helping them achieve these aspirations,” the statement continued.

Thousands of Sudanese people protested on Saturday against the army’s power grab.

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok remains under house arrest and others from his government have been detained.

Commander in Chief of the Sudanese army, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, yesterday met in the capital, Khartoum, with the African Union Special Envoy, Olson Abu Sango. During the meeting, he said he intends to appoint a new prime minister who would form a technocratic government.

He also pledged to release all political prisoners within 24 hours.

General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, a military officer who headed the Sovereign Council, a power-sharing ruling body, announced a state of emergency across Sudan and dissolved the cabinet and the transitional government on 25 October.

READ: Civilian and military rule may not resolve Sudan’s deep political crisis and mistrust

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