The suspension of a power sharing agreement between civilian representatives and senior officers, which had been in place since the toppling of former ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019, was caused by a military coup in October.
More demonstrations are expected.
According to news sources, political protests took place in numerous districts of the capital on Monday, prompting a significant response from police forces, including the use of tear gas. According to UN data, approximately 100 civilians have been killed in the aftermath of the coup.
In a statement released over the weekend, Adama Dieng, the UN Designated Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Sudan, expressed outrage at the execution of a young man in a protest on Friday, who was reportedly shot in the chest by security personnel.
“Firing live rounds at unarmed protestors has no justification…
This is a tragedy for Sudan, and each of these deaths is a tragedy for his family. His assassination must be investigated very away, and the criminal brought to justice.”
A three-pronged strategy
Envoys from the UN, the African Union, and the regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), who are facilitating intra-Sudan talks, have emphasized that it is up to the Sudanese, particularly the authorities, to create an environment conducive to the success of any negotiations.
Volker Perthes, the UN Special Representative for Sudan, warned the Security Council in May that time was running out to find a solution to Sudan’s protracted political crisis.
Last week, the military leadership apparently lifted a state of emergency that had been in effect since the October coup, with the goal of encouraging genuine conversation ahead of a democratic transition.
Facilitators
Secretary-General António Guterres praised the trilateral mechanism’s efforts “to support a solution” in a statement released by his Spokesperson.
“As Sudanese stakeholders prepare to engage in direct negotiations, he encourages them to do so in good faith and to try to create a favorable climate for a productive dialogue in the Sudanese people’s best interests.”
The statement continued, “The Secretary-General condemns all calls for violence and emphasizes the necessity of a peaceful atmosphere for the talks to succeed.”
Hate speech is a source of violence.
“He’s also concerned about attempts to derail the trilateral mechanism’s and its envoys’ efforts.”
“All types of hate speech damage tolerance, erode social cohesion, and can lay the groundwork for violence, setting back the pursuit of peace,” Mr. Guterres said.
“As it continues to support the Sudanese aspirations for democracy, peace, and prosperity,” he said, he renewed his unwavering support for UNITAMS’ work.
Mr. Dieng urged all Sudanese to “contribute to efforts toward a political settlement and the resumption of the crucial legal and institutional reforms begun by the transitional administration” in his message.