Statement on Joint Envoy Visit to Sudan – Sudan

Senior officials from France, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union have concluded a joint visit to Khartoum to show support for the people of Sudan and a citizen-led transition towards democracy.

They called for immediate progress towards a civilian transitional government, agreed through a Sudan-led political process called the United Nations Integrated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union (AU), and the Development The transition is being facilitated by the Assistance Mission. (IGAD). In this regard, he welcomed the announcement of the facilitators that he would convene a meeting in this regard on May 10-12. He called on all Sudanese stakeholders to participate constructively and fully in this process and pointed to the dangers of any further delay. The delegation warned against any agreement or government as a result of non-inclusive processes that would lack credibility with the Sudanese public and international community.

The delegation underscored the importance of action to create an enabling environment for the success of the UNITAMS-AU-IGAD facility process. They welcomed the recent release of some detained political leaders, and pressured Sudan’s military leaders to release all remaining political prisoners and activists; ending violence, including sexual and gender-based violence against protesters; To ensure accountability for those responsible for such acts; and to immediately lift the state of emergency. He stressed that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association must be fully respected for the process of UNITAMS-AU-IGAD to be successful. He expressed serious concern about members of the former regime once re-established, further escalating tensions in Sudanese society and making reforms more difficult to implement.

The delegation expressed concern at the rapid deterioration of the Sudanese economy, and the enormous challenges the Sudanese people were facing as a result. He pledged to continue providing humanitarian and other forms of direct assistance to the Sudanese people during this difficult time. He underlined that international financial assistance to the Sudanese government, including debt relief, can only happen after a credible civilian government is established. He expressed concern that without it, Sudan could lose billions of dollars in development aid from the World Bank, and Sudan’s IMF program and $19 billion in related debt relief would be in jeopardy.

The delegation also noted the delicate state of Sudan’s peace process, as tragically illustrated by the recent deaths of more than 200 people in West Darfur. The delegation strongly condemned the violence. He demanded that those responsible should be held accountable. They underlined the urgent need for rapid implementation of the security structures envisaged under the Juba Peace Agreement. He emphasized that a lasting peace in Darfur, the two regions and other parts of Sudan was inextricably linked to a civil transition to democracy.

The delegation reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for their governments and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace and justice.