Blinken Warns of Violence against Planned Protests in Sudan
US Secretary of State urges the Sudan militariy to refrain from violence against planned protests.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tersely stated that “Sudan’s security forces must respect human rights”, adding that “any violence against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable”.
Blinken tweeted that the US stands firm with “Sudan’s people in their nonviolent struggle for democracy.”
The United States continues to stand with Sudan’s people in their nonviolent struggle for democracy. Sudan’s security forces must respect human rights; any violence against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. https://t.co/ArEE3G3OYE
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 30, 2021
Remarks by the US Secretary of State coincided with nationwide protests on Saturday to demand the restoration of a civilian-led government.
Robert Fairweather, the UK's special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, stated on Saturday that security forces must respect Sudanese people's freedom to protest.
On its Arabic Twitter account, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has also quoted Fairweather as stating: “Today, many Sudanese will demonstrate in the streets. The security services and their leaders will be held accountable for any violence against demonstrators.”
What do you need to know?
Sudan’s Professionals Association (SPA) has lately called for disbanding the military council and rapid support forces.
Armed Forces Commander-in-chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Friday that Sudan's new Prime Minister will be a technocrat, but no candidates have yet been identified.
Al-Burhan stated that a new prime minister will pick the government and that the military will not meddle.
Protests have erupted in several cities including the capital Khartoum.
The rapid succession of events in Sudan prompted a series of responses from Arab and International countries and organizations.
It is worth mentioning that Sudan has seen numerous coups and coup attempts over the years.