Top U.S diplomat says respect for freedom of expression vital for Sudan transition

NEW YORK – A top United States diplomat has reiterated his country’s support for ongoing peace efforts in Sudan, but said respect for freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are vital for the country’s ongoing transition.

Ambassador Richard Mills, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations, said during remarks at the United Nations Security Council in New York on Tuesday that his country wants an inclusive civil dialogue to cement a peaceful transition in Sudan.

“Following the public commitment of Generals Burhan and Hemedti to accept a civilian agreement on a new government, we welcome inclusive dialogue of civilian, pro-democracy parties to develop new constitutional arrangements and a civilian-led transitional government,” Ambassador Mills said.

“Such arrangements should clearly define a timeline for free and fair elections; procedures for selecting a transitional prime minister and other key officials; the authorities and role of the military; and dispute resolution mechanisms to help avoid future political crises,” he added.

The US diplomat’s remarks come after Gen. Abdelfattah al Burhan, the President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan, and his deputy Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (better known as Hemedti) reiterated their willingness to stay away without interference in the ongoing talks between civilian political groups to form a civilian government to lead the country to elections.

While reiterating his country’s readiness to support accountability for incidents of violence through transitional justice mechanisms, Amb. Mills also highlighted the need to respect freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly which he said are vital for a successful.

“Full respect for freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly is vital. We have consistently condemned violence against and unjust detentions of peaceful protesters and called for those responsible to be held accountable,” Amb. Mills said.

“We support Sudanese calls for accountability into incidents of violence, including through transitional justice mechanisms. We condemn recent violence in Darfur, Blue Nile, and elsewhere, which only deepens the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, erodes the gains of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), and hinders efforts to achieve sustainable peace,” he added.

The high-ranking U.S diplomat said “Ongoing violence demonstrates the urgent need for the Juba Peace Agreement to be implemented, including the full deployment of the Security Keeping Forces in Darfur, inclusive security sector reform, robust international monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent transitional justice processes, including accountability for violence against civilians and other human rights abuses and violations.”

Amb. Mills further said the United States is “concerned by the heavy rains and flash flooding that continue to affect tens of thousands of people across Sudan. These events underscore the continuing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.”

“The United States is supporting the provision of safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency shelter items, and more to the most affected communities. Longstanding USAID disaster preparedness programs in Sudan are also responding through the distribution of prepositioned relief supplies.”