GENEVA: The United Nations (UN) high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, has expressed alarm at the current situation in Sudan and called for all sides to work towards restoring a civilian-led government.
On Thursday, pro-democracy activists in Sudan held new protests against the army and paramilitaries as the civilian opposition marked a key anniversary in the struggle against military rule.
The civilian opposition had planned to sign a deal to restore the transition to civilian government on Thursday, but the signing was delayed, prompting nationwide protests.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who took power in an October 2021 coup, currently rules Sudan. Turk urged all sides to work together to avoid further delays in signing an agreement for a transition to civilian government and called on non-signatories to join the process.
He also called for the rights of the people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly to be fully respected and for security forces to respond to demonstrations in line with human rights laws and standards.
Worsening state of Sudan’s economy
April 6 is a symbolic date for the civilian opposition of Sudan as it marks the anniversary of the 1985 and 2019 uprisings that ended up ousting two leaders who had gained power in coups.
The worsening situation of Sudan’s economy has put pressure on all sides to reach an agreement, which is a precondition for the resumption of international aid to the impoverished country.
The UN human rights chief has urged all sides to de-escalate tensions and refrain from violence.
“The country is at a decisive juncture. Much work has been done and many positive steps taken towards the signature of a final agreement — all efforts must now be made to get the political transition back on the right path,” he said in a statement.
The current situation in Sudan has raised concerns about the country’s stability and its citizens’ safety.
The international community has closely monitored the situation and called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
