Signed in the capital Khartoum after months of negotiations, the agreement aims to establish a new constitution…reports Asian Lite News
The UN officials has welcomed an agreement signed on Monday between military and civilian leaders in Sudan as a “courageous” step forward towards the establishment of democratic rule.
Signed in the capital Khartoum after months of negotiations, the agreement aims to establish a new constitution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he hoped the signing would “pave the way for the return to a civilian-led transition in the country”, and called on all Sudanese “to work without delay on the next phase of the transition process to address outstanding issues with a view to achieving a lasting, inclusive political settlement.”
He added that the UN through the Trilateral Mechanism comprised of the UN mission in Sudan, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), “remains committed to supporting the process going forward.”
“It is my hope that the principles in the document will be translated into action”, said UN Special Representative in Sudan, Volker Perthes. “The transitional authorities need to respect and protect the rights and freedoms of all Sudanese, regardless of their ethnic, religious or political background.”
The deal will initially create a new two-year civilian transitional authority led by a prime minister chosen by the coalition of civilian leaders signing up to the agreement. A second phase would see public consultations over transitional justice, military and security reform.
He said it was important for the second phase of consultation to begin immediately, for a comprehensive political settlement.
Members of the Quad and Troika, comprising the UAE, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States, have welcomed the agreement of an initial political framework in Sudan.
“This is an essential first step toward establishing a civilian-led government and defining constitutional arrangements to guide Sudan through a transitional period culminating in elections. We commend the parties’ efforts to garner support for this framework agreement from a broad range of Sudanese actors and their call for continued, inclusive dialogue on all issues of concern and cooperation to build the future of Sudan,” Quad and Troika’s joint statement read.
They urged all Sudanese actors to engage in dialogue urgently and in good faith.
“We acknowledge the military has made clear it is ready to step back from politics and engage constructively in the ongoing dialogue. We call on all parties to put Sudan’s national interest above narrow political ends. We also fully support the UNITAMS-AU-IGAD (the Tripartite Mechanism) role in facilitating these negotiations and call on all parties to do the same. Quad and Troika members support this Sudanese-led process and condemn spoilers attempting to restrict political space and undermine Sudan’s stability and democratic transition,” it added.
It said the agreement is the key to unlocking the resumption of international development assistance and deeper cooperation between the government of Sudan and international partners.
“We are working with partners to coordinate significant economic support to a civilian-led transitional government to help address the challenges facing the people of Sudan,” the statement added.