WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in support of the Sudanese people and their effort to secure a democratic transition in Sudan.   

“I stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people and their peaceful protest movement to demand a representative democracy in Sudan. After the ouster of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir on April 11, it is long-past time for the Transitional Military Council to cede power to a civilian-led government. I urge the TMC to adhere to the June 30 deadline set by the African Union to turn over power, and I call on regional players, including the Gulf States, to support the mediation efforts led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to move toward a democratic transition.

“Recent events in Sudan represent a long pattern of human rights abuses perpetrated against unarmed civilians. Since December 2018, the Rapid Support Forces and other security forces have killed over 100 peaceful protestors. This is unacceptable. I call on the TMC and security forces to immediately stop all attacks on protestors and civilians. Furthermore, I strongly urge the TMC to end the internet blackout in their attempt to hamper civil disobedience.

“This weekend, as the Sudanese people take to the streets to continue to demand democracy, I urge security forces to refrain from violence and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of peaceful protestors, unarmed civilians, and journalists.”

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