US, Norway, UK Joint Statement on Sudan Crisis. Statement of AUC & IGAD meeting June 08, 2019

Press Release - June 05, 2019

US, Norway, UK Joint Statement on Developments in Sudan

The text of the following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of the United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, June 5, 2019/ -- The Troika condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on June 3, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters. By ordering these attacks, the Transitional Military Council has put the transition process and peace in Sudan in jeopardy. We call for an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led government as demanded by the people of Sudan. We welcome the statement of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and support the important role of the AU in solving the crisis in Sudan, including its demand for an immediate handover to a civilian-led government.

The Troika also expresses its serious concern over the TMC’s announcement that it will cease negotiations with the Forces for Freedom and Change, retract all previous agreements with them on formation of an interim government, and will hold elections within nine months. The people of Sudan deserve an orderly transition, led by civilians, that can establish the conditions for free and fair elections, rather than have rushed elections imposed by the TMC’s security forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Regional Media Hub.

SOURCE: Africa Regional Media Hub

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/joint-statement-on-developments-in-sudan9875?lang=en

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Statement of AUC Chairperson on the situation in Sudan

June 03, 2019

03 June 2019, Addis Abeba: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki strongly condemns the violence that erupted today which led to reported deaths and several civilian injuries. In this regard, he calls for an immediate and transparent investigation in order to hold those all responsible accountable. The Chairperson calls on the Transitional Military Council to protect the civilians from further harm. 

The Chairperson wishes to recall the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) Communique of 30 April 2019 on Sudan, which demanded all Sudanese stakeholders to return to the negotiations urgently in order to arrive at an inclusive accord, which paves the way for a civilian- led Transitional Authority. 

Furthermore, the Chairperson calls on all international partners to reinforce common efforts towards the immediate cessation of the violence and rapid resumption of negotiations for a political settlement. 

Given the tense situation in the country, the Chairperson calls on all concerned to exercise outmost restraint and to respect the rights of citizens, in the interest of the country and its people.

  

The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s determination to continue to engage and accompany the Sudanese people to support the consolidation of a political agreement in line with the relevant AU Peace and Security Council decisions.

Ebba Kalondo

Spokesperson to the Chairperson
African Union Commission

Addis Abeba 

Mobile: +251911510512
Twitter: 

@EbbaKalondo

https://twitter.com/EbbaKalondo
@AUC_MoussaFaki

https://twitter.com/AUC_MoussaFaki

SOURCE: 

https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190603/statement-chairperson-situation-sudan

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African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) Communique of 30 April 2019 on Sudan

To read AU PSC Communique PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLVI) adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 846th meeting held in Tunis, Tunisia on 30 April 2019, on the situation in The Sudan, click here:

http://www.peaceau.org/uploads/psc-com-sudan-30-april-2019-eng.pdf

Excerpt:

10. Reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of The Sudan; and further reaffirms its support to the democratic transformation in The Sudan, in line with the communique of its 207th meeting held, at the level of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on 29 October 2009; in this context, underlines the need for external actors to refrain from any action or initiatives that could further complicate the situation in The Sudan; and calls on all AU partners and the international community at large, to support AU ongoing efforts in The Sudan, bearing in mind the longstanding multifaceted challenges facing the country, including the urgent need to address the financial and economic problems; 

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Statement of AUC Chairperson on Sudan following visit by IGAD Chair June 08, 2019

I welcome the visit to Sudan by current IGAD Chair @PMEthiopia + the constructive meetings he held with the parties. IGAD and the AU will continue to work together to support the Sudanese people find a consensual agreement to the crisis. My full statementhttps://t.co/xs98fn2MSe

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) 8 June 2019

Excerpts from the full statement June 08, 2019:

The Chairperson further wishes to express his deep appreciation for the close collaboration between IGAD and the AU Special Envoy Prof Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt and the Special Representative for Sudan Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche for their joint efforts in bringing parties to urgently resume negotiations.

In this regard, the Chairperson notes with satisfaction that the cooperation between IGAD and the AUC is firmly in line with the AU Peace and Security Council decision of 6 June 2019, and further reinforces the AU-led facilitation process to ensure that Africa continues to speak with one voice in its efforts to support the Sudanese people resolve the crisis in Sudan.

The Chairperson further stresses the need for all foreign actors to refrain from interference, and support the African Union efforts to support a Sudanese-led and and owned process that respects the will and aspirations of the people of Sudan, the region and the Continent.

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The 68th Extraordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers opened in #Addisababa June 19, 2019

The 68th Extraordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers opened in #Addisababa . Foreign Ministers of @igadsecretariat Members Countries discussed the situation in #Sudan & the progress of the implementation of the revitalized process in South Sudan. https://t.co/4RIeMJkYt2 pic.twitter.com/RiCbnvXsyl

— MFA Ethiopia🇪🇹 (@mfaethiopia) 19 June 2019

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Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)

Photo: H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

Biography

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, born on 21 June 1960, was elected as the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson on 30 January 2017 and assumed office in March 2017.

A constitutional lawyer by profession, Chairperson Faki has occupied senior governmental positions in a career that has spanned over 30 years and includes tenure as foreign minister and Prime Minister in his native country Chad.

At the continental level and during his tenure as Foreign Minister of Chad, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat chaired the United Nations Security Council for the month of December 2015. He also chaired the Peace and Security Council of the AU in September 2013 and steered the Nairobi Extraordinary Summit on the fight against Terrorism. He also served as chairman of the AU Executive Council.

Chairperson Faki has a formidable global reputation as a peace broker in Africa in a career that has placed a central focus on peace and security issues in Africa.

As Chairperson of the Commission, Chairperson Faki is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative and Chief Accounting Officer. He is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his duties.

Term Dates: 

January 30, 2017 to January 30, 2021

Country of Origin: 

Chad

SOURCE: https://au.int/en/cpauc5

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HISTORIC NEWS: African Union suspends Sudan

GOOD news. African-led solutions to African problems. The African Union Peace and Security Council met on Thursday 6 June 2019 to discuss Sudan and decided to suspend Sudan with immediate effect.

Here is a copy of a tweet posted at the Council's Twitter page on 6 June 2019:

The #AU Peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of #Sudan in all #AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis pic.twitter.com/ioBlnfnxcl

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) 6 June 2019

To view the mostly positive comments at the tweet click here:

https://twitter.com/AU_PSD/status/1136596052088373248

Note from Sudan Watch Ed: The above photo, published at AUPD website could be from the meeting. Note the IGAD Chair, and a woman sitting in the chair for Sudan. Here is the full text of the communique:

The 854th meeting of the Peace and Security Council on the situation in The Sudan Thursday 06 June 2019

Adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 854th meeting held on 6 June 2019, on the situation in The Sudan,

The Peace and Security Council,

Recalling its communiqués [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXL)], [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLVI)] and [PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCCXLII)] adopted at its 840th, 846th and 852nd meetings held, respectively, on 15 April 2019, 30 April 2019 and 27 May 2019 on the situation in the Republic of Sudan recalling specifically the provisions of paragraph 5 of the communique of its 846th meeting, in which Council decided to extend the deadline for an additional period of up to sixty (60) days for the military authorities in Sudan to hand over power to a civilian-led Transitional Authority, and paragraph 7 of the same communique that requested the Chairperson of the Commission to report to Council every three weeks and necessary, on the progress made, to enabling Council to assess the situation on the ground in Sudan, bearing in mind that Council shall, at any time deemed appropriate, in view of the prevailing circumstances in the country, take the necessary measures, including imposing of sanctions, in line with article 7(g) of its Protocol;

Noting the statement by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the African Union, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Brima Patrick Kapuwa, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the PSC for the month of June 2019, as well as the briefings  made by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Ambassador Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security, pursuant to paragraph 7 of the communiqué of its 846th meeting; also noting the statements made by the Representatives of Sudan and Ethiopia, in its capacity as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD);

Reaffirming the solidarity of the African Union with the Sudanese in their aspirations to constitutional order that will enable them to make progress in its efforts towards the democratic transformation of the country.

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council:

1. Expresses its deep concern over the lack of progress, since its initial meeting following the Coup d’Etat of 11 April 2019 in Sudan, towards the establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority as demanded by Council;

2. Deplores the loss of innocent lives which took place in recent days in Sudan and expresses its condolences to the families of the deceased; Further wishes a speedy recovery to the injured persons;

3. Strongly condemns the violence that led to the loss of lives and injuries among civilians; Requests the Chairperson of the Commission, in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders in Sudan, IGAD and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), within the framework of relevant AU instruments relating to the fight against impunity, to make concrete proposals on the modalities for an investigation into the deadly events which took place from 3 June 2019 in Sudan, and report to Council;

4. Reaffirms the imperative for the military and security forces to ensure the full protection of civilians and respect for human rights and freedoms in Sudan;

5. Strongly condemns and totally rejects any unilateral actions by whomsoever in the process of resolving the current crisis; In this regard, rejects the unilateral actions taken by the Transitional Military Council, notably the suspension of dialogue with other Sudanese stakeholders; In this context, demands that the Transitional Military Council and all other concerned Sudanese stakeholders abide by previously reached agreements on the setting up of a civilian-led Transitional Authority; 

6. Underlines, once more, the primacy of African-led initiatives in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in Sudan; Reiterates its call to all partners to support AU and IGAD efforts and refrain from any action that could undermine African-led initiatives;

7. Underscores, once more, the fact that the Sudanese stakeholders are the sole authors of their destiny at this critical juncture in the history of their Country; In this context, stresses that there should be no external interference by whomsoever in the process of resolving the current crisis;

8. Demands that all concerned in Sudan exert maximum restraint and refrain from any move that could ignite the already highly volatile situation in Sudan and to give primacy to the supreme interest of the people of Sudan;

9. Further demands the immediate resumption of negotiations, without pre-conditions, between all Sudanese stakeholders towards the establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority, in full compliance with the decisions of this Council;

10. Stresses the imperative, within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture, for the IGAD, based on the principle of subsidiarity and comparative advantage, to scale up its engagement in the resolution of resolution of the Sudanese crisis; Further emphasizes the need for IGAD to mobilize and convene all the Sudanese stakeholders to dialogue, with a view to speedily establish a civilian-led Transitional Authority in Sudan;

11. Requests the Chairperson of the Commission to immediately take the necessary measures to further strengthen the AU Facilitation Team in Sudan and to liaise closely with the IGAD to enhance synergy and coherence in bringing together the Sudanese stakeholders back to dialogue, in order to put in place a civilian-led Transitional Authority;

12. Decides, in line with the relevant AU instruments, in particular the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, to suspend, with immediate effect, the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from its current crisis;

13. Further decides that, should the Transition Military Council fail to hand-over power to a civilian-led Transitional Authority, Council shall, without any further delay, automatically impose punitive measures on individuals and entities obstructing the establishment of the civilian-led Transitional Authority;

14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

SOURCE

http://www.peaceau.org/en/article/the-854th-meeting-of-the-peace-and-security-council-on-the-situation-in-the-sudan

Sudan Coup Crisis: UN chief appoints Nicholas Haysom to help African Union mediation in Sudan

• UN Chief Appoints Adviser to Help AU Mediation in Sudan
• Report from Voice of America.com
• By Margaret Besheer
• Published Tuesday April 16, 2019 5:45 PM 
• The U.N. secretary-general has appointed special adviser Nicholas Haysom to support the African Union's mediation efforts in Sudan, where the military ousted longtime President Omar al-Bashir last week.
• "He is being put at disposal of the African Union, which we understand will be engaged in some mediation capacity between the transitional council in Khartoum and various parts of Sudanese society," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday. "Mr. Haysom will be there to support them in whatever way he can."
• He said that U.N. chief António Guterres had spoken Monday with Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chair of the African Union Commission, and told him that Haysom would be available.
• "The secretary-general is very attached to his partnership with the African Union and he will do whatever he can to support their efforts," Dujarric said.
• Haysom was most recently the U.N.'s top man in Somalia, but was expelled after four months by the Somali federal government, after he tried to intervene on behalf of a former al-Shabab leader who sought to take part in elections but was banned by Somalia's electoral commission.
• Haysom, a South African lawyer, was previously the U.N. special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan and was head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan.
• The African Union Peace and Security Council issued a strong statement Monday condemning the military takeover in Sudan as an unconstitutional change of government, and demanding the military hand over power to a transitional civilian-led political authority within 15 days.
• Failure to do so, the AU warned, would result in Sudan's suspension from participation in all African Union activities until constitutional order is restored.
• Sudan's General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, head of the Rapid Support Forces, is sworn-in as the appointed deputy of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, standing before the head of transitional council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
• Meanwhile, in Khartoum Tuesday, the country's new military ruler, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, fired the country's top prosecutor in an apparent concession to demonstrators' demands.
• Protest leaders have called for the new ruling military council to be dissolved and replaced by a civilian one, in the wake of the military coup that ousted President al-Bashir last week.
• Mohamed Naji, a senior leader of the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) — the main group behind months of protests against al-Bashir — said the group wants to see a civic council formed that includes representatives from the army.
• On Sunday, Sudan's military council said it would name a civilian prime minister and cabinet minister to help run the country but would not name a civilian to the office of the president. A military spokesman also said the council would not stop the demonstrations that are continuing.
• The SPA has called for more demonstrations until its demands are met.
• The protests began Dec. 19, with demonstrators accusing al-Bashir's government of economic mismanagement that sparked skyrocketing food prices, and fuel and foreign currency shortages.
• Al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in connection with atrocities in the western region of Darfur. However, the military leaders have said he will not be turned over to the ICC, but will instead be tried in Sudan.
• Source:  https://www.voanews.com/a/un-chief-appoints-adviser-to-help-au-mediation-in-sudan/4878727.html
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• 
  
• Updates
• Uganda willing to offer Al-Bashir asylum
• Here below is a link to a video report plus a copy of an accompanying written report by SABC Digital News published at Google’s YouTube on Tuesday, 16 April 2019:
• “The government of Uganda says it is willing to consider granting asylum to deposed Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir. It says, this in appreciation for his role in the South-Sudan peace deal. Uganda's State Minister for foreign affairs Henry Okello Oryem, said on Tuesday in Kampala, that if al-Bashir applied for asylum in Uganda his government could consider the matter. We are now joined LIVE for more on this story by Correspondent Michale Baleke from Kampala, Uganda.”
  Click here to view the video:  https://youtu.be/CLHWaD87WtU
  South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is funded in whole or in part by the South African government. Wikipedia
• Also, posted on this blog’s sister sites UGANDA WATCH and CONGO WATCH.
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  Ex-President Omar al-Bashir moved to prison
  Here is a copy of a report by BBC News online published Wednesday April 17, 2019 11:50 GMT UK:
• Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir has been moved to Kobar maximum security prison, days after he was deposed in a military coup. Reports say the ex-leader has until now been detained at the presidential residence under heavy guard.
  He is reportedly being held in solitary confinement and is surrounded by tight security.
  Months of protests in Sudan led to the ousting and arrest of the long-time ruler on Thursday.
  Uganda's Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello told Reuters news agency the country would consider offering the deposed leader asylum if he applied, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  As an ICC member, Uganda would have to hand over Mr Bashir if he arrived in the country. The ICC has not yet commented.”
  Click here to read the full story and live updates at BBC News online:
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-47961424