Rome Statute of the ICC Article 7 Crimes Against Humanity: Ongoing murder of civilians in Sudan by the TMC junta meets definitional threshold

HERE is a copy of a tweet by Sudan expert Prof Eric Reeves @sudanreeves dated 01 August 2019: Our best definition of “crimes against humanity” comes from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (#ICC). Though the most difficult class of atrocity crimes to define, ongoing murder of civilians in Sudan by the #TMC junta clearly meets the definitional threshold.

Our best definition of “crimes against humanity” comes from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (#ICC). Though the most difficult class of atrocity crimes to define, ongoing murder of civilians in Sudan by the #TMC junta clearly meets the definitional threshold: pic.twitter.com/R6Vo6IpVJF

— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) 1 August 2019

To visit the above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/sudanreeves/status/1157028222015627264

Sudanese people really find a way to turn everything into a party😂

THIS fun film footage was tweeted on 10 April 2019. According to a Timeline of Key Events I have posted in the sidebar here at Sudan Watch, on 11 April 2019 "the Sudanese army arrests al-Bashir and says it takes over for the next 2 years, suspending the country’s constitution and closing its borders and airspace. A three-month state of emergency is also imposed." 

Presumably the footage was tweeted around the time the arrest was made. Or maybe the film is just a normal night out for the boys.  Where are the girls?  Are girls not allowed out at night?

Sudanese people really find a way to turn everything into a party😂 #تسقط_بس #موكب_8_ابريل #اعتصام_القياده_العامه pic.twitter.com/TNhqTWiWAL

— - (@zobaidaxo) 10 April 2019

To visit above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/zobaidaxo/status/1115793738473852928 

Sudan TMC release 235 fighters from Darfur rebel group faction SLA that is part of protest movement

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The following report from AFP says a group of 235 fighters from a faction of a Darfur rebel group that is part of the protest movement were released by Sudan's TMC on 04 July 2019. I wonder whether they were the captives featured in the first of four film clips posted here 25 June: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2019/06/shocking-sudan-film-cruel-tmc-rsf.html. 

Screengrab from news report "Sudan's military council releases 235 prisoners" - to view report and video showing the prisoners are fighters from the Sudan Liberation Army rebel group click here: http://www.africanews.com/2019/07/05/sudan-s-military-council-releases-235-prisoners/

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Report by AFP

Published 04 July 2019 18:51 Agency Staff

Sudan talks enter day two with key issue still unresolved

Ruling generals resist demand for civilian-led administration but agree to release detainees

Photo: Members of the Sudanese Military Council and the protest movement the Alliance for Freedom and Change meet at the Corinthia Hotel in the capital Khartoum on July 3, 2019. Picture: AFP/ASHRAF SHAZLY

Khartoum — Talks between Sudan’s ruling generals and protest leaders, held after weeks of standoff following a deadly crackdown on protesters, entered a second day on Thursday [04 July] with the key issue of forming a new governing body still unresolved.

Sudan has been rocked by a political crisis since the army ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in April on the back of widespread protests, with the ruling generals resisting demonstrators’ demands to hand power to a civilian administration.

The generals had previously agreed over a broad civilian structure, but talks between the two sides collapsed in May following a disagreement over who should lead an overall new governing body — a civilian or a soldier.

Tensions further surged between the generals and protest leaders after a deadly predawn raid on a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum on June 3 killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded hundreds.

Talks finally resumed on Wednesday after intense mediation by Ethiopian and AU envoys, who have put forward a draft proposal to break the deadlock. The two sides were due to meet again on Thursday evening.

“The discussion will be about who heads the sovereign council,” a prominent protest leader who is part of the talks, Ahmed al-Rabie, told AFP, referring to the governing body.

He said the ruling military council that took power after Bashir’s ouster insists the head of the new governing body be from the army. “We believe that symbolically the head of the state must be a civilian,” Rabie said.

For weeks this issue has rocked Sudan, extending the political crisis triggered since the fall of Bashir.

The joint Ethiopian and AU blueprint calls for a civilian-majority ruling body.

On Wednesday, the first day of the latest round of talks, the two sides did not discuss the crucial issue of the governing body.

“The parties conducted responsible negotiations and agreed on some issues,” AU mediator Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt told reporters overnight after long hours of talks held at a luxury hotel in the capital. “There’s a decision taken to release all political detainees.”

A group of 235 fighters from a faction of a Darfur rebel group that is part of the protest movement were released later on Thursday.

They were freed from Al-Huda prison in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum across the Nile river, an AFP correspondent reported, adding that many relatives had arrived to receive the fighters.

Protest leaders have exerted pressure on the generals since the June 3 raid on the mass sit-in outside army headquarters. The raid was carried out by men in military fatigues.

The ruling military council insists it did not order the violent dispersal of the sit-in.

At least 136 people have been killed across the country since the raid, including more than 100 on June 3, according to doctors close to the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change. The health ministry says 78 people have been killed nationwide over the same period.

On Sunday protest leaders managed to mobilise tens of thousands of supporters in the first mass protest against the generals since the raid.

The mass rally had been seen as a test for the protest leaders’ ability to mobilise crowds after the generals imposed a widespread internet blackout and deployed security forces in the capital’s key squares and districts, and in Omdurman and other towns and villages.

Protest leaders have upped the pressure on the generals by calling for a similar mass protest on July 13, to be followed by a nationwide civil disobedience campaign a day later.

The campaign, if observed, would be the second such agitation since the June 3 raid. The first, held between June 9 and 11, paralysed the country, hitting an already dilapidated economy hard. 

-AFP

SOURCE: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/africa/2019-07-04-sudan-talks-enter-day-two-with-key-issue-still-unresolved/

Hospitals targeted, activists tortured, 10 people killed, 181 wounded in protests 30 June across Sudan

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The following press release from UNHCR provides details of the protests across Sudan last Sunday 30 June and serves as a fair and accurate amalgamation of many articles published online by mainstream media.

Press Release from UNHCR

Published: 04 July 2019 via APO

Title: Bachelet urges Sudan to restore freedoms, investigate violations and move swiftly to civilian rule

Bachelet said her office had received a number of allegations of excessive use of force by the security forces against protestors

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 4, 2019/APO Group/ -- As more details emerge about casualties during Sunday’s [30 June] mass protests in towns and cities across Sudan, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday [03 July] called on the Sudanese authorities to lift restrictions on the internet and launch proper independent investigations into all acts of violence and allegations of excessive use of force, including attacks on hospitals.

She also urged the authorities to respect people’s right to protest peacefully and to ensure a swift transition to a civilian government, in line with the clear wishes of large segments of the Sudanese population and of the African Union.

The mass protests reportedly took place in more than ten major towns and cities, including Khartoum, Omdurman, Kassala, Gadaref, Madani, Port Sudan, Atbara, El Fasher, Nyala, Zalingie and Kosti, in response to calls from the Sudan Professionals Association to support demands for a civilian-led transitional authority.

Despite the total shutdown of the internet by the Transitional Military Council (TMC) on 10 June, the scale and breadth of Sunday’s protests appear to have been unprecedented in recent Sudanese history.

Bachelet said her office had received a number of allegations of excessive use of force by the security forces against protestors. A senior Ministry of Health official reportedly announced late on 30 June that seven people had been killed and 181 wounded during the protests that day. He blamed much of the violence on the protestors, noting that the injured included ten members of the security forces.

The Sudanese Doctors Central Committee, affiliated with the Sudan Professionals Association, also reported that seven protestors had been killed in Omdurman and Atbara by live bullets allegedly fired by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other security forces.

An additional three bodies of local activists were found in Khor Abu Anga in Omdurman on the morning of 1 July, reportedly with visible signs of torture, taking the death toll to at least ten since the start of Sunday’s nationwide protests. “It is essential there are prompt, transparent and independent investigations into how all these people lost their lives, as well as into the causes of such a large number of injuries,” Bachelet said.

Bachelet said she was especially disturbed by reports that, once again, hospitals had been attacked by security forces. The public hospital in Gadaref city was allegedly raided by joint RSF, security and police forces who chased protestors inside the hospital, firing live ammunition and tear gas, injuring at least one person. The UN Human Rights Office received similar allegations that RSF and police had pursued protestors into the military hospital in Omdurman firing tear gas and live bullets, and that a member of the medical staff was shot dead inside the hospital. The Al-Tabib hospital in Khartoum was also reported to have been raided by the RSF and police.

The UN Human Rights Chief noted that earlier calls for investigations into the killings, attacks on medical facilities and thousands of reported rapes and sexual assaults that took place on 3 June and subsequent days had gone unheeded.

“The RSF were alleged to have been heavily implicated in the mass violations in early June,” Bachelet said. “The fact that no serious action has been taken to investigate what happened then, and further in the past, simply feeds the belief that members of the RSF and other security forces have carte blanche to do what they want to protestors and other people. This is a completely unacceptable situation and the Transitional Military Council has an obligation to ensure that members of the security forces are held accountable for any crimes they commit.”

She noted that her offer on 7 June to deploy a UN human rights monitoring team to examine allegations of human rights violations committed since 3 June, had gone unanswered.

She said the TMC’s 27 June offer to release prisoners of war was a welcome gesture, but regretted that the 30 June deadline set by the African Union for a handover to a civilian authorities had not been met.

“This recipe of restrictions, unmet promises, and bouts of unbridled violence which are neither investigated nor punished is stoking massive resentment – as Sunday’s protests showed all too clearly,” she said. “If things continue like this, it will be a recipe for disaster.”

The UN Human Rights Chief said the authorities must issue clear instructions to all security forces not to use force against peaceful protestors, noting that use of firearms is prohibited unless there is imminent risk of life or serious injury.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/bachelet-urges-sudan-to-restore-freedoms-investigate-violations-and-move-swiftly-to-civilian-rule?lang=en

Sudan Gov RSF Janjaweed - UN cooperation with Arab League ‘pivotal’, UN chief tells Security Council

Sudan: Top UN official demands cessation of violence and rape against civilians by security forces

United Nations (UN) Press Release - June 14, 2019

Despite restrictions on communications in Sudan reports of serious human rights violations have emerged since the beginning of the month.

NEW YORK, United States of America, June 14, 2019 -- Following recent reports of attacks and rape by security forces and paramilitaries against the pro-democracy protesters in Sudan who have been holding a sit-in outside army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed “grave concern” on Thursday and called for an “immediate and complete” end to the violence.

According to her Office, despite restrictions on communications in Sudan, reports of serious human rights violations have emerged since the beginning of the month.

These include reported rapes and gang rapes of protesters, women’s human rights defenders and women medical personnel working in hospitals near the sit-in perpetrated by the “Rapid Support Forces” or RSF – a paramilitary group run by the Sudanese Government, primarily composed of the Janjaweed, a party to the Darfur conflict – and other militias.

“I demand the immediate and complete cessation of all violence against civilians including sexual violence,” stated Special Representative Patten, noting that the RSF have consistently been listed in the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence.

“[They] should take effective measures to prevent and punish sexual violence in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2467,” she added.

After the three-decade autocratic rule of President Omar al-Bashir ended in a military takeover in April, talks faltered in May between protesters and the ruling Transitional Military Council over a timetable for civilian rule.

On 3 June, security forces and paramilitaries fired on pro-democracy protesters holding a sit-in outside army headquarters in the capital Khartoum, leaving a number of people dead and many more injured. Three days later, the African Union suspended the participation of Sudan in all its activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority.

Pending verification of the alleged incidents by relevant UN bodies, Ms. Patten highlighted the fact that “the weakness of the rule of law and a general climate of impunity” is further compounding a highly-volatile context.

“I urge the prompt investigation of all credible allegations of sexual violence and accountability for those responsible,” said the Special Representative, adding that she strongly supports the rapid deployment of a United Nations human rights monitoring team to examine the situation on the ground.

She also called upon the international community, including members of the UN Security Council, to use “all possible diplomatic channels with leaders of Sudan to pave the way for a swift transition to a civilian administration and an end to all forms of violence and intimidation against civilians”.

On Tuesday, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), sounded the alarm over the killing and injuring of dozens of minors in the protests backlash.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).

SOURCE: United Nations (UN)

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/sudan-top-un-official-demands-cessation-of-violence-and-rape-against-civilians-by-security-forces?lang=en

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UN cooperation with the Arab League is pivotal

GLOBAL problems require global solutions that rely on “essential” partnerships, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday (13 June 2019), stating that “our cooperation with the League of Arab States is pivotal”. 

At the Security Council today, @antonioguterres noted with concern the security incident in the Strait of Hormuz. "If there is something the world cannot afford, it is a major confrontation in the Gulf region" he said. https://t.co/X8Y9sTatzd pic.twitter.com/qZeBwDpzTm

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) 13 June 2019

Full story: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/06/1040481 

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At Arab League Summit, UN chief reaffirms strong link between UN and people of Arab world

Photo: League of Arab Nations / Video screengrab - United Nations Secretary-General delivers his remarks remarks to the Summit of the League of Arab States, Tunis, 31 March 2019.

SOURCE: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/03/1035821
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FILM: RSF beat old man for being on street in Sudan

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: I cannot verify the following tweet or the film footage. As the internet is still down in Sudan, I feel compelled to share and document some images claiming to be from Sudan. Many people, especially young folk, are taking time and effort, using great creativity and ingenuity in finding ways to get their message out. If genuine, they are courageously and bravely telling the world what is going on in Sudan. I came across this Twitter page and tweet while trawling through many others. I do not know the source. Please excuse me if any images I post are faked. God help these people.

RSF beating and humiliating an old man in his 70’s just for being on the street in Sudan. Who beats an old man? He’s every Sudanese grandfather and it hurts to see this. If you don’t accept your grandfather to be beaten like this please spread awareness. #BlueforSudan pic.twitter.com/Pl59CNRYvC

— Mohamed Abdulwahab (@MohamedAbdulwa) 18 June 2019

To view the above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/MohamedAbdulwa/status/1140821317614223360

Here are some links showing what people are saying online: #Sudan  #SudanUpraising   #السودان #العصيان_المدني_الشامل  #Internet_Blackout_In_Sudan  #IAmTheSudanRevolution 

PHOTO TWEET: Corpse thrown in Nile Sudan... #BlueForSudan... #IAmTheSudanRevolution

Proof of corpse thrown in the Nile... As a human I’m disgusted as a Sudanese in full of rage #BlueForSudan #IAmTheSudanRevolution pic.twitter.com/fsbcDvESVR

— Yem (@YemMELMO) 17 June 2019

To see the above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/YemMELMO/status/1140620822257840128

#BlueForSudan - click here:
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BlueForSudan&src=tyah

 #IAmTheSudanRevolution - click here:
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23iamthesudanrevolution&src=typd

UK Ambassador in Khartoum Irfan Siddiq confirms internet has been out in Sudan since 03 June 2019

THE internet has been shutdown in Sudan since 3 June 2019. The shutdown by the Transitional Military Council (TMC) in Sudan is costing people and businesses millions of dollars, according to local newspapers.

Unusually, this site Sudan Watch has not received any visitors located in or around Sudan and South Sudan since 3 June.

Here is a copy of a 5 June 2019 tweet by Mr Irfan Siddiq, the British Ambassador in Khartoum, Sudan confirming the internet has been out in Sudan since 3 June:

Internet has been out in Sudan since 3 June. This is a huge problem. In these critical times it is essential that everyone can communicate, particularly to urge messages of keeping things calm and peaceful. The authorities must turn the internet back on and keep phone lines open.

— Irfan Siddiq (@FCOIrfan) 5 June 2019

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Letter from Sudan

As part of the BBC’s series of letters from African journalists, journalist Ms Zeinab Mohammed Salih describes what life is like without the internet for Sudan's revolutionaries. 

Here is a copy of Zeinab's letter published at BBC News online on 17 June 2019, followed by film footage showing BBC Africa editor Mr Fergal Keane in Sudan's capital Khartoum speaking to some people who witnessed the terrible violence in Khartoum. 

Sudan's revolutionaries offline but not silenced

By Zeinab Mohammed Salih (pictured)

Many Sudanese are still in shock after the crackdown by security forces who brutally broke up the crowds at the sit-in outside the military headquarters on 3 June.

The opposition says more than 100 people were killed in the capital, Khartoum, that day - and doctors say 40 of those who died were dumped into the River Nile.

In the wake of the massacre the internet was shut down by ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC), which said it was necessary in the interests of "national security".

In the heady days of the mass protests that prompted the military's ousting of Omar al-Bashir as president - nearly everyone in Khartoum was glued to their phone.

The main body organising the demonstrations - the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) - would make its announcement via its Facebook page, which has more than 800,000 followers.

Thousands used Twitter and Facebook to galvanise their efforts to demand a return to civilian rule.

Image copyright AFP/BBC

Now that the sit-in site - which covered a vast area from the military's HQ to the campus of University of Khartoum and north to the River Nile - is in ashes, there is an overwhelming feeling of isolation.

Not only are the demonstrators no longer able to gather, but they have found it difficult to communicate and share their disappointment, frustration and anger at the turn of events.

'Costing millions'

It also leaves them isolated from the rest of the world - and in the days after the crackdown those in the diaspora were desperate to contact friends and family.

The internet shutdown is costing businesses millions of dollars, according to the local newspapers, something the country can ill afford given that it was the economic problems that first kick-started the protests in December.

For me as a journalist, it has made my working life very difficult. At first I had to send stories to London via text - and these would not always be delivered.

This was until a friend told me about a hotel in downtown Khartoum with a good landline internet connection.

But reaching the hotel is also not easy.

Most roads in Khartoum have been blocked by barricades erected by activists angered by the killings - and people, especially in the first days after the crackdown, had to walk everywhere.

Eerily this was done in complete silence - and in stark contrast to the noise that emanated for two months from the sit-in site.

A few offices also have landline internet connections and my sister walked for three hours to get to hers in Khartoum east to check an urgent email from a US university where she is hoping to study.

Those forced to walk have been seen carrying knives and sticks, especially in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, to protect themselves.

The SPA has now started to send out text messages to mobilise people but not everyone is signed up to these - I have yet to receive any - and some fear that texts are tracked by the authorities.

Most people prefer to turn to old-fashioned phone calls to pass on information.

I have spoken to more friends and contacts in the last few weeks than I have done in a year.

There is still a worry that these conversations may be tracked but it is felt that not everything can be monitored.

Word of mouth

Without the internet, many pro-democracy activists are also cut off from news that they trust.

Image copyright AFP/BBC. Image caption: There is tight security in some areas of the capital

State TV is largely ignored as it the mouthpiece of the military junta.

The Saudi channel Al-Hadath is probably the most watched television station - even though the Saudis are seen as backers of the TMC, it has wide coverage of events in Sudan

And the protest movement is slowly re-galvanising itself - by word of mouth.

Protests are beginning to be held at night in suburbs across the capital and in neighbouring cities.

As more people hear about them, the bigger they become - though witnesses say they are kept to smaller streets because of the presence of the security forces on the main roads.

Nonetheless it shows the resilience of the demonstrators - and their hope that their demands will eventually bear fruit.

Media caption

The BBC's Africa editor Mr Fergal Keane spoke to some of those who witnessed the violence in Khartoum.

To read the original article click here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-48640939

EU supports AU call for civilian-led transitional authority in Sudan in cooperation with IGAD Chair

• The European Union (EU) supports the leadership role of the African Union (AU) and the mediation efforts led by the AU envoy to help to move the political transition process forward in Sudan, in cooperation with Ethiopia, IGAD* Chair.
• The EU commends the decision of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from participation in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transition authority, including the announcement that AU punitive measures would be applied if transition to such an authority is obstructed.
• A civilian-led transitional authority is the only partner with which EU Sudan relations can be normalised. 
• Full story here below in an EU Press Release dated June 17, 2019. (Note from Sudan Watch Editor: Yellow highlighting is mine)
• 68th Extra-Ordinary Session of #IGAD Council of Ministers in #AddisAbaba 19 June 2019 to discuss situation in #Sudan and status of peace process in #SouthSudan. Details to follow at a later date.
• *The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was created in 1996 to succeed the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development that was founded in 1986 to deal with issues related to drought and desertification in the Horn Africa. 
  
  For more information on IGAD click here: https://igad.int/about-us/what-we-do

European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council statement

Press Release - June 17, 2019

The EU firmly condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on 3 June 2019, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters, as well as sexual and gender-based violence

KHARTOUM, Sudan, June 17, 2019 - The Council today discussed the situation in Sudan and adopted the following statement:

Over the past six months the people of Sudan, with the strong participation of women and youth, have clearly and bravely demanded a new path for their country, one of democracy, political plurality, security and prosperity. This represents a historic opportunity for Sudan. A peaceful, united, democratic and prosperous Sudan remains crucial, including for the peace and stability of the region, and is a priority for the European Union.

The EU firmly condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on 3 June 2019, which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. It is clear that the responsibility lies with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) as the authority in charge of protecting the population. All human rights violations and abuses committed must be investigated in an independent and transparent manner, and perpetrators held accountable for their acts.

The EU calls for an immediate cessation of all violence against the Sudanese people, including extrajudicial, arbitrary and summary killings, beatings and sexual and gender-based violence, arrests and disappearances. It is the duty of the TMC to ensure the safety of all in Sudan. Members of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and other civilians that have been arrested and detained during recent events must be immediately released. Restrictions placed on freedom of assembly, freedom of the media, civic space and access to the internet must also be lifted.

The EU remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, and remains committed to help addressing the needs of the population. Obstacles to the timely delivery of the humanitarian assistance need to be removed immediately, including in Khartoum. Staff and supplies need to be brought in urgently to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 8 million people in need. Attacks against hospitals, medical staff and patients must stop. Respect of international humanitarian law and protection of civilians must be ensured, including safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

The EU supports the call of the African Union (AU) for the establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority. To that end, the EU calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations between the TMC and the FFC, based on agreements reached so far. The EU also calls on the TMC to implement the required confidence-building measures, on the FFC to respond accordingly, and on both parties to refrain from unilateral moves.

The EU supports the leadership role of the AU and the mediation efforts led by the AU envoy to help to move the political transition process forward, in cooperation with Ethiopia, IGAD Chair. The EU commends the role of Ethiopia in facilitating the resumption of the talks. The EU also commends the decision of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from participation in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transition authority, including the announcement that AU punitive measures would be applied if transition to such an authority is obstructed. The EU further calls on other regional and international actors to play a constructive and coordinated role in support of the leadership of the AU on this basis and stands ready to work with international partners in that regard.

The aspirations of the Sudanese people can only be met through an orderly, peaceful, inclusive and civilian-led transition that establishes the conditions for the return to constitutional order and democratic rule through transparent and credible elections, and full respect of human rights. The EU seizes this opportunity to recall the obligation of Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court pursuant to the UNSC Resolution 1593.

A civilian-led transitional authority is the only partner with which EU-Sudan relations can be normalised. When Sudan embarks on a transition to civilian rule, the EU looks forward to supporting the country in tackling the social, economic and political challenges and implementing the necessary reforms, and will provide assistance accordingly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Sudan.

SOURCE: Delegation of the European Union to Sudan

https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/sudan-foreign-affairs-council-statement?lang=en

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Communique of the 68th Extra-ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers held of 19 June 2019

HAPPENING TODAY - 68th Extra-Ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers in #AddisAbaba to discuss Situation in #Sudan and status of the peace process in #SouthSudan. Details to follow. @igadsecretariat @nuurist @ItsBrazille

— IGAD Peace and Security (@IGADPeace) 19 June 2019

Communique of the 68th Extra-ordinary Session of the #IGAD Council of Ministers that was convened yesterday in #AddisAbaba to discuss #Sudan & #SouthSudan Download it on https://t.co/oXrckR7lWV pic.twitter.com/GfHHjWPzHj

— IGAD Peace and Security (@IGADPeace) 20 June 2019

To download a copy of IGAD communique click here: https://www.igad.int/communique/2155-communique-of-the-68th-session-of-the-igad-council-of-ministers-on-sudan-and-south-sudan

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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