Tripartite mechanism stresses safety of Sudanese protesters in upcoming demonstrations

Khartoum, Sudan | Xinhua | A tripartite mechanism tasked with facilitating intra-Sudanese dialogue on Monday urged the Sudanese security forces to protect the protesters during expected demonstrations planned for Tuesday.

“The mechanism urges the security forces to exercise maximum restraint and protect the rights of protesters with freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” said a statement by the mechanism, which is composed of the United Nations, African Union, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, an eight-country trade bloc in Africa.

The mechanism stressed the “urgent need” for a political solution that could finally end the current impasse in the country, lead to the formation of a legitimate civilian government, and restore security and constitutional order.

“Any act of violence is unacceptable and will undermine the recent momentum towards reaching a solution to the political crisis in Sudan. Any provocations should be avoided,” it said.

Sudan has been suffering a political crisis since Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the general commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, declared a state of emergency on Oct. 25, 2021, and dissolved the Sovereign Council and the government.

Since then, the capital Khartoum and other cities have been witnessing continued protests demanding a return to civilian rule.