Comprehensive dialogue is the only way to solve Sudan turmoil: FM

CAIRO – 21 June 2019: Sudan turmoil should be ended by a political and comprehensive dialogue between the various Sudanese parties, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in his speech at the Ministerial Regional Partners of the Sudan Meeting, which convened in Addis Ababa on Thursday.

“The only resolution to such challenges is the return to a process of comprehensive and inclusive dialogue between the various political groups in the Sudan to reach a political solution that is satisfactory for all parties, which should fulfill the aspirations of the Sudanese people, and preserve the peace and security of the Sudan and its fortunes, institutions and unity. Discord and disagreement will not lead to the desired solution for a new future for the Sudanese people,” said Shoukry.

Shoukry sent Sisi’s keenness to support Sudan towards achieving democracy, stability and prosperity that the people of Sudan aspire to and deserve.

“We are following closely the events in the Sudan with concern and grief, as all the blood of our brothers and sisters in this country is precious,” he said, calling for exerting regional efforts to deescalate the situation in Sudan.

Addis Ababa-held gathering is a continuation of the Summit of the Regional Partners of the Sudan, held in Cairo on 23rd of April 2019 to achieve democratic transition and stability, he added, affirming the ongoing cooperation among neighboring countries of the Sudan, the Troika of the Presidency of the African Union, the African Union Commission and IGAD.

Shoukry highlighted the outcomes of Summit of the Regional Partners of the Sudan, held in Cairo on 23rd of April 2019, saying “decisions highlight a number of measures that would enhance the process of democratic transition in the Sudan, as well as reaffirming the principles and objectives of the African Union on promoting peace, security and stability in the African Continent, which reconfirms the predominance of the principle of African solutions to African problems.”

“We, therefore, hope that this meeting would assist in further coordinating the regional and African efforts and provide a practical outcome that paves the way towards advancing a constructive Sudanese dialogue, which will restore confidence between the Sudanese parties,” Shoukry said.

“We regret the recent developments in the Sudan and the consequent suspension of Sudan's membership in the African Union as a brotherly country that has undertaken a regional active role and contributed positively towards bringing peace to the continent, he added.

On June 6, 2019, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) suspended the Sudan’s participation in the AU’s activities over the Sudanese deterring political situation, the PSC said in a statement.

The suspension will remain until “effective establishment” of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, the council said, adding that formation of a civilian regime is “as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis.”

Since June 3, the situation in Sudan was escalated when dozens of protesters were killed during violently-dispersed sit-in by security forces outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.