KHARTOUM/WASHINGTON, Oct 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States and United Nations dialled up the pressure on Sudan’s new military junta as confrontations between soldiers and anti-coup protesters took the death toll to at least 11.
After the 15-member UN Security Council called for the restoration of Sudan’s civilian-led government – toppled on Monday – US President Joe Biden said his nation like others stood with the demonstrators.
“Together, our message to Sudan’s military authorities is overwhelming and clear: the Sudanese people must be allowed to protest peacefully and the civilian-led transitional government must be restored,” he said in a statement.
“The events of recent days are a grave setback, but the United States will continue to stand with the people of Sudan and their non-violent struggle,” said Biden, whose government has frozen aid.
With thousands taking to the streets to oppose the takeover led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, witnesses said live and rubber bullets were used on protesters in Bahri, across the river from the capital Khartoum as nightly protests picked up.
A doctors committee, which tracks the violence, said a “martyr” died in those clashes while two others were wounded and in critical condition. Earlier, a 22-year-old man died of gunshot wounds, a medical source said.
That took the total of fatalities in four days to at least 11, medical sources said.
The UN Security Council, along with other foreign powers, called for restraint, dialogue and freedom of detainees.
The latest of several recent coups in Africa ended a shaky transitional set-up in Sudan intended to lead to elections in 2023. Power was shared between civilians and the military following the fall of Omar al-Bashir, whom the army deposed after a popular uprising two years ago.
Officials at some ministries and agencies of government have defied the new junta, refusing to step down or hand over duties.
They have declared a general strike, along with unions in sectors from healthcare to aviation, although officials say they will continue to supply flour, gas and emergency medical care.
Khartoum’s main market, banks and filling stations were still closed on Thursday. Hospitals gave only emergency services. Smaller shops were open, with long queues for bread.
UN special representative to Sudan Volker Perthes has offered to facilitate dialogue between Burhan and ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
The former premier, initially held at Burhan’s residence, was allowed to return home under guard on Tuesday. A source close to him said he remains committed to a civilian democratic transition and the goals of the revolt that toppled Bashir.
A group of ministers from the toppled government attempted to visit Hamdok on Thursday but were turned away, said irrigation minister Yasir Abbas.
With authorities restricting internet and phone signals, protesters have been handing out fliers calling for a “march of millions” on Saturday under the same slogan – “Leave!” – from the protests that brought down Bashir.
Biden said he admired the courage of Sudanese.
“We believe strongly in Sudan’s economic potential and the promise of its future – if the military and those who oppose change do not hold it back,” he said. — NNN-AGENCIES
