Oct 23, 2021 - World

U.S. envoy backs democratic transition to civilian rule in Sudan

Erin Doherty

Sudanese protesters take part in a protest in Port Sudan in the east of the country to demand the government's transition to civilian rule, on October 21, 2021. — Sudanese protesters take part in a protest in Port Sudan in the east of the country to demand the government's transition to civilian rule, on Oct. 21. Photo: Ibrahim Ishaq/AFP via Getty Images

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman conveyed U.S. support for a democratic transition in Sudan during talks with the head of its ruling council and the prime minister, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum wrote Saturday on Twitter.

Driving the news: "Feltman emphasized U.S. support for a civilian democratic transition in accordance with the expressed wishes of Sudan’s people," the embassy wrote.

Feltman also "urged all actors to recommit to working together to implement the constitutional declaration and Juba Peace Agreement."
Sudan's constitutional declaration was signed after a 2018-2019 uprising that resulted in the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir, Reuters reports.

The big picture: Feltman's visit to Sudan comes amid what Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has called the "worst and most dangerous" crisis of Sudan’s transition to democracy, Axios' Dave Lawler reports.

Approximately 2,000-3,000 people participated in a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this week after protesters convened to urge the military to overthrow the government.

State of play: After the uprising in 2019, a joint military-civilian council assumed power to lead a 3½ -year transition toward democratic elections.

The increasing turmoil is threatening the transition and underscores the tensions between civilians and the generals, Lawler reports.

Go deeper: U.S. envoy to visit Sudan as "most dangerous" crisis intensifies

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U.S. envoy backs democratic transition to civilian rule in Sudan

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