ADDIS ABABA – UN Secretary- General António Guterres congratulated Ethiopia’s role in mediating power-sharing deal between Sudanese military and opposition group.
Guterres congratulated the African Union, Ethiopia and the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), for their role in mediating the talks between Sudanese military and opposition group and welcomed the decision to establish transitional governing bodies.
The two sides have reportedly agreed to share power for three years, and then hold elections for a return to full civilian government.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday he was “encouraged” by reports of a newly-inked power-sharing deal between the Forces for Freedom and Change a coalition of opposition and protest groups – and Sudan’s ruling military council.
Guterres welcomed the parties’ commitment to conducting an independent investigation into the violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters, including the events on 3 June, when security forces and militia fired on pro-democracy protesters in the capital Khartoum, leaving dozens dead and many more injured.
The UN chief expressed his solidarity with the people of Sudan, and reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to assist in the transition process.
Following a series of strikes and protests early in the year, long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir was overthrown by his top generals in April. Hopes were high that the military and opposition could reach a deal, but since the military-led violence of 3 April, talks were at an impasse until the latest round of negotiations began in the capital Khartoum earlier this week.
On the other hand, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called on Sudanese authorities to lift restrictions on the internet and launch independent investigations into all acts of violence against demonstrators, and allegations of excessive force, including attacks on hospitals.
The Ethiopian Herald July 11/2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
