UNSC demands restoration of civilian-led transitional govt in Sudan

United Nations, Oct 29 (IANS) The UN Security Council has demanded the release of detained leaders and the restoration of the civilian-led transitional government in Sudan following the military takeover of the North African country earlier this week.

In a statement on Thursday, the members of the Security Council expressed serious concerns about Monday's coup, the suspension of some transitional institutions, the declaration of a state of emergency, and the detention of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other civilian members of the transitional government, reports Xinhua news agency.

They called for the immediate release of all those who have been detained by the military authorities, and in this regard, took note of the reported return of Prime Minister Hamdok to his residence.

They also called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from the use of violence, and emphasized the importance of full respect for human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

The Council members called on Sudan's military authorities to restore the civilian-led transitional government on the basis of the constitutional document and other foundational documents of the transition.

They urged all stakeholders to engage in dialogue without preconditions in order to enable the full implementation of the constitutional document and the Juba Peace Agreement, which underpin Sudan's democratic transition.

The Council members expressed their solidarity with the people of Sudan and affirmed their readiness to support efforts to realise the country's democratic transition, in a manner that achieves the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people for an inclusive, peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous future.

They underscored that any attempt to undermine the democratic transition process in Sudan puts at risk Sudan's security, stability and development.

They reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and national unity of Sudan.

The Council members expressed their strong support for regional and sub-regional efforts and underscored the importance of their continued engagement in Sudan.

They expressed their intention to continue to closely monitor the situation in Sudan.