Sudanese protestors raising flag of Sudan (Wikipedia)

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC   TIMES

U.S. diplomats dispatched to Sudan this week amid the country’s political crisis strongly condemned killings and rapes of pro-democracy protestors by government security forces. Two senior U.S. diplomats are visiting in capital city Khartoum to establish a dialogue to resolve the political turmoil.  Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs  Molly Phee and newly appointed Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa David Satterfield met with pro-democracy activists, women and youth groups, civil society, military leaders, including General al-Burhan, and  political figures.  According to a United Nations report,  at least 13 women and girls were victims of rape or gang-rape during pro-democracy protests on December 19.  

U.S. Diplomats Urge “Transparent and Independent” Investigations into Killings of Protestors

“In meetings with a wide cross-section of Sudanese civil society, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs  Molly Phee and newly appointed Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa David Satterfield shared the deep concern of the Sudanese people about the disruption of the democratic transition.  They strongly condemned the use of disproportionate force against protestors, especially the use of live ammunition and sexual violence and the practice of arbitrary detention. They called for transparent and independent investigations into the deaths and injuries that have occurred and that for all those responsible to be held accountable.”

-U.S. Embassy Khartoum,  statement

U.S. Will Not Resume $700 million in Economic Assistance To Sudan 

The US Embassy in Khartoum said Thursday that Washington would not resume its paused economic assistance to Sudan until violence there comes to an end and a civilian-led government is restored that “reflects the will of the people of Sudan.”  The US halted $700 million (€623 million) in emergency assistance since the military coup last October.

Military Leaders of Sovereign Council Pledge Commitment To Civilian-Led Government 

The military leaders of the Sovereign Council, with whom the Assistant Secretary  and Special Envoy met with, offered their commitment to inclusive national dialogue, the political transition, the establishment of civilian-led government based upon consensus, and acknowledged “the importance”  of establishing and sustaining a peaceful environment to allow the political process to proceed. The U.S. diplomats called for the lifting of the State-of-Emergency. 

Diplomats Express U.S. Government Solidarity with Pro-Democracy Movement in Sudan

Assistant Secretary  Phee and Special Envoy Satterfield expressed U.S. government solidarity with pro-democracy movement in Sudan and pledged sustained support to the Sudanese people in their efforts to achieve freedom, peace, and justice, according a statement from U.S. Embassy, Khartoum.