AU issues two-week deadline for Sudanese military junta to quit
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) – The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council met on the situation in Sudan on Monday following the ouster of President Omar El-Bashir and issued a 15-day deadline for the ruling military council to hand over power to a temporary civilian government or face consequences.
The consequences would include the immediate suspension of Sudan from the activities of the Union until a civilian government is installed in place within the shortest period, ranging from six months to a year, according to the rules governing the operations of the civilian-led body.
The Peace and Security Council, Chaired by Nigerian Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, reiterated the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat’s rejection of the military coup d’état and called on the Sudanese military Council to handover political power to a civilian government to manage the country.
The AU Council said it recognized the demands of the Sudanese people for the opening of the political space in Sudan in order to democratically design and choose institutions which respect their freedoms and human rights.
The Council stated it would remain in solidarity with the people of Sudan and reaffirm its commitment and readiness to support the country’s political change of power in line with the relevant laws of the AU.
It reiterated the calls made by the Chairperson of the Commission that the coup in the Sudan was not an “appropriate response” to the challenges facing Sudan and the demands of its people.
Sudanese protesters have remained on the streets demanding the exit of the military Council from power after the announcement of President Bashir’s exit from office after 30 years rule.
The AU deplored the announcement of then First Vice President and Minister of Defence, Lt. General Awad Ibn Auf, on the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of the National Assembly, the formation of the military-led transitional government ruling for two years and imposition of a state of emergency as well as the arrest of President Bashir, saying these constitute a military coup d’état.
“The Council expresses deep concern over the situation in Sudan following the military takeover of the power on 11 April and its impact on the country, the region and the continent where Sudan already faces challenges. The Council reiterates the AU condemnation and total rejection of any unconstitutional changes of government or any takeover of power by the military,” the AU said in a communiqué.
The AU Council called for rapid resolution of the current crisis based on the respect for constitutional order, respecting the demands of the Sudanese people.
It said reiterated its support for a civilian-led and consensual transition in Sudan insisting a military-led authority would be contrary to the demands of the Sudanese civilians as well as the AU instruments.
It said failure by the military council to quit within the 15-day deadline would lead to the suspension of Sudan from the AU membership until return to constitutional rule through credible elections.
It said a civilian government should be installed in a process involving all the Sudanese civilians, which would agree on the modalities, duration of the leadership and content of the civilian government, which would immediately embark on the process of organizing elections in the country.
The AU Council said it would meet once again on 30 April to review developments in the Sudan and to implement the current demands, including ensuring the exit of the military junta from power.
-0- PANA AO/VAO 15April2019
