African Union censures Sudan after coup – Troika still recognises PM Hamdok as ‘constitutional leader’

The African Union (AU) has suspended Sudan from participation, until the return to civilian-led authority, and condemns “the unconstitutional change of government” as “an insult to the common values and democratic standards of the AU.” The Sudan Troika (USA, UK, and Norway) and Switzerland have announced their continued recognition of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and his government as “the constitutional leaders of the transitional government”.

In a statement following Tuesday’s meeting of the Peace and Security Council in charge of conflict and security matters, the AU strongly condemned the Sudanese army’s seizure of power and the dissolution of the transitional government, and completely rejected the unconstitutional change of government.

The AU says that it considers this to be “unacceptable” and “an insult to the common values and democratic standards of the African Union.” The AU announced the dispatch of “a mission to Sudan to [engage in] dialogue with all parties with the aim of finding an amicable solution to the current political impasse.”

Troika

The Sudan Troika (USA, UK, and Norway) and Switzerland have announced their continued recognition of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and his government as “the constitutional leaders of the transitional government”.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Troika members noted that Prime Minister Hamdok has been returned to his residence, and they called for the immediate release of all political detainees without delay. They confirmed that they would urgently request to meet the Prime Minister.

The statement stressed the importance of respecting the basic right to demonstrate for all Sudanese people, and the need to respect all other human rights of all people.

They demanded that security forces and other armed elements refrain from violent attacks at all times, and that peaceful demonstrators must be protected. The Troika also reiterated the critical importance of unfettered humanitarian access to all parts of the country.