UN expert condemns excessive force at Sudan protests

The UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, Aristide Nononsi, has condemned reports of excessive use of force this week against protesters seeking a civilian-led transition in Sudan.

In a statement from Geneva on Friday, Nononsi, called on the Transitional Military Council (TMC) “to uphold its responsibility to provide protection for peaceful protesters all over Sudan, allowing them to express their views and concerns on the future of their country through peaceful means”.

He also urged the Alliance for Freedom and Change (AFC) to also take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful protests and prevent provocative actions during protests.

In his statement, Nononsi welcomed the TMC’s announcement on 13 May on the establishment of an investigative committee into the recent violence. “The authorities must conduct thorough, independent and impartial investigations into the reported killings and use of force against protesters that occurred since the start of the protests on 19 December 2018, to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said. “I strongly urge the Sudanese military and security forces to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of violence and to take immediate measures to protect the constitutional rights of the Sudanese people."

‘Resume talks’

The UN expert called on the two sides to resume talks and speed up the process on the transitional period arrangements to ensure a smooth transfer of power to a civilian-led transitional authority within the 60-day deadline as per the AU Peace and Security Council communiqué issued on 30 April 2019.

Nononsi expressed his readiness to cooperate with all parties to help establish a state where the legitimate demands of the Sudanese people are taken into account, human rights respected and the rule of law upheld.

---

Our editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about ongoing protests to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.