The UN envoy to Sudan Volker Perthes announced the launch on Monday January 10 of indirect discussions with the Sudanese civil and military parties in an attempt to resolve the crisis triggered by the October 25 coup.
Read also In Sudan, pseudo-democracy has been shattered
Sudan has been plunged into a political crisis since the putsch led by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane derailed the transition to fully civilian power that began after the fall of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019 , in power for three decades.
The discussions will initially be “
individual
” talks between the UN and Sudanese actors. The talks "
aim to help the Sudanese to reach an agreement on a way out of the crisis
," Volker Perthes said at a press conference in Khartoum. "
Our project is to facilitate indirect talks between all parties
," added the UN representative. “
It's time to end the violence and get into a comprehensive consultative process.
"
The UN will not come with a project or a plan or a vision for a solution
," he added. “
These are Sudanese issues on which the Sudanese must agree.
"Without giving a precise timetable, Volker Perthes specified that"
direct or indirect negotiations could take place in a second phase.
"
Read alsoWednesday meeting of the UN Security Council on Sudan
Since the putsch two and a half months ago, the demonstrations regularly organized by the Sudanese against the military have been the subject of a violent repression which has left at least 63 dead since October 25, according to the latest report of the Committee of Sudanese doctors, close to the protest movement.
On Sunday, a protester was killed by security forces during new rallies of thousands against the ruling army, doctors said.
The authorities regularly challenge the crackdown on demonstrations - especially with live ammunition - and add that many members of the security forces were injured during clashes with protesters.
Little enthusiasm
Volker Perthes stressed that the talks facilitated by the United Nations are only "
consultations
", adding that the organization "
will not even make a proposal on the content of the main contentious issues
". Discussions should include social and political actors as well as civil society organizations, armed groups and women's organizations.
The initial announcement of talks, made on Saturday by Volker Perthes, was met with little enthusiasm by many civil parties. "
We are ready to participate in the talks on condition that the aim is to resume the democratic transition and to suppress the coup regime, but we are against if these talks seek to legitimize this regime
," told AFP Gaafar Hassan, a spokesperson for the Forces for Freedom and Change, spearheaded the revolt which led to the ouster of Bashir in 2019. Sunday, the Association of Sudanese Professionals, playing a decisive role in the anti-demonstrations. Bashir, she declared that she "
completely rejects
" such talks. The UN envoy noted that he didthere had been "
no objection
From the military institution.
"
Towards democracy and peace
"
Volker Perthes had indicated on Saturday that the talks would aim to help the Sudanese parties "
to agree on a solution to the current political crisis and to agree on a lasting path towards democracy and peace
".
The United States, the United Kingdom as well as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt welcomed the initiative.
Last week, Prime Minister and civilian face of the transition, Abdallah Hamdok, resigned following another day of protests that left three people dead.
Abdallah Hamdok was able to resume his duties on November 21 after being sacked with his government during the coup.
The UN Security Council is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss developments in Sudan.
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