The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, stressed, on Monday, that the sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department on the Sudanese Central Reserve Police, for committing serious human rights violations during the pro-democracy protests, is a step to hold the perpetrators of violations accountable and deter future violence.
In a statement, Blinken indicated that this military police are participating in violent responses to peaceful demonstrators, and are using excessive force, including lethal force, once morest protesters who are protesting once morest the army’s seizure of power.
He explained that on January 17, the Central Reserve Police officers used live ammunition once morest the demonstrators, which led to many deaths and injuries.
The US Secretary of State pointed out that reports of rape, murder, torture and arbitrary detention, among other violations, committed by Central Reserve Police officers continued until March 14.
He stressed that these actions are unacceptable and contradict the Sudanese people’s desire for freedom, peace and justice in their country. Calling for an end to all violations committed by these officers.
Blinken reiterated that the United States continues to fully support the efforts of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to facilitate a Sudanese-led political process to restore civilian leadership in the transition to democracy.
“For this process to be effective, the military and security services need to create an environment where all actors can safely participate in negotiations,” Blinken said.
He called for an immediate end to “the unjust arrests of civil society activists, politicians, journalists, cultural figures and humanitarian workers, the closure of media outlets, and the continuing violence once morest peaceful protesters, including sexual violence, attacks on medical facilities, and communications cuts.”
The Secretary of State stressed that today’s action shows that the United States continues to use the tools at its disposal to stop the violence and press for the restoration of Sudan’s democratic transition.
He revealed that the United States will reconsider the decision to stop aid to Sudan, if progress is achieved and the transition to democracy is led by a civilian. He also reiterated the commitment to support the Sudanese people in their quest for a democratic and prosperous Sudan that respects human rights.
