Sudanese FM commits to 'democracy' amid protests

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian face of the Sudanese government, said Thursday he is committed to addressing the issues faced by his nation's democratic transition, adding that "democracy" and inclusiveness are his highest priority.

Hamdok made the comments during a high-level virtual meeting with foreign leaders hosted by the United Nations. He also condemned a failed a military coup attempt last week.

Hamdok said holding free elections at the end of the transitional period is of most importance, "to allow the Sudanese people to choose a government of their choice."

"The Sudanese people, and rightly so, have very high expectations about the revolution and about the changes, but this is a legacy of 30 years. You cannot undo it overnight," he said.

Sudan has been ruled by an interim joint civilian-military government since 2019. The military ousted longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April that year, following four months of mass protests against his rule. Months after al-Bashir's toppling, the ruling generals agreed to share power with civilians representing the protest movement.

United Nations Secretary-General, also condemning last week's coup, said it was "a reminder of persistent threats." And called on the transitional government to commit to extending critical assistance efficiently and equitably.

"While we see improved success in some areas, more than 13 million people still need humanitarian assistance," Guterres said. "Greater investment will be essential to help people transition to more sustainable livelihoods, expanding basic services and social protection. And for that, the support of the international community is essential."

Meanwhile, thousands of Sudanese rallied in the capital of Khartoum Thursday to demand an exclusively civilian transitional government and accusing the generals now in power of derailing its transition to democracy.

Demonstrators accuse the military of dragging its feet on the transfer of power to civilians, purging state institutions of remnants of al-Bashir's regime and bringing to justice those responsible for the killing of dozens of protesters in June 2019, when security forces dispersed a sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum.

The interim government has been under increasing pressure to end wars with rebel groups as it seeks to rehabilitate the country's battered economy, attract much-needed foreign aid and deliver the democracy it promised.

Protesters were expected to march to the Republican Palace, the seat of the ruling Sovereign Council.

The council was created by a power-sharing agreement signed in August 2019 by the military and pro-democracy activists. It consists of five military and six civilian members and is headed by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.