UAE, Saudi Arabia, US and UK call for restoration of Sudan's transitional government

The four countries support Sudanese people's desire for 'democratic and peaceful nation'

A Sudanese protester holds a national flag as thousands of people march during nationwide demonstrations following the military takeover. EPA / STR

The UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia and Britain expressed serious concerns on Wednesday over the situation in Sudan following last month's coup, calling for an immediate restoration of the civilian-led transitional government.

The four nations, known as the Quad of Sudan, said they stand “with the people of Sudan and emphasise the importance of supporting their aspirations for a democratic and peaceful nation".

“We endorse the international community’s serious concern with the situation in Sudan,” a joint statement read. “We call for the full and immediate restoration of its civilian-led transitional government and institutions.”

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands people protested across Sudan in rejection of the military power grab.

“The protests of October 30 demonstrated the depth of the Sudanese people’s commitment to advancing their country’s transition and we remain committed to helping them achieve these aspirations,” the statement read.

The Quad also called for all those detained in the coup to be released.

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok remains under house arrest and others from his government have been detained.

Mr Hamdok has agreed to a conditional return as the head of a new government, a senior adviser to the ousted prime minister told The National on Wednesday.

His return is dependent on terms set by him, including the release of all political detainees and the reinstatement of the constitutional declaration, the adviser said.

The Quad called for dialogue between the various Sudanese factions and a commitment to the Juba Peace Agreement in restoring the civilian-led transitional government, which was meant to hold power until elections in 2023.

“This will help ensure Sudan reaches political stability and economic recovery so that it is able to continue the transitional period with the support of Sudan’s friends and international partners,” it said.

Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE hold political and economic leverage inside Sudan and have been involved in backchannel diplomacy to find a way forward after the coup.

Diplomatic efforts have so far focused on brokering a new arrangement between the military and the civilian leadership that could involve Mr Hamdok returning to power.

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  Protesters demonstrate against the Sudanese military's seizure of power and removal of the civilian government, in the capital Khartoum. Reuters

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  Thousands of Sudanese people took to the streets in the capital of Khartoum, above, and other major cities across the country to demand the country's transition to democratic rule be put back on track. EPA

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  Protesters carry a barricade as they demonstrate against the Sudanese military, in the capital Khartoum. Reuters

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  A Sudanese protester flashes a victory sign near a burning tyre as thousands of people joined anti-coup protests in Khartoum. EPA

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  Thousands of Sudanese people participated in anti-military protests in the capital Khartoum. EPA

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  A Sudanese protester dressed up as Spider-Man, stands on car during an anti-coup protest in the capital Khartoum. EPA

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  Demonstrators build a barricade on a street in the capital Khartoum during an anti-coup protest. EPA

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  Sudanese women during anti-coup protests as a part of nationwide demonstrations against the military takeover of the government on October 25, in the capital Khartoum. EPA

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  Protesters raised slogans demanding the exit of Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, in the capital Khartoum. AP Photo

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  Protesters declared 'the revolution will continue' during a demonstration in Khartoum. AP

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  'Going back is impossible' was among slogans raised by Sudanese protesters in the capital Khartoum. AP

On Tuesday, US envoy to the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman said Washington would support a Sudanese-brokered solution to the country's crisis.

For any resolution to work, Mr Feltman said “releasing all the detainees, allowing Prime Minister [Abdalla Hamdok] to do his job, [and] not be under house arrest are a priority”.

Sudan's top general and takeover leader, Gen Abdul Fattah Al Burhan, dissolved the Cabinet and the ruling military-civilian Sovereign Council, which had been charged with directing Sudan's transition to full civilian rule after the April 2019 overthrow of dictator Omar Al Bashir.

He also declared a state of emergency, detained Sudan's civilian leadership and suspended the work of a commission appointed by the civilian-led government in charge of dismantling the legacy of Al Bashir's 29-year rule.

The US suspended $700 million of assistance to Sudan following the coup.

Also on Wednesday, the tracking site Netblocks said internet access in Sudan has been limited for 10 days.