Four nations issue statement against crackdown on Sudanese protesters
The US, Britain, Norway and Canada say they are concerned by reports that Sudan’s security forces used live ammunition against protesters demanding that President Omar Al Bashir step down.
In a statement issued late on Monday in Khartoum, the four nations urged all parties to avoid violence or the destruction of property, while supporting the right of the Sudanese people to express their “legitimate grievances” through peaceful protest.
Amnesty International said it had reports that police killed 37 protesters in clashes last week during anti-government demonstrations that spread across much of the country.
It said the use of lethal force by troops against unarmed protesters was extremely troubling given that more protests were planned.
A coalition of independent professional unions had called for a march on the presidential palace in Khartoum to submit a petition demanding Mr Al Bashir step down.
Two of Sudan’s largest political parties called on their supporters to take part.
The protests began last Wednesday, initially in response to rising prices and shortages of food and fuel, but later escalated into calls for Mr Al Bashir to go.
The government has acknowledged fatalities during the protests but gave no figures. An opposition leader said over the weekend that 22 protesters were killed.
The demonstrations have reportedly been met with a heavy security crackdown, with authorities arresting more than a dozen opposition leaders, suspending school and university classes, and imposing emergency rule or curfews in several cities.
There has also been a news blackout on the protests.
The four western nations told the government to adhere to Sudanese and international human rights law when dealing with the protests.
They called on authorities to “avoid the use of live fire on protesters, arbitrary detention and censorship of the media”, and to investigate alleged abuses.
There were fears the planned march on the presidential palace could turn violent.
The military said on Sunday that they will rally behind the Sudanese leader and insisted that it was operating in harmony with the police and Sudan’s feared security agencies.
There were large numbers of security officers in the capital yesterday, including troops in all-terrain pickup trucks.
Mr Al Bashir said on Monday that his government would introduce measures to fix the economy and improve the lieves of citizens. The President also warned citizens against “rumour mongers”.
Mr Al Bashir, who seized power in 1989, has ordered the use of force against protesters in the past, including a period of unrest in January.