Good morning ladies and gentlemen,
1. The Permanent Representatives of the African members of the Security Council also known as the A3 and the Permanent Representative of the African Union Observer Mission to the United Nations are pleased to address the press, following recent developments in the Sudan ;
2. We would like to recall the decisions and communiques of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), on developments in the Sudan, in particular the communique following the Peace and Security Council’s 875th meeting on 6 September 2019 in Addis Ababa ;
3. In its communique, the AUPSC welcomed the efforts of all Sudanese parties that led to the appointment of a Prime Minister, Mr. Abdallah Hamdok, as well as the formation of a civilian-led transitional government on 5 September 2019 ;
4. The AUPSC expressed the wish that the new Government works to promote the aspirations of the Sudanese people for democratic transformation and socio-economic development of their country;
5. Taking into account these positive developments, and based on Article 7 (g) of the Protocol establishing it, and Article 26 of the African Charter on Democracy of Elections and Good Governance, the Peace and Security Council decided to lift the sanctions taken against Sudan on 6 June 2019, in accordance with the "Lomé Declaration" on unconstitutional changes of government;
6. As a consequence, the A3 and the Permanent Representative of the African Union Observer Mission would like to follow suit with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, in urging all States concerned to lift all sanctions against Sudan, including withdrawing it from the list of countries supporting terrorism;
7. We urge the new Government of Sudan to observe and implement faithfully the provisions of the road map as agreed, and ultimately hold free, fair and transparent parliamentary and presidential elections in order to create the conditions for a peaceful transition that will ensure lasting peace and stability in the Sudan.
8. We are convinced that peacebuilding in Sudan is dependent on economic and social development in line with its national priorities, and we therefore urge the international community, including development partners, to support the new Sudanese Government in creating create an enabling environment for a peaceful transition, as well as the implementation of its ambitious program of economic and social development.
9. While reiterating our commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Sudan, as well as to the principle of African solutions for African problems, we commend the AU Commission’s mediation and good offices efforts in collaboration with IGAD, and express our full support for their continuing support to the Government and the people of Sudan.
10. Thank you.