Strongly Condemning Excessive Use of Force by Sudan’s Security Forces, Secretary-General Urges ‘Utmost Restraint’ on All Sides

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the violence and reports of the excessive use of force by security personnel on civilians that have resulted in the deaths and injury of many.  He condemns the use of force to disperse the protestors at the sit-in site and he is alarmed by reports that security forces have opened fire inside medical facilities.

The Secretary-General reminds the Transitional Military Council of its responsibility for the safety and security of the citizens of Sudan.  He urges all parties to act with utmost restraint.  This includes responsibility for upholding the human rights of all citizens, including the right to freedom of assembly and of expression.  He also calls for unimpeded access to deliver essential care at the sit-in site and in hospitals where the wounded are treated.  The Secretary-General urges the Sudanese authorities to facilitate an independent investigation into the deaths and to hold those responsible accountable.

The Secretary-General urges the parties to pursue peaceful dialogue and to stay the course in the negotiations over the transfer of power to a civilian-led transitional authority, as required by the African Union.  The United Nations is committed to working with the African Union in support of this process and stands ready to support the Sudanese stakeholders in their efforts to build lasting peace.