Secretary-General Condemns Violence Targeting Protesters in Sudan, Calls for Utmost Restraint by Security Forces

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

The Secretary-General condemns the continued violence targeting protestors and calls upon the Sudanese security forces to exercise the utmost restraint and adhere to their obligations in relation to the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.

The Secretary-General has also taken note of the resignation of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.  He regrets that a political understanding on the way forward is not in place despite the gravity of the situation in Sudan.  The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to continue engaging in meaningful dialogue in order to reach an inclusive, peaceful and lasting solution.  Sudanese aspirations for a transition that leads to a democratic dispensation are critical.  The United Nations remains ready to support these efforts.